Why Does the KJV Translate "Epi" as "In" Rather Than "On" in Revelation 13:16?

I recently received this question from a young lady in my church.  She had been debating a friend who believed that the mark of the beast will be something placed "in" the skin, like a microchip.  She argued that Rev 13:16 says the mark will be "on" the skin, not "in".  But her friend pointed out that the KJV says "in" and not "on".  The young lady was at a loss, so she asked me why the modern Bible translations differ from the KJV.  The following is my reply:

About your question concerning the mark of the beast:  "In Revelation 13:16, why do modern translations say the mark of the beast will be "on" the hand or forehead, but the KJV says it will be "in" the hand or forehead?"

Thank you for the question!  I'm so excited that you are thinking deeply about these things.  

The New Testament was originally written in Greek.  The Greek word epi does not mean "in", it means "on".  You can do a simple Google search of the Greek word epi, if you like.  So, why did the KJV translators render the word epi as "in" in Revelation 13:16?  

It is not a matter of variations in Greek manuscripts, because the Greek texts behind the KJV and modern translations both use the word epi.  It looks like this is simply an example of an error in the KJV Bible, of which there are many.  The KJV was a great accomplishment, and is a great Bible translation, but no translation is perfect.  This is why the KJV should not be elevated to the status of the "perfect Bible translation."  It is not.  

It has been suggested that the KJV translators may have been influenced by the Latin Vulgate, which was the Bible that Christians used for 1,000 years up until the very first English translations were made; and for some unknown reason, the Latin Vulgate translates epi as "in," rather than "on."  

I have another guess.  The KJV translators were also highly influenced by the Geneva Bible translation, which was the most popular English Bible prior to the KJV, and it translates epi in Rev 13:16 as "in".  But once again, this is simply a bad translation.  The word epi means "on", not "in".  

As well, consider the fact that the Greek word for "mark" (as in "mark of the beast") means engraving, something graven or sculptured, an impression, mark or symbol.  This also points to the mark being "on" the skin, and not "in" or "under" the skin.  

Another interesting tidbit is that in Revelation 20:4, which is about the mark of the beast, the KJV translators rendered epi as both "upon" (same as "on") AND "in".  This makes no sense!  The KJV is not even consistent with itself!  

One more theory for you.  It has been over four hundred years since the translation of the KJV, and since then Bible scholars have learned much more about the ancient Greek language.  It could simply be that the KJV translators made a mistake because they didn't have all the knowledge that modern translators have.

I hope this helps you!  And thanks again for the question!

Pastor Andy

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