Here is New Testament passage that shows that the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the early church and the Holy Spirit. The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation of the LXX for insight into difficult passages.
If you want to know more, click on the following links.
- Why Christians Should Prefer the Septuagint over the Masoretic Text.
- Some Insights Gained through Comparing the Masoretic Text to the Septuagint
- More side by side comparisons of the Masoretic Text (MT) to the Septuagint (LXX).
NT Quote |
LXX |
MT |
Comment |
|
13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.” Matthew 2:13–15 (NKJV) |
1 …“Because Israel was an infant, and I loved him, and out of Egypt I called back his children. Hosea 11:1 (LES2) |
1 “When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. Hosea 11:1 (NKJV) |
In this case, Matthew quotes the MT, thus showing that we cannot put God “in a box” by making a rule that only the LXX is a valid rendering of the Old Testament. Even though the preponderance of NT quotes come from the LXX, there are exceptions. I still believe we can more safely rely on the LXX. Whatever is quoted by the NT is God’s Word, but it does not mean the LXX is inaccurate. God certainly did call back his children from Egypt. This had an old covenant fulfillment at the Exodus, and it is fulfilled in Christ in the new covenant. All those who put their faith and allegiance in Christ are rescued from the slavery of sin and death, which is spiritual Egypt. |
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