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Holy Bible

Faith Q&A › Metropolitan Youssef › Holy Scripture › Holy Bible

The question

There are two identical passages in the Holy Bible, 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37. What is the reason for this repetition? Might not such duplicity cast doubt on the authenticity of the Holy Bible?

The answer

There are many verses, passages, and as in this case, chapters that are repetitive in the Holy Bible. The Old Testament consists of several books: the Pentateuch (the Law), Historical (Joshua - Esther), Poetic (Job - Song of Solomon), and Prophetic: Major Prophets (Isaiah - Daniel); Minor Prophets (Hosea - Malachi). First and Second Kings provide historical narratives of the accounts of the division of God's people into two kingdoms. The writing of 2 Kings is attributed mostly, but not definitely, to the prophet Jeremiah. Certain religious and political authorities would have had the privilege to access the journals and chronicles of their predecessors, especially those of the esteemed prophets and historians. Isaiah preceded Jeremiah and focused on the prophetic mission that he was charged to carry out. There is no issue with regard to the authenticity of these or any passages because it is the Holy Spirit of God that inspired each writer or combination of writers of each book.

Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)

Related questions

Questions answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab) of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. Question 1349 on the Diocese’s Q&A site. Questions and answers © Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States. All rights reserved.