New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Romans 3:4

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.

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

4 Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.” Romans 3:4 (NKJV)

…that you would be vindicated in your words and prevail when you judge. Psalm 50:6 (LES2)

…That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Psalm 51:4 (NKJV)

The Greek in the LXX perfectly matches the quote in Romans, even though different English words are used. This one goes to the LXX. The MT is slightly different, using “blameless” instead of “prevail.”

Since the MT was completed hundreds of years after Paul wrote Romans, was this a deliberate change?

 

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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