New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Matthew 18:15-16

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. 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. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

 

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

15 “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY [pas] FACT [rhema – word] MAY BE CONFIRMED [histemi]. Matthew 18:15–16 (NASB95)

15 “One witness shall not stand to be a witness against a person as regards any injustice and as regards any offence and according to any sin that he may have sinned; on the mouth of two witnesses and upon the mouth of three witnesses any [pas] word [rhema] shall stand [histemi]. Deuteronomy 19:15 (LES2)

15 “A single witness shall not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin which he has committed; on the evidence [peh – mouth] of two or three witnesses a matter [dabar – word] shall be confirmed [qum – stand]. Deuteronomy 19:15 (NASB95)

The MT and LXX are very close, but I give this one to the LXX based on the inclusion of the Greek word “pas,” which is translated as “every” and “any.” The MT has no such word.

 

 

Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Genesis 18:16-33

Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text with the LXX.  I have concluded that the LXX is much to be preferred over the Masoretic Text, a position from which the Eastern Orthodox Church never deviated. Perhaps, if you take the time to read my comparisons and other articles, you will arrive at the same conclusion.

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.

MT LXX Significance

16 Upon rising from there, the men looked down on the face of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham was going along with them, accompanying them. 17 The Lord said, “Will I hide what I am doing from Abraham, my servant? 18 Abraham will become a great and numerous nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him. 19 For I know that he will appoint his sons and his household after himself, and they will keep the ways of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham all the things that he said over him.” 20 The Lord said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah has increased, and their sins are very great. 21 Therefore, I will go down and see if they are coming to an end according to their crying that is coming to me, and if not, so that I may know.” Genesis 18:16–21 (LES2)

16 Then the men rose up from there, and looked down toward Sodom; and Abraham was walking with them to send them off. 17 The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed? 19 “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.” 20 And the LORD said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. 21 “I will go down now, and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” Genesis 18:16–21 (NASB95)

Everything basically agrees until we get to verse 19. 

 

22 Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham was still standing before the LORD. 23 Abraham came near and said, “Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 “Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city; will You indeed sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 “Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth deal justly?” Genesis 18:22–25 (NASB95)

22 And, after turning back from there, the men came to Sodom, and Abraham was standing before the Lord. 23 And after approaching, Abraham said, “Will you destroy the righteous with the ungodly, and will the righteous be treated like the ungodly? 24 If there are fifty righteous in the city, will you destroy them? Will you leave the place unpunished on account of the fifty righteous, if they are in it? 25 No way shall you act according to this plan, to kill a righteous person with an ungodly one, so the righteous person will be like the ungodly, no way! Will the one who judges all the earth not do justice?” Genesis 18:22–25 (LES2)

The MT omits Abraham’s second query in verse 23: “will the righteous be treated like the ungodly?” Otherwise, I see little difference worth noting.

26 So the LORD said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare the whole place on their account.” 27 And Abraham replied, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes. 28 “Suppose the fifty righteous are lacking five, will You destroy the whole city because of five?” And He said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29 He spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose forty are found there?” And He said, “I will not do it on account of the forty.” 30 Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak; suppose thirty are found there?” And He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” 31 And he said, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord; suppose twenty are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the twenty.” 32 Then he said, “Oh may the Lord not be angry, and I shall speak only this once; suppose ten are found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it on account of the ten.” 33 As soon as He had finished speaking to Abraham the LORD departed, and Abraham returned to his place. Genesis 18:26–33 (NASB95)

26 The Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will forgive the entire place because of them.” 27 And, replying, Abraham said, “Now I have begun to talk to the Lord, but I am earth and ashes. 28 If the fifty righteous are decreased by five, would you destroy the whole city on account of the five?” And he said, “I will certainly not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29 And he continued, still talking to him, and said, “If forty are found there?” And he said, “I will certainly not destroy it on account of the forty.” 30 And he said, “Is it anything, Lord, if I speak? If thirty are found there?” And he said, “I will certainly not destroy it if thirty are found there.” 31 And he said, “Since I am able to talk to the Lord, if twenty are found there?” And he said, “I will certainly not destroy on account of the twenty.” 32 And he said, “Is it anything, Lord, if I may speak yet once more? If ten are found there?” And he said, “I will certainly not destroy on account of the ten.” 33 And the Lord departed when he finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place. Genesis 18:26–33 (LES2)

The only seeming difference worth noting is that the MT uses the word “spare,” but the LXX says, “forgive.” However, the notes say that the Hebrew word in the MT can also mean “forgive.”

Summary: There is very little difference, which is often the case with more historical passages that do not point toward Christ or denigrate Israel.

New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Matthew 15:7-9

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. 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. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

 

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

7 “You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 8 ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS [timao] ME WITH THEIR LIPS [cheilos], BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY [porro] FROM ME. 9 ‘BUT IN VAIN [maten] DO THEY WORSHIP [sebo] ME, TEACHING [didasko] AS DOCTRINES [didaskalia] THE PRECEPTS [entalma] OF MEN.’ ” Matthew 15:7–9 (NASB95)

13 And the Lord said, “This people [laos] approaches me with their mouth, and with their lips [cheilos] they honor [timao] me, but their heart remains far [apecho] from me. And they are pious [sebo – worship] to me pointlessly [maten], teaching [didasko] human [anthropos] rules [entalma] and instructions [didaskalia]. Isaiah 29:13 (LES2)

13 Then the Lord said, “Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, Isaiah 29:13 (NASB95)

It seems clear that Matthew here quotes the LXX.

 

 

Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Genesis 18:1-15

Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text with the LXX.  I have concluded that the LXX is much to be preferred over the Masoretic Text, a position from which the Eastern Orthodox Church never deviated. Perhaps, if you take the time to read my comparisons and other articles, you will arrive at the same conclusion.

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.

MT LXX Significance

1 Now the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. 4 “Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree; 5 and I will bring a piece of bread, that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.” And they said, “So do, as you have said.” Genesis 18:1–5 (NASB95)

1 God appeared to him near the oak of Mamre while he was sitting at the door of his tent during midday. 2 Upon looking up, he saw with his eyes, and look, three men had stood over him, and upon seeing them, he ran up from the doorway of his tent to meet them and he bowed down to the earth, 3 and he said, “Lord, if perhaps I have found favor before you, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let water now be taken, and wash your feet, and rest under the tree. 5 And I will take bread, and you will eat, and after this you will go on your journey, on which account you turned aside to your servant.” And he said, “Do so, just as you have said.” Genesis 18:1–5 (LES2)

The passage essentially agrees.

6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it and make bread cakes.” 7 Abraham also ran to the herd, and took a tender and choice calf and gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it. 8 He took curds and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed it before them; and he was standing by them under the tree as they ate. Genesis 18:6–8 (NASB95)

6 And Abraham hurried to the tent to Sarah and said to her, “Hurry and mix three measures of the finest wheaten flour and make loaves baked in the ashes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the cattle and took a tender and fair little calf, and he gave it to the servant, and he hurried to prepare it. 8 He took butter and milk and the little calf that he prepared and set it before them, and they ate. He himself stood beside them under the tree. Genesis 18:6–8 (LES2)

Aside from some small differences, this passage agrees.

9 Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10 He said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 13 And the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, when I am so old?’ 14 “Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” 15 Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” Genesis 18:9–15 (NASB95) 

9 He said to him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?” But he, replying, said, “Look, she is in the tent.” 10 He said, “When I return, I will come to you at the same time next year, and Sarah, your wife, will have a son.” Sarah heard this at the door of the tent, being behind him. 11 Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in days. Menstruation had ceased for Sarah. 12 Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “Well, it has not yet happened to me up to now, and my lord is an old man.” 13 And the Lord said to Abraham, “Is it that Sarah laughed in herself, saying, ‘Then indeed, truly will I give birth? I have grown old.’ 14 Is the word impossible with God? I will return to you at this season, for the time, and Sarah will have a son.” 15 Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. And he said, “No, but you did laugh.” Genesis 18:9–15 (LES2)

Here we see some differences worth mentioning. Going with my opinion that the LXX is often a more literal rendering of the original Paleo-Hebrew text, it says that “menstruation had ceased” for her; whereas, the MT renders it more delicately as “Sarah was past childbearing.”

In verse 12, the MT records Sarah asking, “After I am old, shall I have pleasure…?” The LXX differs by her saying something more natural and, to me, believable – “Well, it has not yet happened to me up to now…” 

In verse 14, the MT has the Lord asking, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” which is a memorable saying for sure. The LXX records, “Is the word (Greek: rhema) impossible for God?” This is less poetic but is perhaps more authentic.

The rest of the passage agrees.

Summary: This passage is mostly in agreement until verse 11. At that point, it appears that the LXX is a more literal rendering of the ancient Paleo-Hebrew text.

New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Matthew 15:4

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. 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. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

 

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

4 “For God said, ‘HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,’ and, ‘HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL [KAKOLOGEO] OF FATHER OR MOTHER IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH [THANATOS].’ Matthew 15:4 (NASB95)

12 “Honor your father and mother, so that it may be well for you and so that you may be long-lived upon the good land that the Lord your God is giving to you. Exodus 20:12 (LES2)

16 “ ‘The one who verbally abuses [kakologeo] his father or his mother will be sentenced [teleutao] to death (thanatos]. Exodus 21:16 (LES2)

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you. Exodus 20:12 (NASB95)

17 “He who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. Exodus 21:17 (NASB95)

This one goes to the LXX.

 

 

Rediscovering the Septuagint (LXX): Isaiah 22

Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text with the LXX.  I have concluded that the LXX is much to be preferred over the Masoretic Text, a position from which the Eastern Orthodox Church never deviated. Perhaps, if you take the time to read my comparisons and other articles, you will arrive at the same conclusion.

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.

Masoretic Text Septuagint Significance

5 For the Lord GOD of hosts has a day of panic, subjugation and confusion In the valley of vision, A breaking down of walls And a crying to the mountain. Isaiah 22:5 (NASB95)

5 Because it is a day of trouble and destruction and trampling and misleading from the Lord Sabaoth in the valley of Zion. From small to great, they wander; they wander on the mountains. Isaiah 22:5 (LES2)

This verse is prototypical of how the MT appears to weave its deception. It calls the valley of Zion the valley of vision. The next part does not match at all. 

8 And He removed the defense of Judah. In that day you depended on the weapons of the house of the forest, 9 And you saw that the breaches In the wall of the city of David were many; And you collected the waters of the lower pool. 10 Then you counted the houses of Jerusalem And tore down houses to fortify the wall. 11 And you made a reservoir between the two walls For the waters of the old pool. But you did not depend on Him who made it, Nor did you take into consideration Him who planned it long ago. Isaiah 22:8–11 (NASB95)

8 And they will uncover the gates of Judah and on that day look into the choicest houses of the city. 9 And they will uncover the secrets of the houses of the citadel of David. And they saw that they were many, and that he turned back the water of the old reservoir into the city, 10 and that they tore down the houses of Jerusalem for a stronghold wall for the city. 11 And you made for yourselves water between the two walls, farther in than the old reservoir. And you did not look to the one who made it from the beginning or see the one who created it. Isaiah 22:8–11 (LES2)

There are some differences here, but the general idea seems to be the same.

12 Therefore in that day the Lord GOD of hosts called you to weeping, to wailing, To shaving the head and to wearing sackcloth. 13 Instead, there is gaiety and gladness, Killing of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, Eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die.” 14 But the LORD of hosts revealed Himself to me, “Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you Until you die,” says the Lord GOD of hosts. Isaiah 22:12–14 (NASB95)

12 And on that day the Lord, the Lord Sabaoth, called for weeping and lamentation and shaving and girding sackcloth. 13 But they acted with cheer and rejoicing, slaughtering calves and sacrificing sheep in order to eat meat and drink wine: “Let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” 14 And these things are revealed in the ears of the Lord Sabaoth, because this sin will not be forgiven you until you die. Isaiah 22:12–14 (LES2)

A difference here is that the MT says God revealed secrets to Jeremiah, but the LXX says that they were revealed to God.

15 Thus says the Lord GOD of hosts, “Come, go to this steward, To Shebna, who is in charge of the royal household, 16 ‘What right do you have here, And whom do you have here, That you have hewn a tomb for yourself here, You who hew a tomb on the height, You who carve a resting place for yourself in the rock? 17 ‘Behold, the LORD is about to hurl you headlong, O man. And He is about to grasp you firmly 18 And roll you tightly like a ball, To be cast into a vast country; There you will die And there your splendid chariots will be, You shame of your master’s house.’ 19 “I will depose you from your office, And I will pull you down from your station. Isaiah 22:15–19 (NASB95) 

15 This is what the Lord Sabaoth says: “Go into the priest’s chamber, to Shebna the treasurer, and say to him, 16 “Why are you here? And what is your business here, that you cut out here a tomb for yourself, and you made yourself a tomb at a high point, and you inscribed a tent for yourself on the rock?” 17 Look now, the Lord Sabaoth casts out and will rub out a man, and he will take away your robe and your esteemed crown, 18 and he will throw you into a great and immeasurable territory, and there you will die. And he will turn your fine chariot into dishonor; also your leader’s house. 19 And you will be removed from your stewardship and from your position. Isaiah 22:15–19 (LES2)

Here is where some more differences emerge. In verse 15, the MT says to go “to this steward, to Shebna,” but the LXX says “Go into the priest’s chamber, to Shebna.”

In verse 17, the MT omits that God says “he will take away your robe and your esteemed crown.”

20 “Then it will come about in that day, That I will summon My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, 21 And I will clothe him with your tunic And tie your sash securely about him. I will entrust him with your authority, And he will become a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. 22 “Then I will set the key of the house of David on his shoulder, When he opens no one will shut, When he shuts no one will open. 23 “I will drive him like a peg in a firm place, And he will become a throne of glory to his father’s house. Isaiah 22:20–23 (NASB95)

20 And this will happen on that day: I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, 21 and I will clothe him with your robe, and I will give him your crown according to power, and your stewardship I will give into his hands, and he will be like a father to those who live in Jerusalem and to those who live in Judah. 22 And I will give the glory of David to him, and he will rule, and there will be no one who opposes him. And he will shut, and there will be no one to open. 23 And I will set him up as leader in a secure place, and he will become a throne of the glory of his father’s house. Isaiah 22:20–23 (LES2)

The MT says Eliakim will be given Shebna’s sash, but the LXX says it will be his crown. 

In verse 22, the MT says that God will set the “key of the house of David on his shoulder.” The LXX says “the glory of David will be given to him and there will be no one who opposes him.” The MT continues its key theme by saying instead “when he opens no one will shut.” Both agree that when he shuts, no one will open. Verse 23 concludes that he will become a throne of glory in his father’s house. 

Could this be anything other than a prophecy about Jesus the Messiah? It sounds very much like a passage in Revelation.

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: Revelation 3:7 (NASB95)

Interestingly, the Revelation verse agrees more closely with the MT.

24 “So they will hang on him all the glory of his father’s house, offspring and issue, all the least of vessels, from bowls to all the jars. 25 “In that day,” declares the LORD of hosts, “the peg driven in a firm place will give way; it will even break off and fall, and the load hanging on it will be cut off, for the LORD has spoken.” Isaiah 22:24–25 (NASB95)

24 And every esteemed person in his father’s house, from small to great, will trust him, and they will be dependent on him 25 on that day. This is what the Lord Sabaoth says: “The person who has been firmly set in a secure place will be removed and will be taken away and fall, and the glory that was upon him will be utterly destroyed, for the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 22:24–25 (LES2)

The LXX says that all will “trust him,” just as those who believe in Jesus. The LXX continues that “they will be dependent on him on that day.” This again sounds like Jesus the believers’ relationship with Jesus. Verse 24 in the MT is rather unintelligible. 

Those who resisted the Lord will be removed, deposed, and fall, even as happened to Israel after their rejection of the Messiah, as prophesied by our Lord. (Matthew 21:43)

Summary: The LXX makes it clear that this is a prophecy about our Lord Jesus. Only he could fulfill what was spoken about Hilkiah. The MT changes things quite a bit, as it often does when a prophecy points to Christ. Interestingly, Revelation 3:7 closely quotes the MT.

New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Matthew 13:35

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. 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. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

 

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

35 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “I WILL OPEN MY MOUTH IN PARABLES; I WILL UTTER THINGS HIDDEN SINCE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.” Matthew 13:35 (NASB95)

2 I will open [anoigo] my mouth [stoma] in parables [parabole]. I will voice [phtheggomai] riddles [problema] from the beginning [arche]. Psalm 77:2 (LES2)

2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Psalm 78:2 (NASB95)

The first part of Matthew’s quote agrees with the LXX. The second part is a paraphrase.

 

 

Comparing MT to the Septuagint (LXX): Genesis 16

Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text with the LXX.  I have concluded that the LXX is much to be preferred over the Masoretic Text, a position from which the Eastern Orthodox Church never deviated. Perhaps, if you take the time to read my comparisons and other articles, you will arrive at the same conclusion.

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.

MT LXX Significance

1 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife had borne him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. 4 He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight. Genesis 16:1–4 (NASB95)

1 Sarai, the wife of Abram, had not borne children for him. She had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. 2 Sarai said to Abram, “Look, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in, therefore, to my maid, so you may have children from her.” Abram listened to her voice. 3 And Sarai, the wife of Abram, took Hagar, the Egyptian, her maid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan. She gave her to Abram, her husband, as a wife for him. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived, and she saw that she was pregnant, and her mistress was dishonored before her. Genesis 16:1–4 (LES2)

These passages agree.

5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the LORD judge between you and me.” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence. Genesis 16:5–6 (NASB95)

5 Sarai said to Abram, “I am being wronged by you. I have given my maid into your bosom, but when she saw that she was pregnant, I was dishonored before her. May God judge between me and you.” 6 Abram said to Sarai, “Look, your maid is before you; you may use her however is pleasing to you.” And Sarai mistreated her, and she fled from her presence. Genesis 16:5–6 (LES2)

These passages essentially agree.

7 Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur. 8 He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from and where are you going?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the presence of my mistress Sarai.” 9 Then the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” 10 Moreover, the angel of the LORD said to her, “I will greatly multiply your descendants so that they will be too many to count.” 11 The angel of the LORD said to her further, “Behold, you are with child, And you will bear a son; And you shall call his name Ishmael, Because the LORD has given heed to your affliction. 12 “He will be a wild donkey of a man, His hand will be against everyone, And everyone’s hand will be against him; And he will live to the east of all his brothers.” Genesis 16:7–12 (NASB95) 

7 And an angel of the Lord God found her at the spring of water in the wilderness, at the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Hagar, maid of Sarai, where are you coming from, and where are you going?” And she said, “I am escaping from the presence of Sarai, my mistress.” 9 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and humble yourself under her hands.” 10 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Increasing, I will increase your offspring, and it will not be countable because of the great number.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Look, you are pregnant, and you will bear a son and call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has noticed your humiliation. 12 He will be a rustic person. His hands will be against all, and the hands of all will be against him, and he will dwell in opposition to all his brothers.” Genesis 16:7–12 (LES2)

Here we see some  differences beginning in verse 9. The MT has the angel instructing Hagar to “submit yourself to her (Sarai’s) authority.” The LXX says, “humble yourself under her hands.” It takes humility to willingly submit to authority, but it can be done without humility, too. 

In verse 11, the MT says that God has “given heed to your affliction,” meaning pain, misery, or frustration. The LXX says that God “has noticed your humiliation” or lowliness. A humble heart is of great value to the Lord.

Ishmael’s name means “God hears.”

In verse 12, the MT says Ishmael will be “a wild donkey of a man.” The LXX says that he will be a “rustic person,” which means rough or rude. 

The MT says he will “live to the east” of his brothers, but the LXX says he will dwell literally facing them.

13 Then she called the name of the LORD who spoke to her, “You are a God who sees”; for she said, “Have I even remained alive here after seeing Him?” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 15 So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him. Genesis 16:13–16 (NASB95) 

13 And Hagar called the name of the Lord who was speaking to her, “You are the God who watches over me”; because she said, “Because I even saw in person the one who appeared to me.” 14 On this account she called the well “Well where I saw in person.” Look, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 15 And Hagar brought forth a son for Abram, and Abram called the name of his son whom Hagar brought forth for him Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael for Abram. Genesis 16:13–16 (LES2)

The MT says God “sees,” but the LXX says he “watches over.” The question Hagar asks in verse 13 in the MT seems out of place with the name of God. The question in the LXX makes perfect sense. 

The LXX translates the meaning of the Hebrew name of the well for the sake of non-Hebrew speaking readers. 

The rest of the passage agrees. 

Summary: We get into some prophetic words in this chapter; so, it is not surprising that we see some differences between the MT and LXX. The MT casts Ishmael in a worse light than does the LXX. The MT often does this sort of thing to Israel’s enemies.

New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Matthew 13:13-15

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. 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. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

 

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

13 “Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 “In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, ‘YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING [akoe], BUT WILL NOT UNDERSTAND [suniemi]; YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING [blepo], BUT WILL NOT PERCEIVE [eidon]; 15 FOR THE HEART [kardia] OF THIS PEOPLE [laos] HAS BECOME DULL [pachuno], WITH THEIR EARS [ous] THEY SCARCELY [bareos] HEAR [akouo], AND THEY HAVE CLOSED [kammuo] THEIR EYES [ophthalmos], OTHERWISE [mepote] THEY WOULD SEE [edon] WITH THEIR EYES ophthamos], HEAR [akouo] WITH THEIR EARS [ous], AND UNDERSTAND [suniemi] WITH THEIR HEART [kardia] AND RETURN [epistrepho], AND I WOULD HEAL [iaomai] THEM.’ Matthew 13:13–15 (NASB95)

9 And he said, “Go and say to this people, ‘You will hear [akouo] by hearing [akouo] and not understand [suniemi]; and although looking [blepo], you will look [blepo] and not see [orao].’ 10 For the heart [kardia] of this people [laos] has been thickened [pachuno]; and they have heard [akouo] heavily [bareos] with their ears [ous], and they closed [kammuo] their eyes [ophthalmos] in case [pote] they see [orao] with their eyes [ophthalmos] and hear [akouo] with their ears [ous] and understand [suniemi] with their heart [kardia] and turn [epistrepho], and I will heal [iaomai] them.” Isaiah 6:9–10 (LES2)

9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; Keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, Otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, And return and be healed.” Isaiah 6:9–10 (NASB95)

This seems to be a tie between the MT and LXX.

 

 

New Testament Use of the Septuagint – Matthew 12:38-41

Here is New Testament quote from the Old that shows if the Septuagint was the version of the Scriptures used by the human author and the Holy Spirit, which is usually the case – 70-80% of the time, according to those who claim to know. I am doing my own investigation which is detailed below. 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. It supposedly uses the version of the LXX closest to what the early church had available. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation for insight into difficult passages.

If you want to know more, click on the following links.

 

NT Quote
LXX
MT
Comment

38 Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” 39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet; 40 for just as JONAH WAS THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS IN THE BELLY [koilia] OF THE SEA MONSTER [ketos], so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 “The men of Nineveh will stand up with this generation at the judgment, and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. Matthew 12:38–41 (NASB95)

1 And the Lord commanded a great sea monster to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly [koilia] of the sea monster [ketos] for three days and three nights. Jonah 2:1 (LES2)

17 And the LORD appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 1:17 (NASB95)

It is clear that Matthew here quoted from the LXX.
       

 

 

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