New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Romans 1:17

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.

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NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

17 For in it [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17 (NKJV) 

… the righteous one will live by my faith. Habakkuk 2:4 (LES2)

… the just shall live by his faith. Habakkuk 2:4 (NKJV)

The Greek in the LXX agrees with Romans, even though the English word “just” is different from “righteous one.” Both are dikaios in Greek.I give this one to the LXX; although, there is no difference between it and MT.

The MT says the just will live by “his” faith. The MT is law-based, which makes it performance oriented. This accounts for the stress on the faith belonging to the believer. The LXX is more Christ-centered and lets us know that the faith comes from God, not us. This agrees with Galatians 2:20.

 

petebeck3

Pete Beck III ministered as a pastor and Bible teacher in Burlington for over 35 years. He is married to Martha, with whom he has four children, ten beautiful grandchildren, and five amazing great grandchildren. He has written several books, including two that are available on Amazon - Seeing God's Smile and Promise of the Father - as well as a wide variety of Bible-related articles.

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