Mark 1:40-45 Deception by ignoring fault tolerance principles

Here we look at a deception that involves ignoring fault tolerance principles. In the example used here, there are three accounts of a story in the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. One of these has some disputed words that appear to have been added and/or changed.

There are two parts to the story of just a few verses.

The leper approaching Jesus and Jesus healing him.
Jesus commanding the leper to go to the priest but not to tell others.

Instead of using fault tolerant principles with a simple majority rule, those disputed words in the one verse can be used as part of a thread of logic that has a deceptive purpose in mind.

Fault tolerance is important in distributed systems and in organizations.

Redundancy can be used to detect and correct errors (discrepancies).

Bar codes, ISBN, Credit card numbers, UPC, CRC checks, parity checks, etc.
Space shuttle: Four redundant computers with one backup (cross-checking 500 times a second).
Accounting (manual) method of casting out nines.
Masoretic Hebrew text copying rules.
Two (reliable) witnesses (at least) needed.

An understanding of FTC (Fault Tolerant Computing) techniques is important in understanding the differences in various Bible texts.

The key to fault tolerance is redundancy. The simplest model is to use redundancy and take a majority vote of the various ways. There are many more advanced methods not discussed here.

More: Fault-tolerant computing concepts

Matthew 11:5 … the lepers are cleansed, … [kjv]

τυφλοι αναβλεπουσιν και χωλοι περιπατουσιν λεπροι καθαριζονται και κωφοι ακουουσιν και νεκροι εγειρονται και πτωχοι ευαγγελιζονται [gnt]

There are several related Greek words of interest here. The base word is the ancient Greek word "λέπω" ≈ "peel".

Scales as on a "fish".
Small coin called a "mite".
Skin disorder called "leprosy" - not (just) the modern Hanson's disease.

*G3013 *1 λεπίς (lep-is') : from lepo (to peel); a flake:--scale.

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λεπιδες

Acts 9:18 ... his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, ...

Words: λεπιδες

*G3013 *1 λεπίς (lep-is') : from lepo (to peel); a flake:--scale.

Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. [kjv]

και ευθεως απεπεσαν αυτου απο των οφθαλμων ως λεπιδες ανεβλεψεν τε και αναστας εβαπτισθη [gnt]

… oculis … squamae … visum recepit … [v]

$Fish symbol$ The ancient Greek word "λεπίς" ≈ "scale, flake" as in the "scale" of a fish. The Latin word "squama" ≈ "scale, flake".

The ancient Greek word "αναβλέπω" ≈ "looking up, looking ahead".

Acts 9:18

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KJV: And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Greek: και ευθεως απεπεσον απεπεσαν αυτου απο των οφθαλμων αυτου ωσει ως λεπιδες ανεβλεψεν τε παραχρημα και αναστας εβαπτισθη

Latin: et confestim ceciderunt ab oculis eius tamquam squamae et visum recepit et surgens baptizatus est

*G3016 *3 λεπτόν (lep-ton') : neuter of a derivative of the same as G3013; something scaled (light), i.e. a small coin:--mite.

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λεπτα *2

Mark 12:42 ... widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Luke 21:2 ... casting in thither two mites.

λεπτον

Luke 12:59 ... till thou hast paid the very last mite.

Words: λεπτα=2 λεπτον

*G3016 *3 λεπτόν (lep-ton') : neuter of a derivative of the same as G3013; something scaled (light), i.e. a small coin:--mite.

Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. [kjv]

και ελθουσα μια χηρα πτωχη εβαλεν λεπτα δυο ο εστιν κοδραντης [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "λεπτόν" ≈ "small coin, small intestine" and is called a "mite" in the GNT (Greek New Testament). A "mite" in the KJV (King James Version) is a "small coin". Before Greece adopted the Euro, the Lepton was the primary unit of currency in Greece. The word comes from the Greek word for "scale".

In physics, the English word "lepton" is an elementary particle (of half-integer spin) such as an electron, neutrino, etc.

This is the modern Greek word for "minute". Wait a minute, here are some small (minute) jokes.

I see you have a new watch.

Wait a minute. Is it a second hand watch? That was a timely joke.

Mark 12:42

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KJV: And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

Greek: και ελθουσα μια χηρα πτωχη εβαλεν λεπτα δυο ο εστιν κοδραντης

Latin: cum venisset autem una vidua pauper misit duo minuta quod est quadrans

Wycliffe: But whanne a pore widewe was comun, sche keste two mynutis, that is, a ferthing.

Tyndale: And ther cam a certayne povre widowe and she threwe in two mytes which make a farthynge.

*G3014 *4 λέπρα (lep'-rah) : from the same as G3013; scaliness, i.e. "leprosy":--leprosy.

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λεπρα *3

Matthew 8:3 ... And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Mark 1:42 ... he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, ...
Luke 5:13 ... be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

λεπρας

Luke 5:12 ... behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell ...

*G3015 *9 λεπρός (lep-ros') : from the same as G3014 λέπρα; scaly, i.e. leprous (a leper):--leper.

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λεπροι *4

Matthew 11:5 ... and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf ...
Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel ...
Luke 7:22 ... see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, ...
Luke 17:12 ... him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

λεπρος *2

Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, ...
Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching ...

λεπρου *2

Matthew 26:6 ... in the house of Simon the leper,
Mark 14:3 ... in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came ...

λεπρους

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out ...

*G3014 *4 λέπρα (lep'-rah) : from the same as G3013; scaliness, i.e. "leprosy":--leprosy.

*G3015 *9 λεπρός (lep-ros') : from the same as G3014 λέπρα; scaly, i.e. leprous (a leper):--leper.

Words: λεπρα=3 λεπρας λεπροι=4 λεπρος=2 λεπρου=2 λεπρους

*G3014 *4 λέπρα (lep'-rah) : from the same as G3013; scaliness, i.e. "leprosy":--leprosy.

*G3015 *9 λεπρός (lep-ros') : from the same as G3014 λέπρα; scaly, i.e. leprous (a leper):--leper.

The ancient Greek word "λέπρα" ≈ "skin disorder" and is called "leprosy" in the GNT (not the same as leprosy of today). To be "cured" of this "skin disorder" would be similar to a reptile shedding its scaly skin to be, in a sense, "born anew".

The ancient disease called "leprosy" does not appear to be the same as the modern "Hansen's" disease.

Matthew 8:2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. [kjv]

και ιδου λεπρος προσελθων προσεκυνει αυτω λεγων κυριε εαν θελης δυνασαι με καθαρισαι [gnt]

8:3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. [kjv]

και εκτεινας την χειρα ηψατο αυτου λεγων θελω καθαρισθητι και ευθεως εκαθαρισθη αυτου η λεπρα [gnt]

Matthew 8:2

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KJV: And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Greek: και ιδου λεπρος ελθων προσελθων προσεκυνει αυτω λεγων κυριε εαν θελης δυνασαι με καθαρισαι

Matthew 8:3

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KJV: And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Greek: και εκτεινας την χειρα ηψατο αυτου ο ιησους λεγων θελω καθαρισθητι και ευθεως εκαθαρισθη αυτου η λεπρα

Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους ορα μηδενι ειπης αλλα υπαγε σεαυτον δειξον τω ιερει και προσενεγκον το δωρον ο προσεταξεν μωυσης εις μαρτυριον αυτοις [gnt]

Matthew 8:4

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KJV: And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Greek: και λεγει αυτω ο ιησους ορα μηδενι ειπης αλλ αλλα υπαγε σεαυτον δειξον τω ιερει και προσενεγκε προσενεγκον το δωρον ο προσεταξεν μωσης μωυσης εις μαρτυριον αυτοις

Luke 5:12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. [kjv]

και εγενετο εν τω ειναι αυτον εν μια των πολεων και ιδου ανηρ πληρης λεπρας ιδων δε τον ιησουν πεσων επι προσωπον εδεηθη αυτου λεγων κυριε εαν θελης δυνασαι με καθαρισαι [gnt]

5:13 And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. [kjv]

και εκτεινας την χειρα ηψατο αυτου λεγων θελω καθαρισθητι και ευθεως η λεπρα απηλθεν απ αυτου [gnt]

Luke 5:12

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KJV: And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Greek: και εγενετο εν τω ειναι αυτον εν μια των πολεων και ιδου ανηρ πληρης λεπρας και ιδων δε τον ιησουν πεσων επι προσωπον εδεηθη αυτου λεγων κυριε εαν θελης δυνασαι με καθαρισαι

Luke 5:13

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KJV: And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

Greek: και εκτεινας την χειρα ηψατο αυτου ειπων λεγων θελω καθαρισθητι και ευθεως η λεπρα απηλθεν απ αυτου

Luke 5:14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. [kjv]

και αυτος παρηγγειλεν αυτω μηδενι ειπειν αλλα απελθων δειξον σεαυτον τω ιερει και προσενεγκε περι του καθαρισμου σου καθως προσεταξεν μωυσης εις μαρτυριον αυτοις [gnt]

5:15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. [kjv]

διηρχετο δε μαλλον ο λογος περι αυτου και συνηρχοντο οχλοι πολλοι ακουειν και θεραπευεσθαι απο των ασθενειων αυτων [gnt]

Luke 5:14

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KJV: And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Greek: και αυτος παρηγγειλεν αυτω μηδενι ειπειν αλλα απελθων δειξον σεαυτον τω ιερει και προσενεγκε περι του καθαρισμου σου καθως προσεταξεν μωσης μωυσης εις μαρτυριον αυτοις

Luke 5:15

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KJV: But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

Greek: διηρχετο δε μαλλον ο λογος περι αυτου και συνηρχοντο οχλοι πολλοι ακουειν και θεραπευεσθαι υπ αυτου απο των ασθενειων αυτων

Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. [kjv]

και ερχεται προς αυτον λεπρος παρακαλων αυτον και γονυπετων λεγων αυτω οτι εαν θελης δυνασαι με καθαρισαι [gnt]

1:41 And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. [kjv]

και σπλαγχνισθεις εκτεινας την χειρα αυτου ηψατο και λεγει αυτω θελω καθαρισθητι [gnt]

1:42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. [kjv]

και ευθυς απηλθεν απ αυτου η λεπρα και εκαθαρισθη [gnt]

Mark 1:40

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KJV: And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

Greek: και ερχεται προς αυτον λεπρος παρακαλων αυτον και γονυπετων αυτον και λεγων αυτω οτι εαν θελης δυνασαι με καθαρισαι

Gothic: jah qam at imma thrutsfill habands, bidjands ina jah kniwam knussjands jah qithands du imma thatei jabai wileis, magt mik gahrainjan.

Luther: Und es kam zu ihm ein Aussätziger, der bat ihn, knieete vor ihm und sprach zu ihm: Willst du, so kannst du mich wohl reinigen.

Mark 1:41

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KJV: And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean.

Greek: ο δε ιησους και σπλαγχνισθεις εκτεινας την χειρα ηψατο αυτου ηψατο και λεγει αυτω θελω καθαρισθητι

Mark 1:42

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KJV: And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Greek: και ειποντος αυτου ευθεως ευθυς απηλθεν απ αυτου η λεπρα και εκαθαρισθη

Mark 1:43 And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; [kjv]

1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. [kjv]

και λεγει αυτω ορα μηδενι μηδεν ειπης αλλα υπαγε σεαυτον δειξον τω ιερει και προσενεγκε περι του καθαρισμου σου α προσεταξεν μωυσης εις μαρτυριον αυτοις [gnt]

1:45 But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter. [kjv]

ο δε εξελθων ηρξατο κηρυσσειν πολλα και διαφημιζειν τον λογον ωστε μηκετι αυτον δυνασθαι φανερως εις πολιν εισελθειν αλλα αλλ εξω επ ερημοις τοποις ην και ηρχοντο προς αυτον παντοθεν [gnt]

Mark 1:43

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KJV: And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away;

Greek: και εμβριμησαμενος αυτω ευθεως ευθυς εξεβαλεν αυτον

Mark 1:44 And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. [kjv]

The ancient Greek word "μηδείς" ≈ "and not one"and comes from two words.

"μηδέ" ≈ "and not".
"εἷς" ≈ "one".

The KJV has Jesus saying "nothing" whereas the Greek has a double negative. Most languages other than English use the double negative for emphasis of negation. English uses it for negating the logic of the negation. This causes a number of translation issues.

More: Do not no way use double negatives

Mark 1:44

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KJV: And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Greek: και λεγει αυτω ορα μηδενι μηδεν ειπης αλλ αλλα υπαγε σεαυτον δειξον τω ιερει και προσενεγκε περι του καθαρισμου σου α προσεταξεν μωσης μωυσης εις μαρτυριον αυτοις

Mark 1:45

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KJV: But he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Greek: ο δε εξελθων ηρξατο κηρυσσειν πολλα και διαφημιζειν τον λογον ωστε μηκετι αυτον δυνασθαι φανερως εις πολιν εισελθειν αλλα αλλ εξω εν επ ερημοις τοποις ην και ηρχοντο προς αυτον πανταχοθεν παντοθεν

Mark 1:40 And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. [kjv]

και ερχεται προς αυτον λεπρος παρακαλων αυτον και γονυπετων λεγων αυτω οτι εαν θελης δυνασαι με καθαρισαι [gnt]

The passage from Mark is often called the "leper's prayer". Note that the verses do not use the word prayer nor is that indicated. The leper makes a "request" using the ancient and modern Greek word that means "please" and sometimes for "hello" as in getting someone's attention.
The equivocation here is that a prayer is, literally, a spoken request. The leper makes a spoken request. The modern English meaning of "prayer" is typically that of kneeling down, closing eyes, folding hands and making requests to God.

Matthew 11:5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. [kjv]

Matthew 11:5

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KJV: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

Greek: τυφλοι αναβλεπουσιν και χωλοι περιπατουσιν λεπροι καθαριζονται και κωφοι ακουουσιν και νεκροι εγειρονται και πτωχοι ευαγγελιζονται

Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. [kjv]

Luke 4:27

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KJV: And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.

Greek: και πολλοι λεπροι ησαν επι ελισσαιου του προφητου εν εν τω ισραηλ επι ελισαιου του προφητου και ουδεις αυτων εκαθαρισθη ει μη νεεμαν ναιμαν ο συρος