Matthew 4:4

Let's carefully and theologically examine Matthew 4:4 and whether it supports the concept of a perfect Bible or the doctrine of Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP).

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Matthew 4:4 – The Text

"But he answered, 'It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" (ESV)

Jesus quotes this verse from Deuteronomy 8:3, affirming the divine importance of God’s Word. The phrase "every word that comes from the mouth of God" is often used by proponents of VPP to argue that every single word God has spoken has been perfectly preserved without corruption in a specific Bible version, often the KJV or the Textus Receptus.

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1. What is Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP)?

Verbal Plenary Preservation teaches that not only was the Bible inspired in every word (verbal) and in its entirety (plenary) at the moment of writing, but also that every word of the original manuscripts has been perfectly preserved without any loss or error throughout history, down to specific copies or versions.

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2. What is Matthew 4:4 affirming?

a. Jesus’ Trust in Scripture’s Authority

Jesus affirms that Scripture is the living Word of God, relevant and authoritative. By saying "It is written," He shows that even a written record centuries after Moses still carried divine authority.

This affirms:

• Preservation in a general sense: God’s Word has been faithfully transmitted so that God's people can continue to live by it.

• The authority and sufficiency of Scripture for life and obedience.

However, this does not necessarily imply perfect word-for-word preservation in a specific manuscript tradition or Bible version.

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3. Does Matthew 4:4 Teach VPP?

Theologically and exegetically, Matthew 4:4 does not teach VPP. Here's why:

a. Context of the Quotation

• Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy 8:3, which was written in Hebrew, but Jesus likely spoke it in Aramaic or Greek (in the Gospel text).

• The Greek NT records the words differently than the Hebrew original, showing that exact verbal reproduction was not necessary for it to remain authoritative and inspired.

This suggests:

The emphasis is on the message and authority of God’s Word, not the exact form or language.

b. “Every word from the mouth of God” refers to divine revelation, not manuscript transmission

• The “word from God’s mouth” speaks of God’s life-giving revelation, not a technical doctrine of how each word has been passed down through scribal copying.

• Jesus is teaching us that spiritual life depends on God’s revealed truth, not just physical food.

There is no indication in the passage that Jesus is teaching about textual preservation or about a particular manuscript tradition (e.g., the Masoretic Text or Textus Receptus).

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4. Biblical Evidence on Preservation

While the Bible teaches that God's Word is preserved, the form and method of that preservation are not what VPP asserts. Consider:

a. General Preservation Promised

• “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

• “Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89)

These verses teach durability and permanence of God’s truth, not the meticulous preservation of each letter or word in every copy.

b. Copyist Errors and Manuscript Variants Exist

• The Bible itself acknowledges textual variations: e.g., 1 Samuel 13:1, or the different numbers in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles.

• The New Testament authors sometimes quote from the Septuagint (Greek OT), even when it differs from the Hebrew.

• This shows the apostles were comfortable with variations, as long as the message remained intact.

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5. Conclusion: What Does Matthew 4:4 Really Teach?

Matthew 4:4 affirms the vital role of God’s Word in sustaining spiritual life, and it shows Jesus’ high regard for Scripture. But it does not support:

• That there is one perfect version of the Bible today with word-for-word perfection (e.g., the KJV).

• That every word of the original autographs has been preserved without any variation in any particular manuscript family.

What it does support:

• God’s Word is trustworthy, sufficient, and necessary.

• Believers must depend on God’s Word more than physical sustenance.

• God's revelation is authoritative, even in written form.

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Final Thought:

Rather than insisting on a rigid doctrine like VPP, it is more faithful to Scripture to affirm that God in His providence has preserved His Word sufficiently and reliably through a wealth of manuscript evidence, and through the careful work of textual scholars, so that today we can trust that our Bibles faithfully communicate His truth.

“The Word of God is perfect in its message and purpose, even though human hands have transmitted it through history with human limitations. God’s providence ensures His people are never without His truth.”