# The Variations of the New Testament Textual variants in the New Testament refer to any differences in spelling, word order, omission, addition, substitution, or total rewrite of the text from a standard text such as a printed version or a specific manuscript. According to [[Daniel2009-ce|Daniel B Wallace]], a leading textual critic, there are approximately 400,000 variations in the New Testament alone-about three variants per word ([[International_Greek_New_Testament_Project_undated-kl.|IGNTP]]), [[Wasserman2018-jq.]]). This staggering number of variants can be classified into four categories ([[Barnett_undated-aa.|Tim Barrnet]]). The first category includes over [[Wallace_undated-mx.|200,000+]] variants that are neither viable nor meaningful. These variants mostly consist of spelling mistakes and do not alter the original text. The second category includes viable but not meaningful variants, which could alter the text but not change its meaning or intent. For instance, a variant in the spelling of a name. The third category comprises meaningful but not viable variants, which are changes to the text that alter its message, such as adding a phrase or words that were not in the original text. Finally, the fourth and most significant category includes viable and meaningful variants, which have a good chance of being authentic and change the meaning of the text. However, this category accounts for less than 1% of all textual variants. Despite the high number of variations, skeptical scholars such as [[Ehrman2005-qj.|Bart D. Ehrman]] agree that these variations do not affect the Christian doctrine ([[Carson1978-no.]])). No substantial historical fact about Jesus or important Christian doctrine is questioned by the variations found in early Christian manuscripts. Most of the changes found in these manuscripts are a result of errors, such as slips of the pen, accidental omissions, inadvertent additions, misspelled words, and other blunders. Even though there are over 400,000 variations, only about 40 lines or 400 words in the entire New Testament are in doubt, and none of them affect any significant doctrine. Therefore, despite the variations, over [[Wallace_undated-mx.|99%]] of the New Testament is the original words of the first Christians ([[Geisler1995-fy.]]). Despite over 400,000 variations, most of these are insignificant spelling mistakes. Over 99% of the New Testament is the original words of the first Christians. Skeptical scholars agree that the variations do not affect the Christian message. These variations are a testament to how important preserving the gospel message has always been for Christians. Since the early church days when the apostles first wrote their gospels and epistles, Christians and scribes have taken great care to preserve the Bible and its message for future generations. Christians have taken great care to preserve the Bible and its message for future generations, and the variations are a testament to the importance of preserving the gospel message. Over 99% of the New Testament is the original words of the first Christians, and the variations demonstrate divine providence in preserving God's word through the ages.