Add, then take away

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18-19.

The UBS 5th edition Greek New Testament includes the words of Mark 16:9-20 and John 7:53-8:11, while at the same time including a note that indicates they certainly believe these are not original to those writings, and should be omitted.[i] What an exercise in double-dealing! These editors print a Greek New Testament that includes passages that they believe should not be in the Bible. Therefore, by their own standard, they are adding to the Bible. On the other hand, they advise that these passages they print in their Bible should be omitted. With one hand they are taking away from the New Testament what they added with the other hand. What sleight of hand! What Indian giving! What American giving![ii]

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[i] The editorial committee uses an A through D lettering system (in braces { } ) to mark the level of certainty they had “with respect to the form of the original text.” “The letter A indicates that the text is certain.” So, an {A} in reference to these passages [{A} omit vv 9-20” “{A }omit 7.53-8.11”] means that the editors had no difficulty determining (are certain) these passages should be omitted (but did not omit them).
[ii] “A person who gives a gift and then takes it back.” Dictionary.com includes a note that Indian giver is “Sometimes Offensive.” There appears to be no equivalent synonym in the English language, so it is hard to easily and concisely express the idea. I suggest turnabout – American giver – could be fair play. We Americans were often guilty of giving things to the American Indians – treaties, for example – then turning around and taking them back.