The Textus Receptus—What is it?

TL;DR:

: The Textus Receptus was the first widely printed Greek New Testament, used for major Reformation translations like the KJV. Though based on few late manuscripts, it paved the way for more accurate Greek texts and showed God’s faithfulness in preserving His Word.

what does the bible say?

Textus Receptus (TR) means “received text” and refers to the series of printed Greek New Testaments first compiled by Erasmus in 1516 and later revised by others. It drew on a limited number of late Byzantine manuscripts (from about the 10th–15th centuries), but because it was among the first widely available printed editions, it became the basis for many Reformation-era translations, including Luther’s German Bible, Tyndale’s English New Testament, and eventually the King James Version.

The TR played a vital role in making Scripture more accessible during a time when printed Bibles were rapidly spreading across Europe. Although later scholarship has uncovered much earlier and broader manuscript evidence, leading to even more accurate Greek New Testaments, the TR remains important historically as a foundational step in preserving and transmitting the New Testament text. This aligns with the Bible’s own emphasis on faithfully handling God’s Word, so it can be clearly understood and passed down through generations.

from the old testament

The Textus Receptus is a version of the Greek New Testament.

from the new testament

The Textus Receptus is an early printed Greek New Testament, first published by Erasmus in 1516 and revised in 1527 and 1535. He worked with a small collection of late Byzantine manuscripts and filled in some missing Greek parts by translating from Latin. Later editions by Stephanus (famous for his 1550 edition), Beza (with multiple editions between 1565 and 1604), and the Elzevirs (a Dutch printing family in the 1600s) made it popular, with the Elzevirs coining the term “received text.” This printed version influenced major Reformation translations, including Luther’s German Bible, Tyndale’s English New Testament, and the King James Version.
The New Testament itself illustrates why such tools were valued: the apostles wrote with the expectation that their words would be copied, circulated, and read in many locations. For example, Paul said, “And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea” (Colossians 4:16). He also tasked congregations with the responsibility of having his letters read publicly, which requires multiple copies and accurate transmission (1 Thessalonians 5:27).
Since Erasmus’s era, more manuscripts have been found—many older and from different regions. As a result, the Greek New Testaments behind modern English translations, like the ESV and NASB, benefit from a greater number of more accurate copies.
The KJV continues to use the Textus Receptus as its base, and the NKJV also translates from it, noting differences from other Greek sources in the footnotes. Because of the KJV’s broad following—partly because it was the first major and widely used English translation—some people consider the Textus Receptus the only legitimate Greek version of the New Testament. However, the authority of Scripture resides in the original manuscripts, not in any specific collection of Greek and Latin texts. It is appropriate to recognize the Textus Receptus as a foundation that supported English translations and helped inspire the development of even more accurate Greek translations; however, claiming it as the final Greek version is not appropriate.

implications for today

You don’t need to be a Bible scholar to trust what it says. God has kept His Word safe in simple ways—through the authors, copyists, translators, and printers—so that people everywhere can hear and believe the gospel in their language. The Textus Receptus aided the church during a vital time, providing Reformers with a stable Greek text from which to preach Christ and translate Scripture. Since then, God has provided additional evidence over time, helping us refine our translations and draw closer to the original text.

If you love the KJV, give thanks for the history behind it. If you prefer a modern translation, be grateful for the many early witnesses now available to scholars. Either way, read with confidence. The differences in underlying Greek translations don’t change what we believe about Jesus—His death and resurrection are central and clear. Therefore, instead of wondering, “Which Greek edition is best?” ask yourself, “Am I hearing and obeying what God has given me?”

Start by choosing a translation that’s faithful and easy for you to understand, and then read it often. Share it with others, listen carefully when it’s read in church, and let it lead you to Jesus the Savior. The story of the Textus Receptus reminds us to be grateful for the past and be willing to humbly accept changes that come when using the best evidence God has preserved.

understand

The Textus Receptus, compiled by Erasmus in 1516, used a limited number of late Byzantine manuscripts.
The Textus Receptus became the foundation for key Reformation-era translations, including the King James Version.
Later discoveries of older manuscripts refined the Greek text, confirming the Bible’s enduring reliability.

reflect

How does learning about the history of the Bible’s text deepen your confidence in it?
How can gratitude for past preservation motivate you to study God’s Word more?
What does the story of the Textus Receptus teach you about God’s care in keeping His truth accessible?

engage

How did the Textus Receptus influence the spread of God’s Word during the Reformation?
How do newer manuscript discoveries build on and improve the work of earlier scholars?
How can discussions about Bible translations help believers focus on the unchanging message of the gospel?