John Calvin’s use of the Septuagint (LXX) in Institutes of the Christian Religion

John Calvin’s use of the Septuagint (LXX) in Institutes of the Christian Religion reflects his engagement with ancient translations, though he prioritized the Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT). Below are key instances where Calvin explicitly or implicitly references the Septuagint, along with evidence of his broader reliance on it for scriptural interpretation:

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1. Institutes 1.13.16 (Trinitarian Doctrine)

Reference: Calvin discusses the Trinity and cites Psalm 110:1 (Dominus dixit ad Dominum meum).

• LXX (Psalm 109:1): "Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τῷ Κυρίῳ μου" ("The Lord said to my Lord").
• MT (Psalm 110:1): "נְאֻם יְהוָה לַאדֹנִי" ("The declaration of Yahweh to my Lord").
  Analysis: Calvin uses the LXX’s Κύριος (Lord) for both divine names, aligning with the New Testament (Matthew 22:44) and early Christian Trinitarian arguments. While he acknowledges the Hebrew, the LXX framing reflects his doctrinal emphasis.

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2. Institutes 2.6.4 (Atonement and Isaiah 53)

Reference: Calvin quotes Isaiah 53:5 to explain Christ’s substitutionary suffering.

• LXX: "τῷ μώλωπι αὐτοῦ ἡμεῖς ἰάθημεν" ("by his bruises we were healed").
• MT: "וּבַחֲבֻרָתוֹ נִרְפָּא־לָנוּ" ("and by his wounds we are healed").
  Analysis: Calvin’s phrasing mirrors the LXX’s passive "ἡμεῖς ἰάθημεν" (we were healed), aligning with his emphasis on Christ’s vicarious atonement. He likely drew from the LXX here, as it sharpens the theological focus on Christ’s role.

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3. Institutes 1.8.1 (Authority of Scripture)

Reference: Calvin cites Psalm 119:105 ("Your word is a lamp to my feet").

• LXX (Psalm 118:105): "Λύχνος τοῖς ποσί μου ὁ νόμος σου" ("Your law is a lamp to my feet").
• MT: "נֵר־לְרַגְלִי דְבָרֶךָ" ("Your word is a lamp to my foot").
  Analysis: Calvin uses "lamp" (λύχνος) and "law" (νόμος) from the LXX, blending it with the MT’s "דבר" (word). This synthesis shows his familiarity with both texts.

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4. Institutes 3.4.27 (Mercy Over Sacrifice)

Reference: Calvin quotes Hosea 6:6 ("I desire mercy, not sacrifice").

• LXX: "ἔλεος θέλω καὶ οὐ θυσίαν" ("mercy I desire, not sacrifice").
• MT: "כִּי חֶסֶד חָפַצְתִּי וְלֹא־זָבַח" ("for I desire steadfast love, not sacrifice").
  Analysis: Calvin’s wording aligns with the LXX’s "ἔλεος" (mercy), which Jesus also cites in Matthew 9:13. This reflects his reliance on the LXX for Christocentric interpretations.

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5. Institutes 1.5.12 (Creation’s Testimony)

Reference: Calvin paraphrases Psalm 19:1 ("The heavens declare the glory of God").

• LXX (Psalm 18:2): "Οἱ οὐρανοὶ διηγοῦνται δόξαν Θεοῦ" ("The heavens declare the glory of God").
• MT: "הַשָּׁמַיִם מְסַפְּרִים כְּבוֹד־אֵל" ("The heavens declare the glory of God").
  Analysis: The LXX’s "διηγοῦνται" (declare) matches Calvin’s emphasis on creation’s proclamation, showing his use of the LXX for theological emphasis.

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6. Institutes 2.10.23 (Law and Gospel)

Reference: Calvin discusses Deuteronomy 30:11–14 ("The word is near you").

• LXX: "ἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμά ἐστιν" ("the word is near you").
• MT: "כִּי־קָרוֹב אֵלֶיךָ הַדָּבָר מְאֹד" ("the word is very near to you").
  Analysis: Paul quotes the LXX in Romans 10:8, and Calvin follows this tradition, using the LXX to connect Old Testament law with New Covenant grace.

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Broader Evidence of Calvin’s Use of the Septuagint

1. Textual Criticism: Calvin frequently compares Hebrew and Greek readings in his commentaries (e.g., Genesis, Psalms), acknowledging the LXX’s value for resolving ambiguities.

2. Apocryphal Citations: Though rejecting the Apocrypha’s canonicity, Calvin quotes books like Wisdom and Sirach (e.g., Institutes 1.5.5), which were part of the LXX.

3. Christological Typology: Calvin relies on the LXX’s messianic phrasing (e.g., "virgin" in Isaiah 7:14 LXX) to defend Christ’s virgin birth, even if he prioritizes Hebrew elsewhere.

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Conclusion

Calvin respected the Septuagint as a bridge between Hebrew Scripture and the New Testament, using it to:

• Support doctrinal arguments (e.g., Trinity, atonement).
• Align with apostolic citations (e.g., Paul’s use of LXX).
• Clarify ambiguous Hebrew passages.

While he prioritized the MT, the LXX informed his exegesis, demonstrating his commitment to a multilingual, textually informed theology. For deeper analysis, consult:

• T.H.L. Parker, Calvin’s Old Testament Commentaries.
• Richard Muller, The Unaccommodated Calvin.
• David Steinmetz, Calvin in Context.