Are footnotes really necessary?

[JohnB445]

I've read through a couple of them, I was worried I might be missing something important. They don't seem to be very useful, except for the cross-references and parallels that direct you to similar verses in the Bible.

 

[Heavenhome]

I am with you there, I find they can be distracting so the last Bible I bought I specifically got one with no references etc. If I really got stuck or wanted to be sure of my reading I can always check a commentary.
If that is the case I have a Matthew Henry commentary. On the whole, through praying beforehand I am usually OK.
I don't think the Bible is this big mysterious book that needs lots of cross referencing etc.
It is Gods word to us to read whether we are new or mature Christians and if we seek truly He gives us the understanding to read it.

It truly is a living word as you can read many times and you will continually be instructed as you get deeper into its precious riches.

 

[Serving Zion]

I've read through a couple of them, I was worried I might be missing something important. They don't seem to be very useful, except for the cross-references and parallels that direct you to similar verses in the Bible.

It depends who made them! .. what was in their heart when they decided to tell you to compare another scripture? .. and why did they choose that particular verse instead of another one?

 

[JohnB445]

It depends who made them! .. what was in their heart when they decided to tell you to compare another scripture? .. and why did they choose that particular verse instead of another one?

I'm not sure, I find it a bit distracting. Maybe the small text at the bottom should just be ignored.

 

[trophy33]

I've read through a couple of them, I was worried I might be missing something important. They don't seem to be very useful, except for the cross-references and parallels that direct you to similar verses in the Bible.

Depends on how you want to read your Bible.

If like a novel, then of course, it will be distracting.

If you want to study it, then the footnotes are useful, at least.

 

[Radagast]

I've read through a couple of them, I was worried I might be missing something important.

There are often different kinds of footnote (lettered or numbered).

For some translations, the footnote is part of the Bible. This is particularly the case if (1) the translators are unsure of what the original text should say, because there are differences between Greek texts, or (2) the translators are unsure of how to translate the Hebrew/Greek, because it can have two meanings. If you skip that kind of footnote, you're getting the translator's "best guess."

Sometimes the footnote is telling you that a specific Old Testament passage is being quoted. That's important, because the verses around the quoted verse are often being referred to implicitly.

 

[Radagast]

Some examples:

Ephesians 1:1 (ESV): Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful[a] in Christ Jesus / Footnote: Some manuscripts saints who are also faithful (omitting in Ephesus). Why is this important? It seems that some copies of this letter circulated around with a blank for the city. People stuck in the name of their own city when they read it out. Try mentally putting in the name of your city. It's addressed to you!

Ephesians 1:7-10 (ESV): In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known[c] to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. / Footnote: Or he lavished upon us in all wisdom and insight, making known... Why is this important? The translator is not certain where the comma should go.

Ephesians 1:14 (ESV): who is the guarantee[a] of our inheritance until... / Footnote: Or down payment Why is this important? "Down payment" is a more literal translation of the Greek word, but harder to understand (the CSB has "down payment" in the main text; the NIV has "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance"; the NKJV does exactly what the ESV does).

 

[Tolworth John]

I've read through a couple of them, I was worried I might be missing something important. They don't seem to be very useful, except for the cross-references and parallels that direct you to similar verses in the Bible.

Don't get a bible without them.

They are important as they confirm just how accurate the bible you have is.
Some notes are telling you about links to other parts of the bible, showing where quotes come from or refferences to events are, but others, often in a bold type show alternative readings or where a passage has questions over its accuracy.
They enable you to track passages that are 'questionable' in the translation/authority and see that atheist claims of an inaccurate bible are wildly untrue.

 

[Rubiks]

Because they're useful. Read the Greek if you want the originals.