The text of the LXX known to Matthew

The text of the LXX known to Matthew

On a number of occasions Matthew quotes a form of the text that differs from both the Hebrew text that has come down to us (Masoretic Text) and the LXX represented in the majority of manuscripts. This could be because he is modifying the text to make his point or that he is quoting from memory and makes mistakes. However, at least in some instances it appears that he is quoting from a version of the LXX that differs from the principal manuscripts. From the evidence of the Dead Sea Scrolls it would appear that there had been several attempts to revise the LXX text to bring it closer to the Hebrew text. In addition, we learn from the Scrolls that there were also variations in the Hebrew text, so that the question of what text Matthew was quoting from is extremely complicated. Given that we live in a period where there are countless English versions of the Bible, perhaps this should not be unduly surprising. (Moyise, Steve. 2010. Jesus and Scripture. London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.)

For our reflection:

Matthew was reading LXX and Masoretic Text at the same time? He has two Old Testaments in his hands. One is the Hebrew OT and one is the Greek OT LXX. Clearly no one including Jesus, was pursuing a perfect Old Testament at Jesus' time? For an introduction to the issues, see Timothy R. McLay, The Use of the Septuagint in New Testament Research (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2003).

Lament over Bible-Presbyterian Church

“O Bible-Presbyterian Church, Bible-Presbyterian Church, the church that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would God has gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!

See, your house is left to you desolate.

For God tell you, you will not see God again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Amen.

I pray that you will stop pursuing a Perfect Bible until you have hurt the Lord's heart. I also ask that you stop promoting the perfect TR underlying the KJV and the KJV as the most faithful English Bible. May God grant you grace, mercy, and peace, leading you back to the flock of the Almighty God.