John 1:18
The Only Begotten Son
Reading Supported
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
Variant Issue
The KJV/TR reads 'only begotten Son,' while important early Alexandrian witnesses read 'only begotten God.'
Quick read
The Greek manuscript count strongly favors 'only begotten Son,' but ancient evidence exists on both sides and the patristic evidence is divided.
Support category
Strong numerical majority for 'Son,' but ancient evidence exists on both sides
Sources used
INTF NTVMR; ECM where published/available; NA/UBS apparatuses; Tyndale House Greek New Testament apparatus; passage-specific manuscript studies where applicable
Manuscript Count Snapshot
Manuscript evidence at a glance.
Greek support
About 1,610 Greek manuscripts for 'only begotten Son'; 17 Greek manuscripts with minor Son variations
Greek against
7 Greek manuscripts with God readings
Support category
Strong numerical majority for 'Son,' but ancient evidence exists on both sides
Lectionary support
Lectionaries read 'only begotten Son'
Main evidence against
P66, P75, Sinaiticus, B, C first hand, L, 33
Evidence Summary
Strong numerical majority for 'Son,' but ancient evidence exists on both sides
The Greek manuscript count strongly favors 'only begotten Son,' but ancient evidence exists on both sides and the patristic evidence is divided.
Greek support
About 1,610 Greek manuscripts for 'only begotten Son'; 17 Greek manuscripts with minor Son variations
Against
7 Greek manuscripts with God readings
Patristic
13 entries
Site Summary Score
90% for / 10% against
A site-level summary from the Greek manuscript count plus the Latin, Syriac, Coptic, patristic, lectionary, and printed evidence listed for this passage.
For the KJV/TR reading: 90% site summary score
Against or alternate readings: 10% site summary score
Greek support snapshot: About 1,610 Greek manuscripts for 'only begotten Son'; 17 Greek manuscripts with minor Son variations
Greek against snapshot: 7 Greek manuscripts with God readings