The Hidden Things: What Modern Bibles Won’t Tell You

The Hidden Things: What Modern Bibles Won’t Tell You Today's reading is in Matthew 2, sharing important insights, especially highlighting the Wycliffe Bible translation. John Wycliffe was the first person to translate the Bible into English in 1382 — over 600 years ago. His work made the scriptures accessible to English speakers, and it's crucial to recognize the version he created, even though it included texts now classified as "apocryphal." In modern Christian society, the word "apocrypha" often implies something unauthentic. Because of this belief, these books aren't included in many modern Bibles, like the King James Version. However, during Wycliffe's time, these texts were part of the Bible people read daily. It was only later that they were removed. The Apocrypha includes 14 books: The Prayer of Manasseh Third Ezra COVID Judith (perhaps a typo; likely "Book of Judith") Additions to Esther Wisdom of Solomon Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) Baruch Epistle of Jeremiah Prayer of Azariah Song of the Three Holy Children (Daniel and Susanna) Bel and the Dragon First Maccabees Second Maccabees What Modern Translations Conceal The word "apocrypha" originally meant "hidden" or "secret" things in Greek. It wasn't until the 16th century, after Wycliffe's time, that "apocryphal" came to mean "unauthentic" in English. That change in meaning impacts how we view these ancient texts today. When I compared Wycliffe's translation of Matthew 2 with newer translations, I noticed significant differences. For instance, Wycliffe calls the wise men "astronomers," whereas newer texts call them "Magi." The Wycliffe Bible makes it clear: they studied the stars and skies. In Acts 7:42, it says God turned people over to worship the sun, moon, and stars — essentially, astrology. Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem - NIV 2011 Matthew 2:1 Therefore when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, lo! astrologers, came from the east to Jerusalem, - WYC 1382 Acts 7:42 But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars. This fits right into Matthew 2: after Jesus was born, astronomers (or astrologers) came from the East, following the star to find Him. It's a detail that's easy to miss when translations use unfamiliar words like "Magi" without context. Another notable difference: Wycliffe says a Duke would "govern" God's people, while newer versions say a "shepherd." The idea is similar, but the wording is important because "governing" implies ruling, while "shepherding" implies guiding and caring. Matthew 2:6 And thou, Bethlehem, the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda; for of thee a duke shall go out, that shall govern my people Israel. - WYC 1382 Matthew 2:6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” - NIV 2011 Throughout Matthew 2, the differences continue: The astronomers are warned in sleep (dreams) not to return to Herod. Joseph is warned in sleep to flee to Egypt. The prophecy mentions "Jeremy" (Jeremiah) — again, slight name differences. How One Word Changes Everything These seemingly minor changes open up layers of deeper meaning. For example, Wycliffe's wording often ties back to spiritual concepts of hidden knowledge, visions, and enlightenment. When Abraham was told to go to the "land of vision" (not "region of Moriah," as newer texts say), it points to a much broader, spiritual understanding of the story — even connecting to the idea of psychosis, visions, and spiritual insight. Genesis 22:2 God said to him, Take thine one begotten son, whom thou lovest, Isaac; and go into the land of vision, and offer thou him there into burnt sacrifice on one of the hills which I shall show to thee. - WYC 1382 Genesis 22:2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” - NIV 2011 The Hidden Power in Scripture’s Smallest Details We live today in a society obsessed with cravings, comforts, and consumerism, very much like the Israelites who longed for Egypt's abundance after their exodus. Spiritually, Egypt represents slavery to worldly desires. In a way, we are still in Egypt. Even the capture of Jesus in Gethsemane has hidden meaning: when Jesus said "I am he," His captors fell down. Not because they respected Him, but because His spirit commanded recognition. God’s spirit — the breath of life that animates all living things — acknowledged Jesus even in those who were against Him. John 18:6 "As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground." All these little differences matter. They reveal a deeper layer of faith, history, and spiritual truth that we risk losing when we don't study the origins and translations carefully. I encourage everyone: don't just skim the surface. Dive into the "hidden things," the apocrypha, the old translations. Pay attention to the little differences. There's a wealth of spiritual knowledge waiting for those willing to seek it. Learn more at: www.christthetruelight.com

Posted by Christ Is Illuminati on Friday, April 25, 2025