Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 9:25-33

I will call those who were not my people, ‘My people,’ and I will call her who was unloved, ‘My beloved.[1]  I don’t consider this a quotation of Hosea 2:23 so much as a conclusion.  Bill Braun analyzed it as a quotation[2] for any who are interested.  The translation of Hosea 2:23 is as follows in the NET: “Then I will plant her as my own in the land.  I will have pity on ‘No Pity’ (Lo-Ruhamah).  I will say to ‘Not My People’ (Lo-Ammi), ‘You are my people!’  And he will say, ‘You are my God!’”[3]  None of this makes much sense without the context (Hosea 1:2 NET).

When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, he said to him, “Go marry [literally, take for yourself] a prostitute [literally, a wife of harlotries; Septuagint: γυναῖκα[4] πορνείας[5]] who will bear illegitimate children conceived through prostitution [literally, children of harlotries; Septuagint: τέκνα[6] πορνείας], because the nation continually commits [Septuagint: ἐκπορνεύουσα[7]] spiritual[8] prostitution [Septuagint: ἐκπορνεύσει][9] by turning away from the Lord” [Table].

Israel’s northern kingdom’s spiritual prostitution was described in the next chapter (Hosea 2:2, 5, 8 NET).

Plead earnestly with your mother (for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband), so that she might put an end to her adulterous lifestyle [Septuagint: μοιχείαν[10]], and turn away from her sexually immoral behavior [Septuagint: πορνείαν[11]]…. For their mother has committed adultery [Septuagint: ἐξεπόρνευσεν[12]]; she who conceived them has acted shamefully.  For she said, “I will seek out my lovers; they are the ones who give me my bread and my water, my wool, my flax, my olive oil, and my wine….Yet until now she has refused to acknowledge that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine, and the olive oil; and that it was I who lavished on her the silver and gold – which they used in worshiping Baal!

The note in the NET after the phrase I will seek out my lovers reads: “This statement alludes to the practice of sexual rites in the Canaanite fertility cult which attempted to secure agricultural fertility from the Canaanite gods…”  So Hosea married (literally so he went and took) Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim.  Then she conceived and gave birth to a son for him.[13]  God told Hosea to name his first son Jezreel, because in a little while I will punish the dynasty of Jehu on account of the bloodshed in the valley of Jezreel.[14]  Then Gomer gave birth to a daughter and the Lord told Hosea, Name her “No Pity” (Lo-Ruhamah) because I will no longer have pity on the nation of Israel.[15]  Then God told Hosea to name his next son “Not My People” (Lo-Ammi), because you are not my people and I am not your God.[16]

However, the Lord continued, in the future the number of the people of Israel will be like the sand of the sea which can be neither measured nor numbered.  Although it was said to them, “You are not my people,” it will be said to them, “You are children of the living God!”[17]  Paul’s quotation of this verse was identical with that found in the Septuagint.

#

Paul (NET)

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

1

And in the very place where it was said to them, You are not my people, there they will be called sons of the living God.

Romans 9:26 (NET)

καὶ ἔσται ἐν τῷ τόπῳ οὗ ἐρρέθη αὐτοῖς οὐ λαός μου ὑμεῖς ἐκεῖ κληθήσονται υἱοὶ θεοῦ ζῶντος

Hosea 1:10

καὶ ἔσται ἐν τῷ τόπῳ οὗ ἐρρέθη |αὐτοῖς| οὐ λαός μου ὑμεῖς, ἐκεῖ κληθήσονται υἱοὶ θεοῦ ζῶντος

Romans 9:26

I looked to the Jewish Virtual Library out of curiosity how this story would be interpreted there.  Essentially chapter 3 was viewed not as a continuation of the story begun in chapters 1 and 2, but as a restatement of that same story, the “real” story, in fact.  In that “real” story Hosea did not “love” a promiscuous woman but “befriended” her.

Hosea 3:1 NET

Hosea 3:1 Jewish Virtual Library[18]

The Lord said to me, “Go, show love to your wife again, even though she loves another man and continually commits adultery.  Likewise, the Lord loves the Israelites although they turn to other gods and love to offer raisin cakes to idols” [Table]. “YHWH said to me further, ‘Go, befriend a woman who, while befriended by a companion, sleeps with others, even as I befriend the children of Israel but they turn to other gods.’ So I befriended a woman of lust.”

To marry such a woman in the first place would be contrary to a law of righteousness.  To receive her back again as a wife after having divorced her for unfaithfulness would be unthinkable.[19]  Obviously, God would never command such a thing, therefore He didn’t, no matter what the text says.  Despite all this fussiness the author(s) of this particular article in the Jewish Virtual Library got the point of Hosea 2:19 and 20 better than I could ever hope to tease out of an English translation:  I will commit myself to you forever; I will commit myself to you in righteousness and justice, in steadfast love and tender compassion.  I will commit myself to you in faithfulness; then you will acknowledge the Lord”[20] it reads in the NET.  What it means according to the Jewish Virtual Library is as follows:

“YHWH will, moreover, espouse her a second time, and in such a way as to insure the permanence of the new marriage for…he will bestow upon her as bride-price the three pairs of qualities, righteousness – justice, goodness – graciousness, and loyalty – devotion to YHWH. In non-allegorical language, of course, that means that YHWH will make a new God-and-people covenant with Israel and will obviate any occasion for dissolving it like the first by making Israel constitutionally incapable of breaking it.”[21]

I would regard this as an excellent synopsis of Paul’s understanding of the Gospel in his letter to the Romans—if that had been its source.  By the way, the note in the NET reads: “The preposition בְּ (bet), which is repeated throughout 2:19-20 [21-22], denotes price paid (BDB 90 s.v. בְּ III.3; e.g., Ezek 3:14). The text contains an allusion to the payment of bridal gifts. The Lord will impute the moral character to Israel that will be necessary for a successful covenant relationship (contra 4:1).”

I’ve already covered what I think about the paraphrase/quotation in Romans 9:33 elsewhere.  Bill Braun’s analysis is available at http://ntuseoflxx.com/Rom9-33.html

 

Addendum (6/21/2015): Jim Searcy has published that the Septuagint is a hoax written by Origen and Eusebius 200 hundred years after Christ.  “In fact, the Septuagint ‘quotes’ from the New Testament and not vice versa…”  His contention is that the “King James Version is the infallible Word of God.”  So, I’ll re-examine the quotations above with the KJV.

#

Paul (KJV)

KJV

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

1

…in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

Romans 9:26 (KJV)

…in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.

Hosea 1:10

καὶ ἔσται ἐν τῷ τόπῳ οὗ ἐρρέθη |αὐτοῖς| οὐ λαός μου ὑμεῖς, ἐκεῖ κληθήσονται υἱοὶ θεοῦ ζῶντος

Romans 9:26

I don’t see anything here to question (or confirm) the dating and authorship of the Septuagint. The Old Testament verse and the New Testament quotation match as well in the KJV as they do in the NET.


[1] Romans 9:25 (NET)

[3] Hosea 2:23 (NET)

[6] A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud wailing, Rachel weeping for her children (τέκνα), and she did not want to be comforted, because they were gone. (Matthew 2:18 NET)

[7] “to prostitute, indulge in immorality, commit fornication”  http://www.motorera.com/greek/lexicon/ek.html#ekporneuousa

[8] NET Note: The adjective “spiritual” is supplied in the translation to clarify that apostasy is meant here. The construction זָנֹה תִזְנֶה (zanoh tizneh, infinitive absolute + imperfect of the same root) repeats the root זָנַה (zanah, “harlotry”) for rhetorical emphasis. Israel was guilty of gross spiritual prostitution by apostatizing from Yahweh. The verb זָנַה is used in a concrete sense to refer to a spouse being unfaithful in a marriage relationship (HALOT 275 s.v. זנה 1), and figuratively meaning “to be unfaithful” in a relationship with God by prostituting oneself with other gods and worshiping idols (Exod 34:15; Lev 17:7; 20:5, 6; Deut 31:16; Judg 8:27, 33; 21:17; 1 Chr 5:25; Ezek 6:9; 20:30; 23:30; Hos 4:15; Ps 106:39; see HALOT 275 s.v. 2).

[9] “to prostitute, indulge in immorality, commit fornication”  http://www.motorera.com/greek/lexicon/ek.html#ekporneusei

[11] But regarding the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter, having decided that they should avoid meat that has been sacrificed to idols and blood and what has been strangled and sexual immorality (πορνείαν). (Acts 21:25 NET)

[12] to prostitute, indulge in immorality, commit fornication  http://www.motorera.com/greek/lexicon/ex.html#exeporneusen

[13] Hosea 1:3 (NET) Table

[14] Hosea 1:4 (NET)

[15] Hosea 1:6 (NET)

[16] Hosea 1:9 (NET)

[17] Hosea 1:10 (NET)

[20] Hosea 2:19, 20 (NET)

Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 9:1-20

What follows is an analysis of Paul’s Old Testament quotations in Romans 9:7-13:

#

Paul (NET)

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

1

through Isaac will your descendants be counted

Romans 9:7 (NET)

ἐν Ισαακ κληθήσεταί[1]  σοι σπέρμα

Genesis 21:12

ἐν Ἰσαὰκ κληθήσεται σοι σπέρμα

Romans 9:7

2

About a year from now I will return and Sarah will have a son.

Romans 9:9 (NET)

ἥξω[2] πρὸς σὲ[3] κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν τοῦτον εἰς ὥρας[4] καὶ ἕξει υἱὸν Σαρρα[5]

Genesis 18:10

καὶ ἔσται τῇ Σαρρα υἱός

Genesis 18:14

κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν τοῦτον ἐλεύσομαι[6]  καὶ ἔσται τῇ Σάρρᾳ υἱός.

Romans 9:9

3

The older will serve the younger

Romans 9:12 (NET)

ὁ μείζων δουλεύσει τῷ ἐλάσσονι

Genesis 25:23

ὁ μείζων[7] δουλεύσει τῷ ἐλάσσονι[8]

Romans 9:12

4

Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated

Romans 9:13 (NET)

ἠγάπησα τὸν Ιακωβ τὸν δὲ Ησαυ ἐμίσησα

Malachi 1:2, 3

τὸν Ἰακὼβ ἠγάπησα, τὸν δὲ Ἠσαῦ ἐμίσησα

Romans 9:13

Item #1 is identical in the Septuagint and the parallel Greek text except that the accent mark is missing from before Ισαακ (Isaac) in the Septuagint.  The Greek word κληθήσεταί, translated counted in the NET above, is a form of καλέω, like ἐκάλεσεν:  And those he predestined, he also called (ἐκάλεσεν); and those he called (ἐκάλεσεν), he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.[9]  But in this particular form it is called as in a designation:  Jesus would be called (ἐκάλεσα, another form of καλέω) a Nazarene.[10]  So anyone who breaks one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do so will be called (κληθήσεταί) least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever obeys them and teaches others to do so will be called (κληθήσεταί) great in the kingdom of heaven.[11]

Item #2 began ἥξω (I will come) πρὸς σὲ (to you) in the Septuagint followed by the prepositional phrase κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν τοῦτον.  In Revelation 3:3 (NET) ἥξω was translated I will come both times it occurred:  If you do not wake up, I will come (ἥξω) like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come (ἥξω) against you.[12]  Paul left off πρὸς σὲ (to you) and (after the prepositional phrase κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν τοῦτον) chose ἐλεύσομαι, which was also translated I will come in Romans 15:29 and 1 Corinthians 4:19 (NET).  Paul also left off εἰς ὥρας (next year or in due time).  The differences in the final phrases are detailed in Note #5 below.  The repetition of that phrase in Genesis 18:14 was identical to Paul’s construction.  I consider this a paraphrase more than a quotation.

Item #3 is identical in the Septuagint and the New Testament.  While it is certainly not wrong to translate μείζων older and ἐλάσσονι younger in this context, it hides a nuance that they might have been translated greater and lesser respectively.  Who is the greatest (μείζων) in the kingdom of heaven?[13]  He called a child, had him stand among them, and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven!  Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest (μείζων) in the kingdom of heaven.[14]

Item #4 only differs in the word order of the first phrase (and some accent marks on Ιακωβ [Jacob] and Ησαυ [Esau]): ἠγάπησα τὸν Ιακωβ (I loved Jacob) in the Septuagint; τὸν Ἰακὼβ ἠγάπησα (Jacob I loved) in the New Testament.

What follows is an analysis of Paul’s Old Testament quotations in Romans 9:15-20:

#

Paul (NET)

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

5

I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.

Romans 9:15 (NET)

ἐλεήσω ὃν ἂν ἐλεῶ καὶ οἰκτιρήσω ὃν ἂν οἰκτίρω

Exodus 33:19

ἐλεήσω ὃν ἂν ἐλεῶ καὶ οἰκτιρήσω ὃν ἂν οἰκτίρω.

Romans 9:15

6

For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may demonstrate my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.

Romans 9:17 (NET)

καὶ ἕνεκεν τούτου[15] διετηρήθης ἵνα[16] ἐνδείξωμαι ἐν σοὶ τὴν ἰσχύν[17] μου καὶ ὅπως διαγγελῇ τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐν πάσῃ τῇ γῇ

Exodus 9:16

εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο[18] ἐξήγειρα σε ὅπως ἐνδείξωμαι ἐν σοὶ τὴν δύναμιν μου καὶ ὅπως διαγγελῇ τὸ ὄνομα μου ἐν πάσῃ τῇ γῇ

Romans 9:17

7

Does what is molded say to the molder, Why have you made me like this?

Romans 9:20 (NET)

μὴ[19] ἐρεῖ[20] τὸ[21] πλάσμα[22] τῷ πλάσαντι[23] οὐ σύ με ἔπλασας ἢ τὸ ποίημα τῷ ποιήσαντι οὐ συνετῶς με ἐποίησας[24]

Isaiah 29:16

μὴ ἐρεῖ τὸ πλάσμα τῷ πλάσαντι· τί[25] με[26]   ἐποίησας οὕτως[27]

Romans 9:20

Item #5 is the same in the Septuagint and the New Testament.

In Item #6 the second clause καὶ ὅπως διαγγελῇ τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐν πάσῃ τῇ γῇ (and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth) is identical in both the Septuagint and the New Testament except that the accent mark is missing from α at the end of ὄνομα (name) in the parallel Greek text.  According to Bill Braun[28] “The main difference in this citation is the use of a different verb in this first clause.  The NT uses the Greek verb ἐξήγειρά (ἐξεγείρω- 1s-AAI- Mng.- to raise up; bring into being; elevate (BDAG, 346); Trans.- elevated).  The LXX uses the verb διετηρήθης (διατηρέω -2s-API- Mng.- to preserve (GELS); Trans.- you have been preserved).  Certainly these verbs are different….In this case the LXX does follow the sense of the MT better since the Hebrew verb הֶעֱמַדְתִּיךָ (עָמַד -H-14; x2ms; Mng.- to cause to stand firm; maintain (BDB, 764); Trans.- caused to stand firm (or remain)) is very close in meaning.”[29]

As I contemplated why he deliberately changed the word, it came to me that Paul wasn’t grappling with the relatively minor issue of why God kept or preserved a harsh ruler over his people longer than they thought He should.  Paul was entertaining the alarming possibility that his contemporaries, men he studied the Torah with, his brothers, fellow Israelites, might have been raised up or brought into being by God only to be condemned for eternity.  His anguish is palpable:  I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were accursed – cut off from Christ – for the sake of my people, my fellow countrymen, who are Israelites.[30]

The minor differences are as follows:  Paul began with the phrase εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο (for this very purpose).  The Septuagint began καὶ ἕνεκεν τούτου (and for this purpose).  Paul used a different conjunction ὅπως (in such manner as) than ἵνα (in that place) in the Septuagint.  Paul chose δύναμίν over ἰσχύν (strength).  There are enough differences in the first clause that I find it difficult to think of as a quotation.  It is more like an amplification of Paul’s point:  So then, God has mercy on whom he chooses to have mercy, and he hardens whom he chooses to harden.[31]

It stands as an allusion to, So the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet.  You are to speak everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh that he must release the Israelites from his land.  But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and although I will multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you.”[32]  This mirrored Paul’s experience too often to pass without comment.

Item #7 doesn’t seem like a quote at all to me, beyond the introductory phrase μὴ ἐρεῖ τὸ πλάσμα τῷ πλάσαντι (does what is molded say to the molder).  Instead it points to Paul’s reasoning process.  Here are the relevant texts (Isaiah 29:16; 45:9 NET)

Your thinking is perverse!  Should the potter be regarded as clay?  Should the thing made say about its maker, “He didn’t make me”?  Or should the pottery say about the potter, “He doesn’t understand”?

One who argues with his creator is in grave danger, one who is like a mere shard among the other shards on the ground!  The clay should not say to the potter, “What in the world are you doing?  Your work lacks skill!”

If it is perverse to regard the potter as clay, and for the thing made to say about its maker, “He didn’t make me,” or “He doesn’t understand,” then it is likewise perverse for what is molded to say to the molder, “Why have you made me like this?” (specifically, why have you hardened me like this?).  It puts one in grave danger, like the clay saying to the potter, “What in the world are you doing?  Your work lacks skill!”

And again, one who hears and fears this is hearing the word of God.  God is calling.  Hear also the words that brought comfort and hope to Paul’s anguish:  “I will call those who were not my people, My people, and I will call her who was unloved, My beloved.’”  “And in the very place where it was said to them, You are not my people, there they will be called sons of the living God.’”[33]

Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 9:25-33


[2] Revelation 3:3 (NET) The phrase I will come is ἥξω both times.

[3] “The NT text leaves off the prepositional phrase ‘πρὸς σὲ’ which means, ‘to you’.”  http://ntuseoflxx.com/Rom9-9.html

[4] “The NT also leaves off the prepositional phrase εἰς ὥρας, (mng.-next year or in due time (GELS); Trans.- next year).”  http://ntuseoflxx.com/Rom9-9.html

[5] “The last clause, which translates ‘Sarah will have a son’ for both the NT and LXX, is constructed differently in the Greek texts.  The NT uses a passive construction and the verb ἔσται from ειμι (3s-FMI; Mng.- to be; Trans.- will be; or, if translated in proper English with Sarah as the subject, ‘Sarah shall have a son’).  This more impersonal construction is also the reason that Sarah is in the dative case as an indirect object (τῇ Σάρρᾳ) and ‘a son’ is in the nominative case.  Whereas the LXX uses an active construction and the verb ἕξει from εχω (3s-FAI; Mng. – to have; Trans.- will have).  Here Sarah is the subject and ‘a son’ is the direct object.  These statements are identical in meaning despite the different constructions and verb choice.  In this case, the NT follows the MT better since the MT uses a more impersonal construction by employing a verbless clause and indirect object ‘to Sarah’ (לְשָׂרָה).  When we translate a verbless clauses in Hebrew we must supply a being verb, which the NT does (see IBHS, 72).  But, in the end the MT must also translate as ‘Sarah will have a son’.  Thus, all three texts are identical in meaning.”  http://ntuseoflxx.com/Rom9-9.html

[9] Romans 8:30 (NET)

[10] Matthew 2:23 (NET)

[11] Matthew 5:19 (NET)

[12] Revelation 3:3b (NET)

[13] Matthew 18:1 (NET)

[14] Matthew 18:2-4 (NET)

[15] “the LXX phrase ‘καὶ ἕνεκεν τούτου’ is practically identical translating as, ‘And for this purpose..’.” http://ntuseoflxx.com/Rom9-17.html

[16] “Next the NT texts uses a slightly different conjunction ὅπως as compared to the conjunction ἵνα of the LXX.  The NT contains the conjuction ὅπως (Mng. -‘in order to’; conjunction expressing purpose for an event or state (BDAG, 718)).  The LXX uses the conjunction ἵνα (Mng.- marker to denote purpose, aim, goal (BDAG, 475)).  Thus we see that these two conjunction overlap in their usage, in that they both denote purpose.  Thus, there is no noticable change in the sense of the passage due to this change.  Both Greek texts follow the Hebrew equally as well.”  http://ntuseoflxx.com/Rom9-17.html

[17] “Next the NT has a noun which is merely a synonym for the LXX counterpart.  The NT has δύναμίν (δύναμις – Mng.- power, might, strength, force (BDAG, 262), whereas the LXX has ἰσχύν (ἰσχύς -Mng.- strength, power, might (BDAG, 484).  Interestingly BDAG notes that the LXX form of ἰσχύς is rare in later times and in insc. and pap. [e.g. PMich 156—II a.d.], but oft. LXX; pseudepigr.; Philo; Jos., C. Ap. 1, 19 al.; Just., Ath., Iren.).  Thus this could be a case of this noun slowly fading out of existence, and thus Paul chose the more contemporary noun.  In any case, there is no change in sense and the Greek texts follow the MT equally as well.”  http://ntuseoflxx.com/Rom9-17.html

[18] “The NT phrase ‘Εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο’ translates as, ‘for this very purpose.’”  http://ntuseoflxx.com/Rom9-17.html

[25] Translated why in Matthew 6:28 and 7:3 (NET)

[26] A form of ἐγώ, I, me, my.

[30] Romans 9:2-4a (NET) Table

[31] Romans 9:18 (NET)

[32] Exodus 7:1-4a (NET)

[33] Romans 9:25, 26 (NET)

Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 3:20

The note in the NET lists no one is declared righteous before him as an Old Testament allusion rather than a quotation.

Paul

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

no one is declared righteous before him

Romans 3:20 (NET)

οὐ δικαιωθήσεται ἐνώπιόν σου πᾶς ζῶν

Psalm 143:2 Table

ου δικαιωθησεται πασα σαρξ ενωπιον αυτου

Romans 3:20

David, speaking to God in prayer, wrote what was translated into Greek in the Septuagint as ἐνώπιόν σου (before you [NET], in Your sight [NKJV]).  Paul, writing about God, wrote ενωπιον αυτου (before him [NET], in His sight [NKJV]).  Apparently it is the verb that is negated in Greek rather than the subject: not justified or not declared righteous are all living or all flesh.  David wrote πᾶς ζῶν (all living, translated no one alive [NET], no one living [NKJV]).  Paul changed it to πασα σαρξ (all flesh, translated no one [NET], no flesh [NKJV]).  The change is interesting considering what Paul had to say about the flesh (sarx, σάρξ) later in Romans 7 and 8.  But Paul himself used σαρξ (flesh) and ανθρωπος (man, human) interchangeably in Galatians 2:16.  First, ου δικαιουται ανθρωπος εξ εργων νομου (no one is justified by the works of the law),1 then, εξ εργων νομου ου δικαιωθησεται πασα σαρξ (by the works of the law no one will be justified).2


1 Galatians 2:16a (NET)

2 Galatians 2:16b (NET)

Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 3:10-18

 

#

Paul

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

1 There is no one righteous, not even one

Romans 3:10 (NET)

οὐκ ἔστιν ποιῶν χρηστότητα οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός

Psalm 14:1 Table

ουκ εστιν δικαιος ουδε εις

Romans 3:10

2 there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God.

Romans 3:11 (NET)

ἰδεῖν εἰ ἔστιν συνίων ἐκζητῶν τὸν θεόν

Psalm 14:2 Table

ουκ εστιν συνιων ουκ εστιν εκζητων τον θεον

Romans 3:11

3 All have turned away, together they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.

Romans 3:12 (NET)

πάντες ἐξέκλιναν ἅμα ἠχρεώθησαν οὐκ ἔστιν ποιῶν χρηστότητα οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός

Psalm 14:3 Table

παντες εξεκλιναν αμα ηχρεωθησαν ουκ εστιν ποιων χρηστοτητα ουκ εστιν εως ενος

Romans 3:12

In Item #1 Paul replaced ποιῶν χρηστότητα (does goodness) with δικαιος (righteous) [See Addendum below].  The longer phrase οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός (there is not so much as one) is also found at the end of verse 12, but was replaced in verse 10 with ουδε εις (not even one).

In Item #2 David wrote that The Lord looked down from heaven upon the sons of men ἰδεῖν εἰ ἔστιν συνίων (to see if there were any that understood) ἢ ἐκζητῶν τὸν θεόν (or sought after God) [See Addendum below].  Paul, taking his cue from the conclusion in Psalm 14:3, wrote ουκ εστιν συνιων (there is no one who understands) ουκ εστιν εκζητων τον θεον (there is no one who seeks God).

Item #3 is word for word identical (except for accent marks).  It also demonstrates a kind of equivalence in Paul’s mind between ποιῶν χρηστότητα (does goodness, shows kindness [NET] in Psalm 14:1 and 3) with δικαιος (righteous, in Romans 3:10) [See Addendum below].

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Paul

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

4 Their throats are open graves, they deceive with their tonguesthe poison of asps is under their lips.

Romans 3:13 (NET)

τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν

Psalm 5:9

ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν

Psalm 140:3

ταφος ανεωγμενος ο λαρυγξ αυτων ταις γλωσσαις αυτων εδολιουσανιος ασπιδων υπο τα χειλη αυτων

Romans 3:13

5 Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.

Romans 3:14 (NET)

οὗ ἀρᾶς τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ γέμει καὶ πικρίας

Psalm 10:7

ων το στομα αρας και πικριας γεμει

Romans 3:14

Item #4 combines two verses from different Psalms but the quotation is identical in Romans (except for accent marks).  [Or he continued to quote from Psalm 14:3 (13:3) in the Septuagint or the Hebrew from which the Septuagint was translated: see Addendum below.]

In Item #5 the Septuagint began with οὗ (whose, singular).  The parallel Greek text began with ων (whose, plural).  Paul dropped αὐτοῦ (his) since he had switched to the plural form.  Except for word order the quotation is the same after that.  [Or he continued to quote from Psalm 14:3 (13:3) in the Septuagint or the Hebrew from which the Septuagint was translated: see Addendum below.]

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Paul

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET   Bible (Greek parallel text)

6 Their feet are swift to shed blood,

Romans 3:15 (NET)

οἱ δὲ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐπὶ πονηρίαν τρέχουσιν ταχινοὶ [swift] ἐκχέαι αἷμα

Isaiah 59:7

οξεις οι ποδες αυτων εκχεαι αιμα

Romans 3:15

7 ruin and misery are in their paths,

Romans 3:16 (NET)

σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν

Isaiah 59:7

συντριμμα και ταλαιπωρια εν ταις οδοις αυτων

Romans 3:16

8 and the way of peace they have not known.

Romans 3:17 (NET)

καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ οἴδασιν

Isaiah 59:8

και οδον ειρηνης ουκ εγνωσαν

Romans 3:17

In Item #6 the Septuagint read, And their feet run to wickedness, swift to shed blood.1  Paul abbreviated it and began with οξεις (swift) rather than ταχινοὶ.  He dropped the conjunction δὲ (and), and the phrase ἐπὶ πονηρίαν τρέχουσιν (run to wickedness).  [Or he continued to quote from Psalm 14:3 (13:3) in the Septuagint or the Hebrew from which the Septuagint was translated: see Addendum below.]

Item #7 is identical (except for accent marks).  [Or he continued to quote from Psalm 14:3 (13:3) in the Septuagint or the Hebrew from which the Septuagint was translated: see Addendum below.]

Item #8 is identical except that Paul used εγνωσαν, a form of γινώσκω, for known rather than οἴδασιν, a form of εἴδωThey did not understand (εγνωσαν) that [Jesus] was telling them about his Father,2 John informed his readers in his Gospel account.  You are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing (οιδασιν) it!3 Jesus told the Pharisees in Luke’s Gospel account.  I’m not sure how much, or if any, emphasis should be made of that change. [Or Paul may have continued to quote from Psalm 14:3 (13:3) in the Septuagint or the Hebrew from which the Septuagint was translated: see Addendum below.]

[For Romans 3:18 see Addendum below.

 

Addendum: March 31, 2021
The Greek of Paul’s quotation (NET note 14) from Psalm 14:1 is contrasted to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:10b (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:1b (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:1b (Septuagint Elpenor)

οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς οὐκ ἔστιν ποιῶν χρηστότητα οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός [Table] οὐκ ἔστι ποιῶν χρηστότητα οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός

Romans 3:10b (NET)

Psalm 13:1b (NETS)

Psalm 13:1b (English Elpenor)

There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one practicing kindness; there is not even one. there is none that does goodness, there is not even so much as one.

There is more here than I was willing or able to see before.  Paul was certainly looking at the Septuagint or the Hebrew from which the Septuagint was translated.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Psalm 14:1b (Tanakh) Table Genesis 14:1b (NET) Genesis 13:1b (NETS) Table

Genesis 13:1b (English Elpenor)

there is none that doeth good (טֽוֹב). none of them does what is right (ṭôḇ, טוב). there is no one practicing kindness (χρηστότητα); there is not even one. there is none that does goodness (χρηστότητα), there is not even so much as one.

The phrase there is not even one (NETS), there is not even so much as one (English Elpenor), acknowledged by Paul as not even one (NET) is missing from the Masoretic text.  The translation of טֽוֹב (ṭôḇ) good in the Tanakh is completely acceptable.  The first two occurrences of טֽוֹב follow:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Genesis 1:4a (Tanakh) Table Genesis 1:4a (NET) Genesis 1:4a (NETS) Table

Genesis 1:4a (English Elpenor)

And G-d saw the light, that it was good (ט֑וֹב); God saw that the light was good (ṭôḇ, טוב), And God saw the light, that it was good (καλόν). And God saw the light that it was good (καλόν),

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Genesis 1:10c (Tanakh) Table Genesis 1:10c (NET) Genesis 1:10c (NETS) Table

Genesis 1:10c (English Elpenor)

and G-d saw that it was good (טֽוֹב). God saw that it was good (ṭôḇ, טוב). And God saw that it was good (καλόν). and God saw that it was good (καλόν).

I’ll call this the mechanical translation, not to demean it.  On the contrary, when I began this study I was pedantic enough to favor the mechanical translation over all others.  This study has broadened my thinking some.  Notice the translators of the NET didn’t choose the mechanical translation good.  Their translation right reveals an awareness of Paul’s righteous, even as it answers the question: what is good?  The answer right alludes to the law: God’s law is good; obey his law.

The translators of the Septuagint chose καλόν (a form of καλός) for טֽוֹב (ṭôḇ) in Genesis.  This is the “beautiful good” I’ve considered before in the New Testament.  But they didn’t choose the mechanical translation in Psalm 14:1b either.

The rabbis who translated the Septuagint seem to have answered the same question: What is the beautiful good?  Their answer χρηστότης also reflects their attitude toward the law: “gentleness, goodness, kindness, generosity, uprightness.”

Paul, I think, took this opportunity to answer a different question: Why is there none that doeth goodThere is no one righteous, not even one (οὐκ ἔστιν δίκαιος οὐδὲ εἷς).  That answer makes this more of an allusion to, than a quotation of, Psalm 14:1b.

The Greek of Paul’s quotation (NET note 14) from Psalm 14:2 is contrasted to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:11 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:2 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

οὐκ ἔστιν || συνίων, οὐκ ἔστιν || ἐκζητῶν τὸν θεόν τοῦ ἰδεῗν εἰ ἔστιν συνίων ἐκζητῶν τὸν θεόν [Table] τοῦ ἰδεῖν εἰ ἔστι συνιὼν ἐκζητῶν τὸν Θεόν

Romans 3:11 (NET)

Psalm 13:2 (NETS)

Psalm 13:2 (English Elpenor)

there is no one who understands;, there is no one who seeks God. to see if there was any who had understanding or who sought after God. to see if there were any that understood, or sought after god.

The Greek of Paul’s quotation (NET note 14) from Psalm 14:3a is compared to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:12 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:3a (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:3a (Septuagint Elpenor)

πάντες ἐξέκλιναν ἅμα ἠχρεώθησαν· οὐκ ἔστιν |ὁ| ποιῶν χρηστότητα, [οὐκ ἔστιν] ἕως ἑνός. πάντες ἐξέκλιναν ἅμα ἠχρεώθησαν οὐκ ἔστιν ποιῶν χρηστότητα οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός [Table] πάντες ἐξέκλιναν, ἅμα ἠχρειώθησαν, οὐκ ἔστι ποιῶν χρηστότητα, οὐκ ἔστιν ἕως ἑνός

Romans 3:12 (NET)

Psalm 13:3 (NETS)

Psalm 13:3a (English Elpenor)

All have turned away;, together they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.” All turned away, as well they became useless; there is no one practicing kindness; there is not even one. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become good for nothing, there is none that does good, no not one.

The Greek of Paul’s quotation from Psalm 14:3b (13:3b) is compared to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:13 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:3b (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:3b (Septuagint Elpenor)

τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν, ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν ταῗς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν [Table] τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, ταῖς γλώσσαις αὑτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν· ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν

Romans 3:13 (NET)

Psalm 13:3b (NETS)

Psalm 13:3b (English Elpenor)

“Their throats are open graves;, they deceive with their tongues;, the poison of asps is under their lips.” Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

NET note 16 claimed that this was a quotation from Psalms 5:9 and 140:3.

Romans 3:13 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 5:9b (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 5:10b (Septuagint Elpenor)

τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν, ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν ταῗς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν

Psalm 140:3b (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 139:4b (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν

Romans 3:13 (NET)

Psalm 5:10b (NETS)

Psalm 5:10b (English Elpenor)

“Their throats are open graves;, they deceive with their tongues;, the poison of asps is under their lips.” their throat is an opened grave; with their tongues they would practice deceit. their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit.

Psalm 139:4b (NETS)

Psalm 139:4b (English Elpenor)

venom of vipers is under their lips. the poison of asps is under their lips.

The Greek of Paul’s quotation from Psalm 14:3c (13:3c) is compared to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:14 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:3c (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:3c (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει ὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει [Table] ὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει

Romans 3:14 (NET)

Psalm 13:3c (NETS)

Psalm 13:3c (English Elpenor)

“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness;

NET note 18 claimed that this was a quotation from Psalm 10:7.

Romans 3:14 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 10:7a (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 9:28a (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὧν τὸ στόμα ἀρᾶς καὶ πικρίας γέμει οὗ ἀρᾶς τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ γέμει καὶ πικρίας οὗ ἀρᾶς τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ γέμει καὶ πικρίας

Romans 3:14 (NET)

Psalm 9:28a (NETS)

Psalm 9:28a (English Elpenor)

“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” him whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness Whose mouth is full of cursing, and bitterness,

The Greek of Paul’s quotation from Psalm 14:3d (13:3d) is compared to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:15 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:3d (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:3d (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὀξεῖς οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐκχέαι αἷμα ὀξεῗς οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐκχέαι αἷμα [Table] ὀξεῖς οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐκχέαι αἷμα

Romans 3:15 (NET)

Psalm 13:3d (NETS)

Psalm 13:3d (English Elpenor)

“Their feet are swift to shed blood;, their feet are swift to shed blood:

NET note 19 claimed that this was a quotation from Isaiah 59:7.

Romans 3:15 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Isaiah 59:7a (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 59:7a (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὀξεῖς οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐκχέαι αἷμα οἱ δὲ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐπὶ πονηρίαν τρέχουσιν ταχινοὶ ἐκχέαι αἷμα οἱ δὲ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐπὶ πονηρίαν τρέχουσι, ταχινοὶ ἐκχέαι αἷμα

Romans 3:15 (NET)

Isaiah 59:7a (NETS)

Isaiah 59:7a (English Elpenor)

“Their feet are swift to shed blood;, And their feet run to evil, swift to shed blood, And their feet run to wickedness, swift to shed blood;

The Greek of Paul’s quotation from Psalm 14:3e (13:3e) is compared to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:16 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:3e (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:3e (Septuagint Elpenor)

σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῗς ὁδοῗς αὐτῶν [Table] σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν

Romans 3:16 (NET)

Psalm 13:3e (NETS)

Psalm 13:3e (English Elpenor)

ruin and misery are in their paths, destruction and misery are in their ways;

NET note 19 claimed that this was a quotation from Isaiah 59:7.

Romans 3:16 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Isaiah 59:7c (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 59:7c (Septuagint Elpenor)

σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῗς ὁδοῗς αὐτῶν σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν

Romans 3:16 (NET)

Isaiah 59:7c (NETS)

Isaiah 59:7c (English Elpenor)

ruin and misery are in their paths, destruction and wretchedness are in their ways. destruction and misery are in their ways;

The Greek of Paul’s quotation from Psalm 14:3f (13:3f) is compared to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:17 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:3f (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:3f (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ ἔγνωσαν καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ ἔγνωσαν [Table] καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ ἔγνωσαν

Romans 3:17 (NET)

Psalm 13:3f (NETS)

Psalm 13:3f (English Elpenor)

and the way of peace they have not known.” and the way of peace they have not known:

NET note 19 claimed that this was a quotation from Isaiah 59:8.

Romans 3:17 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Isaiah 59:8a (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 59:8a (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ ἔγνωσαν καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ οἴδασιν καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ οἴδασι

Romans 3:17 (NET)

Isaiah 59:8a (NETS)

Isaiah 59:8a (English Elpenor)

and the way of peace they have not known.” And a way of peace they do not know, and the way of peace they know not,

The Greek of Paul’s quotation from Psalm 14:3g (13:3g) is compared to the BLB and Elpenor Septuagint below:

Romans 3:18 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 14:3g (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 13:3g (Septuagint Elpenor)

οὐκ ἔστιν φόβος θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔστιν φόβος θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν [Table] οὐκ ἔστι φόβος Θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν

Romans 3:18 (NET)

Psalm 13:3g (NETS)

Psalm 13:3g (English Elpenor)

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” there is no fear of God before their eyes.

NET note 20 claimed that this was a quotation from Psalm 36:1.

Romans 3:18 (NET Parallel Greek Text)

Psalm 36:1b (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 35:2b (Septuagint Elpenor)

οὐκ ἔστιν φόβος θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔστιν φόβος θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔστι φόβος Θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ

Romans 3:18 (NET)

Psalm 35:2b (NETS)

Psalm 35:2b (English Elpenor)

“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” there is no fear of the divine before his eyes, there is no fear of God before their eyes.

Tables comparing Psalm 5:9; 140:3; 10:7; Isaiah 59:7; 59:8 and Psalm 36:1 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and tables comparing the Greek of Psalm 5:9 (5:10); 140:3 (139:4); 10:7 (9:28); Isaiah 59:7; 59:8 and Psalm 36:1 (35:1, 2) in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor), and a table comparing Luke 11:44 in the KJV and NET follow.

Psalm 5:9 (Tanakh)

Psalm 5:9 (KJV)

Psalm 5:9 (NET)

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. For they do not speak the truth; their stomachs are like the place of destruction, their throats like an open grave, their tongues like a steep slope leading into it.

Psalm 5:9 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 5:10 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν ἀλήθεια ἡ καρδία αὐτῶν ματαία τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν ταῗς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν ἀλήθεια, ἡ καρδία αὐτῶν ματαία· τάφος ἀνεῳγμένος ὁ λάρυγξ αὐτῶν, ταῖς γλώσσαις αὐτῶν ἐδολιοῦσαν

Psalm 5:10 (NETS)

Psalm 5:10 (English Elpenor)

Because there is no truth in their mouth, their heart is vain; their throat is an opened grave; with their tongues they would practice deceit. For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is vain; their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit.

Psalm 140:3 (Tanakh)

Psalm 140:3 (KJV)

Psalm 140:3 (NET)

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips.  Selah. They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips.  Selah. Their tongues wound like a serpent; a viper’s venom is behind their lips.  (Selah)

Psalm 140:3 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 139:4 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἠκόνησαν γλῶσσαν αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ ὄφεως ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν διάψαλμα ἠκόνησαν γλῶσσαν αὐτῶν ὡσεὶ ὄφεως, ἰὸς ἀσπίδων ὑπὸ τὰ χείλη αὐτῶν (διάψαλμα)

Psalm 139:4 (NETS)

Psalm 139:4 (English Elpenor)

They made their tongue sharp as a snake’s; venom of vipers is under their lips.  Interlude on strings They have sharpened their tongue as [the tongue] of a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips.  Pause.

Psalm 10:7 (Tanakh)

Psalm 10:7 (KJV)

Psalm 10:7 (NET)

His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. His mouth is full of curses and deceptive, harmful words; his tongue injures and destroys.

Psalm 10:7 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 9:28 (Septuagint Elpenor)

οὗ ἀρᾶς τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ γέμει καὶ πικρίας καὶ δόλου ὑπὸ τὴν γλῶσσαν αὐτοῦ κόπος καὶ πόνος οὗ ἀρᾶς τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ γέμει καὶ πικρίας καὶ δόλου, ὑπὸ τὴν γλῶσσαν αὐτοῦ κόπος καὶ πόνος

Psalm 9:28 (NETS)

Psalm 9:28 (English Elpenor)

him whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness and deceit; under his tongue are grief and hardship. Whose mouth is full of cursing, and bitterness, and fraud: under his tongue are trouble and pain.

Isaiah 59:7 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 59:7 (KJV)

Isaiah 59:7 (NET)

Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. They are eager to do evil, quick to shed innocent blood.  Their thoughts are sinful; they crush and destroy.

Isaiah 59:7 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 59:7 (Septuagint Elpenor)

οἱ δὲ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐπὶ πονηρίαν τρέχουσιν ταχινοὶ ἐκχέαι αἷμα καὶ οἱ διαλογισμοὶ αὐτῶν διαλογισμοὶ ἀφρόνων σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῗς ὁδοῗς αὐτῶν οἱ δὲ πόδες αὐτῶν ἐπὶ πονηρίαν τρέχουσι, ταχινοὶ ἐκχέαι αἷμα· καὶ οἱ διαλογισμοὶ αὐτῶν διαλογισμοὶ ἀφρόνων, σύντριμμα καὶ ταλαιπωρία ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν

Isaiah 59:7 (NETS)

Isaiah 59:7 (English Elpenor)

And their feet run to evil, swift to shed blood, and their reasonings are reasonings of fools; destruction and wretchedness are in their ways. And their feet run to wickedness, swift to shed blood; their thoughts also are thoughts of murder; destruction and misery are in their ways;

Isaiah 59:8 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 59:8 (KJV)

Isaiah 59:8 (NET)

The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace. They are unfamiliar with peace; their deeds are unjust.  They use deceitful methods, and whoever deals with them is unfamiliar with peace.

Isaiah 59:8 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 59:8 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ οἴδασιν καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν κρίσις ἐν ταῗς ὁδοῗς αὐτῶν αἱ γὰρ τρίβοι αὐτῶν διεστραμμέναι ἃς διοδεύουσιν καὶ οὐκ οἴδασιν εἰρήνην καὶ ὁδὸν εἰρήνης οὐκ οἴδασι, καὶ οὐκ ἔστι κρίσις ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς αὐτῶν· αἱ γὰρ τρίβοι αὐτῶν διεστραμμέναι, ἃς διοδεύουσι, καὶ οὐκ οἴδασιν εἰρήνην

Isaiah 59:8 (NETS)

Isaiah 59:8 (English Elpenor)

And a way of peace they do not know, and there is no judgment in their ways, for their paths, through which they travel, are crooked, and they do not no peace. and the way of peace they know not, neither is there judgment in their ways; for their paths by which they go are crooked, and they know not peace.

Psalm 36:1 (Tanakh)

Psalm 36:1 (KJV)

Psalm 36:1 (NET)

The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For the music director, an oracle, written by the Lord’s servant David.  An evil man is rebellious to the core.  He does not fear God,

Psalm 36:1 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 35:1, 2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἰς τὸ τέλος τῷ δούλῳ κυρίου τῷ Δαυιδ  φησὶν ὁ παράνομος τοῦ ἁμαρτάνειν ἐν ἑαυτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν φόβος θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ Εἰς τὸ τέλος· τῷ δούλῳ Κυρίου τῷ Δαυΐδ – 2 ΦΗΣΙΝ ὁ παράνομος τοῦ ἁμαρτάνειν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, οὐκ ἔστι φόβος Θεοῦ ἀπέναντι τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ

Psalm 35:1, 2 (NETS)

Psalm 35:1, 2 (English Elpenor)

Regarding completion.  Pertaining to the slave of the Lord, to Dauid. (2) Says the transgressor of the law in himself, in order to sin: there is no fear of the divine before his eyes, [For the end, by David the servant of the Lord.] 2 The transgressor, that he may sin, says within himself, [that] there is no fear of God before his eyes.

Luke 11:44 (NET)

Luke 11:44 (KJV)

Woe to you!  You are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without realizing it!” Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Οὐαὶ ὑμῖν, ὅτι ἐστὲ ὡς τὰ μνημεῖα τὰ ἄδηλα, καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι [οἱ] περιπατοῦντες ἐπάνω οὐκ οἴδασιν ουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι εστε ως τα μνημεια τα αδηλα και οι ανθρωποι οι περιπατουντες επανω ουκ οιδασιν ουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι εστε ως τα μνημεια τα αδηλα και οι ανθρωποι περιπατουντες επανω ουκ οιδασιν

Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 10:5-8

 

#

Paul

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

1 The one who does these things will live by them

Romans   10:5 (NET)

ποιήσας ἄνθρωπος ζήσεται ἐν αὐτοῖς

Leviticus 18:5 Table

ο ποιησας ανθρωπος ζησεται εν αυτη

Romans 10:5 Table

2 Do not say in your heart…

Romans 10:6 (NET)

μὴ εἴπῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου

Deuteronomy 9:4 Table

μη ειπης εν τη καρδια σου

Romans 10:6

3 Who will ascend into heaven?

Romans 10:6 (NET)

τίς ἀναβήσεται ἡμῖν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν

Deuteronomy 30:12 Table

τις αναβησεται εις τον ουρανον

Romans 10:6

4 Who will descend into the abyss?

Romans 10:7 (NET)

τίς διαπεράσει ἡμῖν εἰς τὸ πέραν [τῆς θαλάσσης]

Deuteronomy 30:13 Table

τις καταβησεται εις την αβυσσον

Romans 10:7

5 The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart

Romans 10:8 (NET)

ἔστιν σου ἐγγὺς τὸ ῥῆμα σφόδρα ἐν τῷ στόματί σου καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ

Deuteronomy 30:14 Table

εγγυς σου το ρημα εστιν εν τω στοματι σου και εν τη καρδια

Romans 10:8

In Item #1 ἃ in the Septuagint is probably which, while ο in the parallel Greek text is the [Addendum 2/20/2021: the one who].  In Romans 10:2 (KJV) μαρτυρω γαρ αυτοις was translated For I bear them (αυτοις) record.  The word them was left out of the NET translation (For I can testify), though αυτοις appears in the parallel Greek text as it does in the Septuagint.  The word αυτη in Romans 10:5 was also translated them in both the NET and KJV.  Both αυτοις (Leviticus 18:5 Septuagint) and αυτη (Romans 10:5 parallel Greek text) are forms of αὐτός.  Bill Braun has significantly more to say about this on his site.1

Item #2 is identical (except for accent marks) and would pass without comment if not for the rest of the verse.  It is very interesting to me that Paul also had this passage on his mind (Deuteronomy 9:4-6 NET).

Do not think to yourself after the Lord your God has driven them [e.g., the people of Canaan] out before you, “Because of my own righteousness the Lord has brought me here to possess this land.”  It is because of the wickedness of these nations that the Lord is driving them out ahead of you [Table].  It is not because of your righteousness, or even your inner uprightness, that you have come here to possess their land.  Instead, because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out ahead of you in order to confirm the promise he made on oath to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Understand, therefore, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is about to give you this good land as a possession, for you are a stubborn people!

Item #3 in the Septuagint was translated, Who will ascend into heaven for us, in the New King James translation.  Paul dropped the word ἡμῖν (for us).

Item #4 was translated, Who will go over the sea for us, in the New King James translation.  Paul changed πέραν (other side) to αβυσσον (abyss).  Paul may have been thinking of Jesus’ description of Hades.  Abraham said to the rich man, Besides2 all3 this, a great chasm (χάσμα) has been fixed between us, so that those who want to cross over (διαβῆναι, a form of διαβαίνω) from here4 to you cannot do so, and no one can cross (διαπερῶσιν, a form of διαπεράω) from there5 to us.6  For he also changed διαπεράσει (a form of διαπεράω, go over) to καταβησεται (descend).  The changes obviously worked better with the symmetry of his message:  or Who will descend into the abyss?(that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).7

Item #5 is essentially the same except for word order in the beginning, and Paul dropped the word σφόδρα (very).

 

Addendum: February 21, 2021
The Free Bible Commentary by Dr. Bob Utley cited Romans 10:7 as an allusion to Psalm 107:26, sailors at sea in a storm.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Psalm 107:26 (Tanakh) Psalm 107:26 (NET) Psalm 106:26 (NETS)

Psalm 106:26 (English Elpenor)

They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths (תְהוֹמ֑וֹת): their soul is melted because of trouble. They reached up to the sky, then dropped into the depths (tᵊhôm, תהומות).  The sailors’ strength left them because the danger was so great. They mount up as far as the heavens, and they go down as far as the depths (ἀβύσσων); their soul would melt away in calamity; They go up to the heavens, and go down to the depths (ἀβύσσων); their soul melts because of troubles.

It does associate ἀβύσσων (a form of ἄβυσσος) with the sea.  Dr. Utley considered Romans 10:6-8 “an allusion to Deut. 30:11-14 in the Septuagint (LXX), which Paul modified for his purposes.”

Tables comparing Deuteronomy 9:5; 9:6 and Psalm 107:26 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and tables comparing the Greek of Deuteronomy 9:5; 9:6 and Psalm 107:26 (106:26) in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor), and a table comparing Luke 16:26 in the NET and KJV follow.

Deuteronomy 9:5 (Tanakh)

Deuteronomy 9:5 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 9:5 (NET)

Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thy heart, dost thou go in to possess their land; but for the wickedness of these nations HaShem thy G-d doth drive them out from before thee, and that He may establish the word which HaShem swore unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is not because of your righteousness, or even your inner uprightness, that you have come here to possess their land.  Instead, because of the wickedness of these nations, the Lord your God is driving them out ahead of you in order to confirm the promise he made on oath to your ancestors, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Deuteronomy 9:5 (Septuagint BLB)

Deuteronomy 9:5 (Septuagint Elpenor)

οὐχὶ διὰ τὴν δικαιοσύνην σου οὐδὲ διὰ τὴν ὁσιότητα τῆς καρδίας σου σὺ εἰσπορεύῃ κληρονομῆσαι τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν ἀλλὰ διὰ τὴν ἀσέβειαν τῶν ἐθνῶν τούτων κύριος ἐξολεθρεύσει αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ προσώπου σου καὶ ἵνα στήσῃ τὴν διαθήκην αὐτοῦ ἣν ὤμοσεν τοῗς πατράσιν ὑμῶν τῷ Αβρααμ καὶ τῷ Ισαακ καὶ τῷ Ιακωβ οὐχὶ διὰ τὴν δικαιοσύνην σου, οὐδὲ διὰ τὴν ὁσιότητα τῆς καρδίας σου σὺ εἰσπορεύῃ κληρονομῆσαι τὴν γῆν αὐτῶν, ἀλλὰ διὰ τὴν ἀσέβειαν τῶν ἐθνῶν τούτων Κύριος ἐξολοθρεύσει αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ προσώπου σου καὶ ἵνα στήσῃ τὴν διαθήκην αὐτοῦ, ἣν ὤμοσε Κύριος τοῖς πατράσιν ἡμῶν, τῷ ῾Αβραὰμ καὶ τῷ ᾿Ισαὰκ καὶ τῷ ᾿Ιακώβ

Deuteronomy 9:5 (NETS)

Deuteronomy 9:5 (English Elpenor)

It is not because of your righteousness or the holiness of your heart that you are going to inherit their land, but because of the impiety of these nations the Lord will destroy them utterly before you, and in order that he may uphold the covenant that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham and Isaak and Iakob. Not for thy righteousness, nor for the holiness of thy heart, dost thou go in to inherit their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord will destroy them from before thee, and that he may establish the covenant, which the Lord sware to our fathers, to Abraam, and to Isaac, and to Jacob.

Deuteronomy 9:6 (Tanakh)

Deuteronomy 9:6 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 9:6 (NET)

Know therefore that it is not for thy righteousness that HaShem thy G-d giveth thee this good land to possess it; for thou art a stiffnecked people. Understand therefore, that the LORD thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people. Understand, therefore, that it is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is about to give you this good land as a possession, for you are a stubborn people!

Deuteronomy 9:6 (Septuagint BLB)

Deuteronomy 9:6 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ γνώσῃ σήμερον ὅτι οὐχὶ διὰ τὰς δικαιοσύνας σου κύριος ὁ θεός σου δίδωσίν σοι τὴν γῆν τὴν ἀγαθὴν ταύτην κληρονομῆσαι ὅτι λαὸς σκληροτράχηλος εἶ καὶ γνώσῃ σήμερον ὅτι οὐχὶ διὰ τὰς δικαιοσύνας σου Κύριος ὁ Θεός σου δίδωσί σοι τὴν γῆν τὴν ἀγαθὴν ταύτην κληρονομῆσαι, ὅτι λαὸς σκληροτράχηλος εἶ

Deuteronomy 9:6 (NETS)

Deuteronomy 9:6 (English Elpenor)

And you shall know, today, that it is not because of your righteousness the Lord your God is giving you this good land to inherit, for you are a stiff-necked people. And thou shalt know to-day, that [it is] not for thy righteousnesses the Lord thy God gives thee this good land to inherit, or thou art a stiff-necked people.

Psalm 107:26 (Tanakh)

Psalm 107:26 (KJV)

Psalm 107:26 (NET)

They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reached up to the sky, then dropped into the depths.  The sailors’ strength left them because the danger was so great.

Psalm 107:26 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 106:26 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἀναβαίνουσιν ἕως τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ καταβαίνουσιν ἕως τῶν ἀβύσσων ἡ ψυχὴ αὐτῶν ἐν κακοῗς ἐτήκετο ἀναβαίνουσιν ἕως τῶν οὐρανῶν καὶ καταβαίνουσιν ἕως τῶν ἀβύσσων, ἡ ψυχὴ αὐτῶν ἐν κακοῖς ἐτήκετο

Psalm 106:26 (NETS)

Psalm 106:26 (English Elpenor)

They mount up as far as the heavens, and they go down as far as the depths; their soul would melt away in calamity; They go up to the heavens, and go down to the depths; their soul melts because of troubles.

Luke 16:26 (NET)

Luke 16:26 (KJV)

Besides all this, a great chasm has been fixed between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

καὶ ἐν πᾶσι τούτοις μεταξὺ ἡμῶν καὶ ὑμῶν χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται, ὅπως οἱ θέλοντες διαβῆναι ἔνθεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς μὴ δύνωνται, μηδὲ ἐκεῖθεν πρὸς ἡμᾶς διαπερῶσιν και επι πασιν τουτοις μεταξυ ημων και υμων χασμα μεγα εστηρικται οπως οι θελοντες διαβηναι εντευθεν προς υμας μη δυνωνται μηδε οι εκειθεν προς ημας διαπερωσιν και επι πασιν τουτοις μεταξυ ημων και υμων χασμα μεγα εστηρικται οπως οι θελοντες διαβηναι ενθεν προς υμας μη δυνωνται μηδε οι εκειθεν προς ημας διαπερωσιν

1 This site is no longer accessible online.

2 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ἐν here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had επι (KJV: beside).

5 The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had οι preceding from there.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

6 Luke 16:26 (NET)

7 Romans 10:7 (NET)

Paul’s OT Quotes, Romans 2

Paul

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

He will reward each one according to his works:

Romans 2:6 (NET)

σὺ ἀποδώσεις ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ

Psalm 62:12 Table

ος αποδωσει εκαστω κατα τα εργα αυτου

Romans 2:6

ὃς ἀποδίδωσιν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ

Proverbs 24:12

Jesus

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

…he will reward each person according to what he has done.

Matthew 16:27 (NET)

αποδωσει εκαστω κατα την πραξιν αυτου

Matthew 16:27

The only significant differences between these two quotations is that the Septuagint began with σύ (you) in Psalm 62:12 and Paul’s quote began with ὅς, translated as he at the beginning of a new sentence.  Who would have been a more accurate translation as a dependent clause.  The note (14) in the NET says as much: “Grk ‘who.’  The relative pronoun was converted to a personal pronoun and, because of the length and complexity of the Greek sentence, a new sentence was started here in the translation.”

Paul

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

the name of God is being blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you

Romans 2:24 (NET)

ὄνομά μου βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν

Isaiah 52:5

ονομα του θεου δι υμας βλασφημειται εν τοις εθνεσιν

Romans 2:24

The Septuagint recorded God speaking as ὄνομά μου (my name) while Paul spoke in Romans of ονομα του θεου (the God’s name, or the name of God).

 

Addendum: October 26, 2020
My Greek has improved some over the last eight years, so another table comparing Paul’s quotation from Isaiah 52:5 follows.

Romans 2:24a (NET Parallel Greek)

Isaiah 52:5b (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 52:5b (Septuagint Elpenor)

τὸ γὰρ ὄνομα τοῦ θεοῦ δι᾿ ὑμᾶς βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν δι᾽ ὑμᾶς διὰ παντὸς τὸ ὄνομά μου βλασφημεῗται ἐν τοῗς ἔθνεσιν δι᾿ ὑμᾶς διαπαντὸς τὸ ὄνομά μου βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσι

Romans 2:24b (NET)

Isaiah 52:5b (NETS)

Isaiah 52:5b (English Elpenor)

For…“the name of God is being blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Because of you, my name is continually blasphemed among the nations. On account of you my name is continually blasphemed among the Gentiles.

A comparison of translations from the Masoretic text and Septuagint follow:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 52:5 (Tanakh) Isaiah 52:5 (NET) Isaiah 52:5 (NETS)

Isaiah 52:5 (Elpenor English)

Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually (וְתָמִ֥יד) every day (כָּל־הַיּ֖וֹם) is blasphemed. And now, what do we have here?” says the Lord.  “Indeed my people have been carried away for nothing, those who rule over them taunt,” says the Lord, “and my name is constantly (tamiyd, ותמיד) slandered all (כל) day long (yowm, היום). And now, why are you here?  This is what the Lord says, Because my people were taken for nothing, you marvel and howl.  This is what the Lord says, Because of you, my name is continually (διὰ παντὸς) blasphemed among the nations. And now why are ye here?  Thus saith the Lord, Because my people was taken for nothing, wonder ye and howl.  Thus saith the Lord, On account of you my name is continually (διαπαντὸς) blasphemed among the Gentiles.

Since the Masoretic text had continually every day (NET: constantlyall day long) and the Septuagint had continually here, I’ll assume that Paul softened his message a bit from the original rather than that he had access to another (more original) version of the Septuagint.

Tables comparing Proverbs 24:12 and Isaiah 52:5 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and Proverbs 24:12 and Isaiah 52:5 in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor) follow.

Proverbs 24:12 (Tanakh) Proverbs 24:12 (KJV)

Proverbs 24:12 (NET)

If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works? If you say, “But we did not know about this,” won’t the one who evaluates hearts discern it?  Won’t the one who guards your life realize and repay each person according to his deeds?

Proverbs 24:12 (Septuagint BLB)

Proverbs 24:12 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἐὰν δὲ εἴπῃς οὐκ οἶδα τοῦτον γίνωσκε ὅτι κύριος καρδίας πάντων γινώσκει καὶ ὁ πλάσας πνοὴν πᾶσιν αὐτὸς οἶδεν πάντα ὃς ἀποδίδωσιν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐὰν δὲ εἴπῃς, οὐκ οἶδα τοῦτον, γίνωσκε ὅτι Κύριος καρδίας πάντων γινώσκει, καὶ ὁ πλάσας πνοὴν πᾶσιν, αὐτὸς οἶδε πάντα, ὃς ἀποδίδωσιν ἑκάστῳ κατὰ τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ

Proverbs 24:12 (NETS)

Proverbs 24:12 (English Elpenor)

If you say: “I do not know this person,” be aware that the Lord is familiar with the heart of everyone, and he who formed breath for all, he knows everything, he who will render to each according to his deeds. But if thou shouldest say, I know not this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and he that formed breath for all, he knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works.

Isaiah 52:5 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 52:5 (KJV)

Isaiah 52:5 (NET)

Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed. And now, what do we have here?” says the Lord.  “Indeed my people have been carried away for nothing, those who rule over them taunt,” says the Lord, “and my name is constantly slandered all day long.

Isaiah 52:5 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 52:5 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ νῦν τί ὧδέ ἐστε τάδε λέγει κύριος ὅτι ἐλήμφθη ὁ λαός μου δωρεάν θαυμάζετε καὶ ὀλολύζετε τάδε λέγει κύριος δι᾽ ὑμᾶς διὰ παντὸς τὸ ὄνομά μου βλασφημεῗται ἐν τοῗς ἔθνεσιν καὶ νῦν τί ἐστε ὦδε; τάδε λέγει Κύριος· ὅτι ἐλήφθη ὁ λαός μου δωρεάν, θαυμάζετε καὶ ὀλολύζετε. τάδε λέγει Κύριος· δι᾿ ὑμᾶς διαπαντὸς τὸ ὄνομά μου βλασφημεῖται ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσι

Isaiah 52:5 (NETS)

Isaiah 52:5 (English Elpenor)

And now, why are you here?  This is what the Lord says, Because my people were taken for nothing, you marvel and howl.  This is what the Lord says, Because of you, my name is continually blasphemed among the nations. And now why are ye here?  Thus saith the Lord, Because my people was taken for nothing, wonder ye and howl.  Thus saith the Lord, On account of you my name is continually blasphemed among the Gentiles.

Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 12:19-20

What follows are Paul’s Old Testament Quotations from Romans 12:19, 20 (NET).

#

Paul (NET)

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

1

Vengeance is mine, I will repay…

Romans 12:19b (NET)

ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ἐκδικήσεως ἀνταποδώσω

Deuteronomy 32:35a Table

εμοι εκδικησις εγω ανταποδωσω

Romans 12:19b

2

…if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head.

Romans 12:20 (NET) Table

ἐὰν πεινᾷ ὁ ἐχθρός σου τρέφε αὐτόν ἐὰν διψᾷ πότιζε αὐτόν τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ

Proverbs 25:21, 22 Table1 Table2

εαν πεινα ο εχθρος σου ψωμιζε αυτον εαν διψα ποτιζε αυτον τουτο γαρ ποιων ανθρακας πυρος σωρευσεις επι την κεφαλην αυτου

Romans 12:20 Table

Paul apparently did his own translation part from the Hebrew and part from the Greek in Item #1.  The Septuagint translates, In the day of vengeance I will recompense, while the Hebrew translates, Vengeance is Mine, and retribution, according to Bill Braun.1

Item #2 is identical in the Septuagint, the parallel Greek text and the Hebrew, except for τρέφε, a form of τρέφω in the Septuagint where the parallel Greek text reads ψωμιζε, a form of ψωμίζω.

 

Addendum: March 18, 2020
The Elpenor version of the Septuagint had ψωμιζε (Table).


1 This site is no longer available.

Paul’s OT Quotes – Romans 10:18-21

What follows is an analysis of Paul’s Old Testament quotations in Romans 10:18-21:

#

Paul (NET)

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET Bible (Greek parallel text)

1

Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and  their words to the ends of the world.

Romans 10:18 (NET)

εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης τὰ ῥήματα αὐτῶν

Psalm 19:4 Table

εις πασαν την γην εξηλθεν ο φθογγος αυτων και εις τα περατα της οικουμενης τα ρηματα αυτων

Romans 10:18

2

I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; with a senseless nation I will provoke you to anger.

Romans 10:19b (NET) Table

κἀγὼ παραζηλώσω αὐτοὺς ἐπ᾽ οὐκ ἔθνει ἐπ᾽ ἔθνει ἀσυνέτῳ παροργιῶ αὐτούς

Deuteronomy 32:21 Table

εγω παραζηλωσω υμας επ ουκ εθνει επ εθνει ασυνετω παροργιω υμας

Romans 10:19b

3

I was found by those who did not seek me; I became well known to those who did not ask for me.

Romans 10:20 (NET)

ἐμφανὴς ἐγενόμην τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν εὑρέθην τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ἐπερωτῶσιν

Isaiah 65:1 Table

ευρεθην τοις εμε μη ζητουσιν εμφανης εγενομην τοις εμε μη επερωτωσιν

Romans 10:20

4

All day long I held out my hands to this disobedient and stubborn people!

Romans 10:21 (NET)

ἐξεπέτασα τὰς χεῖράς μου ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν πρὸς λαὸν ἀπειθοῦντα καὶ ἀντιλέγοντα

Isaiah 65:2 Table

ολην την ημεραν εξεπετασα τας χειρας μου προς λαον απειθουντα και αντιλεγοντα

Romans 10:21

In Item #1 the Septuagint and the parallel Greek text are identical except for accent marks.1  An interesting sidebar is Psalm 19:12-14.  The Psalm begins, The heavens declare the glory of God.2  The song’s second verse, so to speak, begins, The law of the Lord is perfect.3  From then on David praised God’s law and concluded, Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; those who obey them receive a rich reward.4  The Gospel message followed that in the King James translation, and I include the NET side by side for comparison.

Psalm 19:12-14 (KJV)

Psalm 19:12-14 (NET)

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Who can know all his errors?  Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.  Moreover, keep me from committing flagrant sins; do not allow such sins to control me.  Then I will be blameless, and innocent of blatant rebellion.  May my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.

In the KJV David recognized his inability to keep the law and asked God to cleanse his secret faults and to keep him back from presumptuous sins.  In the more contemporary translation of the Hebrew in the NET it sounds like David tried to strike a special deal with God to more or less ignore the sins he was unaware of.  There is still a hint of the Gospel in his faith that God would keep him from flagrant sins.  But it almost sounds like a question: Surely that will be good enough, won’t it?  Addressing the Lord as my strength and my redeemer is more reminiscent to me of Paul’s insight (the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God)5 than my sheltering rock and my redeemer.

The differences in Item #2 are mostly related to changing the verse from the third person them (αὐτοὺς) to the second person you (υμας).  Also, two different forms of I are used, κἀγὼ in the Septuagint and εγω in the parallel Greek text.

I assume Paul quoted Isaiah 65:1 by memory in Item #3.  The clauses are reversed and so are ζητοῦσιν (seek for me) and ἐπερωτῶσιν (ask for me).  So the Septuagint would translate something like, I became well known to those who did not seek me; I was found by those who did not ask for me.

The Septuagint in Item #4 began ἐξεπέτασα τὰς χεῖράς μου (I held out my hands) ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν (all day long).  The parallel Greek text began ολην την ημεραν (all day long) εξεπετασα τας χειρας μου (I held out my hands).  And still today in a contemporary translation of the Hebrew Isaiah 65:1-5 (NET) reads:

I made myself available to those who did not ask for me; I appeared to those who did not look for me.  I said, “Here I am! Here I am!” to a nation that did not invoke my name [Table].  I spread out my hands all day long to my rebellious people, who lived in a way that is morally unacceptable, and who did what they desired [Table].  These people continually and blatantly offend me as they sacrifice in their sacred orchards and burn incense on brick altars.  They sit among the tombs and keep watch all night long.  They eat pork, and broth from unclean sacrificial meat is in their pans.  They say, “Keep to yourself! Don’t get near me, for I am holier than you!”  These people are like smoke in my nostrils, like a fire that keeps burning all day long.

 

Addendum: December 3, 2019
A table comparing English translations of Psalm 19:11 from the Masoretic text and the Septuagint follows.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Psalm 19:11 (Tanakh) Psalm 19:11 (NET) Psalm 18:12 (NETS)

Psalm 18:12 (English Elpenor)

Moreover by them is thy servant warned (נִזְהָ֣ר): and in keeping (בְּ֜שָׁמְרָ֗ם) of them there is great reward. Yes, your servant finds moral guidance (zāhar, נזהר) there; those who obey (šāmar, בשמרם) them receive a rich reward. Indeed, your slave guards (φυλάσσει) them; in guarding (φυλάσσειν)  them there is great reward. For thy servant keeps to (φυλάσσει) them: in the keeping (φυλάσσειν) of them [there is] great reward.

The Septuagint—“your slave guards them,” thy servant keeps to them—has more of a definitional flavor than the stick or carrot approach of the Masoretic text —by them is thy servant warned, those who obey them receive a rich reward.  The Septuagint here is more akin to Jesus’ promise—If you love me, you will obey my commandments6—discussing the Holy Spirit.  I tend to favor it’s translation of this psalm of David because of his own relationship to the Holy Spirit:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Psalm 51:11, 12 (Tanakh) 51:11, 12 (NET) Psalm 50:13, 14 (NETS)

Psalm 50:13, 14 (English Elpenor)

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Do not reject me.  Do not take your holy Spirit away from me. Do not cast me away from your face, and your holy spirit do not take from me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and remove not thy holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance.  Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey. Restore to me the joy of your deliverance, and with a leading (ἡγεμονικῷ) spirit support me. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation: establish me with thy directing (ἡγεμονικῷ) Spirit.

Another version of the Tanakh was much closer to the Septuagint: Also Your servant was careful with them; for in observing them there is great reward.7  Apparently נִזְהָ֣ר can mean both depending on context and vowel points.

A table comparing English translations of Psalm 19:12 from the Masoretic text and the Septuagint follows.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Psalm 19:12 (Tanakh) Psalm 19:12 (NET) Psalm 18:13 (NETS)

Psalm 18:13 (English Elpenor)

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Who can know all his errors?  Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of. Transgressions—who shall detect them?  From my hidden ones clear me. Who will understand [his] transgressions? purge thou me from my secret [sins].

NET note 38 acknowledged: “Heb ‘declare me innocent from hidden [things],’ i.e., sins.”  But still, it was rendered: Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.  And I am grateful that I’m not the only one who had this fixation on punishment, especially as I find it more difficult to see any rational equivalence between do not punish me and cleanseme, clear me or purge me of any sin, whether hidden from me or not.  I struggled to understand this all through the David’s Forgiveness essays.  Maybe I have a better way to express it now.

Peter didn’t fully embrace Jesus’ saying: You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires.8  He believed almost nothing of what Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and experts in the law, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.9  He certainly didn’t believe he would deny knowing Jesus three times.  So, as Jesus was about to be arrested (John 18:10, 11 NET):

Simon Peter, who had a sword, pulled it out and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his right ear.  (Now the slave’s name was Malchus.) [Table]  But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your10 sword back into its sheath!  Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

Maybe Jesus’ rebuke came with an exclamation point.  Maybe it didn’t.  Regardless, it shattered Peter’s worldview and his self-esteem at the very moment he believed he was serving the Lord [his] God with all [his] heart, with all [his] soul, and with all [his] mind,11 selflessly, even heroically.  It was devastating.  But was it punishment?

After he denied knowing Jesus three times, Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”  And he went outside and wept bitterly.12  Again, it was devastating, but was it punishment?

After his resurrection Jesus prepared breakfast for his disciples by the sea (John 21:15-19 NET):

Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John,13 do you love (ἀγαπᾷς) me more than these do?”  He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love (φιλῶ) you.”  Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.”  Jesus said a second time, “Simon, son of John,14 do you love (ἀγαπᾷς) me?”  He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love (φιλῶ) you.”  Jesus told him, “Shepherd my sheep.”  Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John,15 do you love (φιλεῖς) me?”  Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love (φιλεῖς) me?” and said,16 “Lord, you know everything.  You know that I love (φιλῶ) you.”  Jesus17 replied, “Feed my sheep.  I tell you the solemn truth, when you were young, you tied your clothes around you and went wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will tie you up and bring you where you do not want to go.”  (Now Jesus said this to indicate clearly by what kind of death Peter was going to glorify God.)  After he said this, Jesus told Peter, “Follow me.”

There is no doubt in my mind that crucifixion was a Roman punishment.  There is every doubt in my mind that Jesus condemned Peter to crucifixion as a punishment for denying Him.  In fact, once the concept punishment is banished from the equation it seems much clearer why Jesus brought it up here, so many years before it would actually happen: He acknowledged Peter’s courage and willingness to lay his life on the line and assured him he would get that opportunity, even as He cautioned him that it would not be as he imagined while he was from his father the devil not of God.  Paul put it this way (Romans 8:36, 37 NET):

As it is written, “For your sake18 we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”  No, in all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us!

A table comparing the quotation in Romans 8:36 with Psalm 44:22 (43:23) in the Septuagint follows.

Romans 8:36 (NET Parallel Greek)

Psalm 44:22 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 43:23 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὅτι ἕνεκεν σοῦ θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν, ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς ὅτι ἕνεκα σοῦ θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς ὅτι ἕνεκά σου θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν, ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς

Romans 8:36 (NET)

Psalm 43:23 (NETS)

Psalm 43:23 (English Elpenor)

For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered. because for your sake we are being put to death all day long, we were accounted as sheep for slaughter. For, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for slaughter.

Tables comparing Psalm 19:1; 19:7; 19:11; 19:12; 19:13; 19:14; Isaiah 65:3; 65:4; 65:5; Psalm 51:11; 51:12 and 44:22 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and tables comparing the Greek of Psalm 19:1 (18:1, 2); 19:7 (18:8); 19:11 (18:12); 19:12 (18:13); 19:13 (18:14); 19:14 (18:15); Isaiah 65:3; 65:4; 65:5; Psalm 51:11 (50:13); 51:12 (50:14) and 44:22 (43:23) in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor), and tables of comparing John 18:11; 21:15-17 and Romans 8:36 in the NET and KJV follow.

Psalm 19:1 (Tanakh)

Psalm 19:1 (KJV)

Psalm 19:1 (NET)

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. For the music director, a psalm of David.  The heavens declare the glory of God; the sky displays his handiwork.

Psalm 19:1 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 18:1, 2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εἰς τὸ τέλος ψαλμὸς τῷ Δαυιδ οἱ οὐρανοὶ διηγοῦνται δόξαν θεοῦ ποίησιν δὲ χειρῶν αὐτοῦ ἀναγγέλλει τὸ στερέωμα Εἰς τὸ τέλος· ψαλμὸς τῷ Δαυΐδ. – ΟΙ ΟΥΡΑΝΟΙ διηγοῦνται δόξαν Θεοῦ, ποίησιν δὲ χειρῶν αὐτοῦ ἀναγγέλλει τὸ στερέωμα.

Psalm 18:1, 2 (NETS)

Psalm 18:1, 2 (English Elpenor)

Regarding completion.  A Psalm.  Pertaining to Dauid.  The heavens are telling of divine glory, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. [For the end, a Psalm of David.] The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:7 (Tanakh)

Psalm 19:7 (KJV)

Psalm 19:7 (NET)

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The law of the Lord is perfect and preserves one’s life.  The rules set down by the Lord are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced.

Psalm 19:7 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 18:8 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὁ νόμος τοῦ κυρίου ἄμωμος ἐπιστρέφων ψυχάς ἡ μαρτυρία κυρίου πιστή σοφίζουσα νήπια ὁ νόμος τοῦ Κυρίου ἄμωμος, ἐπιστρέφων ψυχάς· ἡ μαρτυρία Κυρίου πιστή, σοφίζουσα νήπια

Psalm 18:8 (NETS)

Psalm 18:8 (English Elpenor)

The law of the Lord is faultless, turning souls; the testimony of the Lord is reliable, making infants wise; The law of the Lord is perfect, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, instructing babes.

Psalm 19:11 (Tanakh)

Psalm 19:11 (KJV)

Psalm 19:11 (NET)

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; those who obey them receive a rich reward.

Psalm 19:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 18:12 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ γὰρ ὁ δοῦλός σου φυλάσσει αὐτά ἐν τῷ φυλάσσειν αὐτὰ ἀνταπόδοσις πολλή καὶ γὰρ ὁ δοῦλός σου φυλάσσει αὐτά· ἐν τῷ φυλάσσειν αὐτὰ ἀνταπόδοσις πολλή

Psalm 18:12 (NETS)

Psalm 18:12 (English Elpenor)

Indeed, your slave guards them; in guarding them there is great reward. For thy servant keeps to them: in the keeping of them [there is] great reward.

Psalm 19:12 (Tanakh)

Psalm 19:12 (KJV)

Psalm 19:12 (NET)

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Who can know all his errors?  Please do not punish me for sins I am unaware of.

Psalm 19:12 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 18:13 (Septuagint Elpenor)

παραπτώματα τίς συνήσει ἐκ τῶν κρυφίων μου καθάρισόν με παραπτώματα τίς συνήσει; ἐκ τῶν κρυφίων μου καθάρισόν με

Psalm 18:13 (NETS)

Psalm 18:13 (English Elpenor)

Transgressions—who shall detect them?  From my hidden ones clear me. Who will understand [his] transgressions? purge thou me from my secret [sins].

Psalm 19:13 (Tanakh)

Psalm 19:13 (KJV)

Psalm 19:13 (NET)

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Moreover, keep me from committing flagrant sins; do not allow such sins to control me.  Then I will be blameless, and innocent of blatant rebellion.

Psalm 19:13 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 18:14 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἀπὸ ἀλλοτρίων φεῗσαι τοῦ δούλου σου ἐὰν μή μου κατακυριεύσωσιν τότε ἄμωμος ἔσομαι καὶ καθαρισθήσομαι ἀπὸ ἁμαρτίας μεγάλης καὶ ἀπὸ ἀλλοτρίων φεῖσαι τοῦ δούλου σου· ἐὰν μή μου κατακυριεύσωσι, τότε ἄμωμος ἔσομαι καὶ καθαρισθήσομαι ἀπὸ ἁμαρτίας μεγάλης

Psalm 18:14 (NETS)

Psalm 18:14 (English Elpenor)

Also from strangers spare your slave!  If they will not exercise dominion over me, then I shall be blameless and be cleansed from great sin. And spare thy servant [the attack] of strangers: if they do not gain the dominion over me, then shall I be blameless, and I shall be clear from great sin.

Psalm 19:14 (Tanakh)

Psalm 19:14 (KJV)

Psalm 19:14 (NET)

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. May my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.

Psalm 19:14 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 18:15 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἔσονται εἰς εὐδοκίαν τὰ λόγια τοῦ στόματός μου καὶ ἡ μελέτη τῆς καρδίας μου ἐνώπιόν σου διὰ παντός κύριε βοηθέ μου καὶ λυτρωτά μου καὶ ἔσονται εἰς εὐδοκίαν τὰ λόγια τοῦ στόματός μου καὶ ἡ μελέτη τῆς καρδίας μου ἐνώπιόν σου διὰ παντός, Κύριε, βοηθέ μου καὶ λυτρωτά μου

Psalm 18:15 (NETS)

Psalm 18:15 (English Elpenor)

And the sayings of my mouth shall become good pleasure, and the meditation of my heart is before you always, O Lord, my helper and my redeemer. So shall the sayings of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be pleasing continually before thee, O Lord my helper, and my redeemer.

Isaiah 65:3 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 65:3 (KJV)

Isaiah 65:3 (NET)

A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; A people that provoketh me to anger continually to my face; that sacrificeth in gardens, and burneth incense upon altars of brick; These people continually and blatantly offend me as they sacrifice in their sacred orchards and burn incense on brick altars.

Isaiah 65:3 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 65:3 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὁ λαὸς οὗτος ὁ παροξύνων με ἐναντίον ἐμοῦ διὰ παντός αὐτοὶ θυσιάζουσιν ἐν τοῗς κήποις καὶ θυμιῶσιν ἐπὶ ταῗς πλίνθοις τοῗς δαιμονίοις ἃ οὐκ ἔστιν ὁ λαὸς οὗτος ὁ παροξύνων με ἐναντίον ἐμοῦ διαπαντός, αὐτοὶ θυσιάζουσιν ἐν τοῖς κήποις καὶ θυμιῶσιν ἐπὶ ταῖς πλίνθοις τοῖς δαιμονίοις, ἃ οὐκ ἔστιν

Isaiah 65:3 (NETS)

Isaiah 65:3 (English Elpenor)

These are the people who provoke me to my face continually; they sacrifice in the gardens and burn on bricks to the demons, which do not exist, This is the people that provokes me continually in my presence; they offer sacrifices in gardens, and burn incense on bricks to devils, which exist not.

Isaiah 65:4 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 65:4 (KJV)

Isaiah 65:4 (NET)

Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; Which remain among the graves, and lodge in the monuments, which eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels; They sit among the tombs and keep watch all night long.  They eat pork, and broth from unclean sacrificial meat is in their pans.

Isaiah 65:4 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 65:4 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐν τοῗς μνήμασιν καὶ ἐν τοῗς σπηλαίοις κοιμῶνται δι᾽ ἐνύπνια οἱ ἔσθοντες κρέα ὕεια καὶ ζωμὸν θυσιῶν μεμολυμμένα πάντα τὰ σκεύη αὐτῶν ἐν τοῖς μνήμασι καὶ ἐν τοῖς σπηλαίοις κοιμῶνται δι᾿ ἐνύπνια, οἱ ἔσθοντες κρέα ὕεια καὶ ζωμὸν θυσιῶν, μεμολυμμένα πάντα τὰ σκεύη αὐτῶν

Isaiah 65:4 (NETS)

Isaiah 65:4 (English Elpenor)

and they fall asleep in the tombs and in the caves for the sake dreams—those who eat swine’s flesh and broth of sacrifices (all their vessels are defiled), They lie down to sleep in the tombs and in the caves for the sake of dreams, [even] they that eat swine’s flesh, and the broth of [their] sacrifices: all their vessels are defiled:

Isaiah 65:5 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 65:5 (KJV)

Isaiah 65:5 (NET)

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.  These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou.  These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day. They say, ‘Keep to yourself!  Don’t get near me, for I am holier than you!’  These people are like smoke in my nostrils, like a fire that keeps burning all day long.

Isaiah 65:5 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 65:5 (Septuagint Elpenor)

οἱ λέγοντες πόρρω ἀπ᾽ ἐμοῦ μὴ ἐγγίσῃς μου ὅτι καθαρός εἰμι οὗτος καπνὸς τοῦ θυμοῦ μου πῦρ καίεται ἐν αὐτῷ πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας οἱ λέγοντες· πόρρω ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ, μὴ ἐγγίσῃς μοι, ὅτι καθαρός εἰμι· οὗτος καπνὸς τοῦ θυμοῦ μου, πῦρ καίεται ἐν αὐτῷ πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας

Isaiah 65:5 (NETS)

Isaiah 65:5 (English Elpenor)

Who say, “Stay away from me; do not come near me, for I am clean.”  This is the smoke of my wrath; a fire burns in it all the days. who say, Depart from me, draw not nigh to me, for I am pure.  This is the smoke of my wrath, a fire burns with it continually.

Psalm 51:11 (Tanakh)

Psalm 51:11 (KJV)

Psalm 51:11 (NET)

Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Do not reject me.  Do not take your holy Spirit away from me.

Psalm 51:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 50:13 (Septuagint Elpenor)

μὴ ἀπορρίψῃς με ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου σου καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιόν σου μὴ ἀντανέλῃς ἀπ᾽ ἐμοῦ μὴ ἀποῤῥίψῃς με ἀπὸ τοῦ προσώπου σου καὶ τὸ πνεῦμά σου τὸ ἅγιον μὴ ἀντανέλῃς ἀπ᾿ ἐμοῦ

Psalm 50:13 (NETS)

Psalm 50:13 (English Elpenor)

Do not cast me away from your face, and your holy spirit do not take from me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and remove not thy holy Spirit from me.

Psalm 51:12 (Tanakh)

Psalm 51:12 (KJV)

Psalm 51:12 (NET)

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance.  Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey.

Psalm 51:12 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 50:14 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἀπόδος μοι τὴν ἀγαλλίασιν τοῦ σωτηρίου σου καὶ πνεύματι ἡγεμονικῷ στήρισόν με ἀπόδος μοι τὴν ἀγαλλίασιν τοῦ σωτηρίου σου καὶ πνεύματι ἡγεμονικῷ στήριξόν με

Psalm 50:14 (NETS)

Psalm 50:14 (English Elpenor)

Restore to me the joy of your deliverance, and with a leading spirit support me. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation: establish me with thy directing Spirit.

Psalm 44:22 (Tanakh)

Psalm 44:22 (KJV)

Psalm 44:22 (NET)

Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. Yet because of you we are killed all day long; we are treated like sheep at the slaughtering block.

Psalm 44:22 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 43:23 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὅτι ἕνεκα σοῦ θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς ὅτι ἕνεκά σου θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν, ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς

Psalm 43:23 (NETS)

Psalm 43:23 (English Elpenor)

because for your sake we are being put to death all day long, we were accounted as sheep for slaughter. For, for thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for slaughter.

John 18:11 (NET)

John 18:11 (KJV)

But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath!  Am I not to drink the cup that the Father has given me?” Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

εἶπεν οὖν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῷ Πέτρῳ· βάλε τὴν μάχαιραν εἰς τὴν θήκην· τὸ ποτήριον ὃ δέδωκεν μοι ὁ πατὴρ οὐ μὴ πίω αὐτό ειπεν ουν ο ιησους τω πετρω βαλε την μαχαιραν σου εις την θηκην το ποτηριον ο δεδωκεν μοι ο πατηρ ου μη πιω αυτο ειπεν ουν ο ιησους τω πετρω βαλε την μαχαιραν σου εις την θηκην το ποτηριον ο δεδωκεν μοι ο πατηρ ου μη πιω αυτο

John 21:15-17 (NET)

John 21:15-17 (KJV)

Then when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these do?”  He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”  Jesus told him, “Feed my lambs.” So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?  He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.  He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Ὅτε οὖν ἠρίστησαν λέγει τῷ Σίμωνι Πέτρῳ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Σίμων Ἰωάννου, ἀγαπᾷς με πλέον τούτων; λέγει αὐτῷ· ναὶ κύριε, σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε. λέγει αὐτῷ· βόσκε τὰ ἀρνία μου οτε ουν ηριστησαν λεγει τω σιμωνι πετρω ο ιησους σιμων ιωνα αγαπας με πλειον τουτων λεγει αυτω ναι κυριε συ οιδας οτι φιλω σε λεγει αυτω βοσκε τα αρνια μου οτε ουν ηριστησαν λεγει τω σιμωνι πετρω ο ιησους σιμων ιωνα αγαπας με πλειον τουτων λεγει αυτω ναι κυριε συ οιδας οτι φιλω σε λεγει αυτω βοσκε τα αρνια μου
Jesus said a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”  He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.”  Jesus told him, “Shepherd my sheep.” He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?  He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.  He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

λέγει αὐτῷ πάλιν δεύτερον· Σίμων Ἰωάννου, ἀγαπᾷς με; λέγει αὐτῷ· ναὶ κύριε, σὺ οἶδας ὅτι φιλῶ σε. λέγει αὐτῷ· ποίμαινε τὰ |πρόβατα| μου λεγει αυτω παλιν δευτερον σιμων ιωνα αγαπας με λεγει αυτω ναι κυριε συ οιδας οτι φιλω σε λεγει αυτω ποιμαινε τα προβατα μου λεγει αυτω παλιν δευτερον σιμων ιωνα αγαπας με λεγει αυτω ναι κυριε συ οιδας οτι φιλω σε λεγει αυτω ποιμαινε τα προβατα μου
Jesus said a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”  Peter was distressed that Jesus asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” and said, “Lord, you know everything.  You know that I love you.”  Jesus replied, “Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?  Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me?  And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.  Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

λέγει αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον· Σίμων Ἰωάννου, φιλεῖς με; ἐλυπήθη ὁ Πέτρος ὅτι εἶπεν αὐτῷ τὸ τρίτον· φιλεῖς με; καὶ |λέγει| αὐτῷ· κύριε, πάντα σὺ οἶδας, σὺ γινώσκεις ὅτι φιλῶ σε. λέγει αὐτῷ · βόσκε τὰ |πρόβατα| μου λεγει αυτω το τριτον σιμων ιωνα φιλεις με ελυπηθη ο πετρος οτι ειπεν αυτω το τριτον φιλεις με και ειπεν αυτω κυριε συ παντα οιδας συ γινωσκεις οτι φιλω σε λεγει αυτω ο ιησους βοσκε τα προβατα μου λεγει αυτω το τριτον σιμων ιωνα φιλεις με ελυπηθη ο πετρος οτι ειπεν αυτω το τριτον φιλεις με και ειπεν αυτω κυριε συ παντα οιδας συ γινωσκεις οτι φιλω σε λεγει αυτω ο ιησους βοσκε τα προβατα μου

Romans 8:36 (NET)

Romans 8:36 (KJV)

As it is written, “For your sake we encounter death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

καθὼς γέγραπται ὅτι ἕνεκεν σοῦ θανατούμεθα ὅλην τὴν ἡμέραν, ἐλογίσθημεν ὡς πρόβατα σφαγῆς καθως γεγραπται οτι ενεκα σου θανατουμεθα ολην την ημεραν ελογισθημεν ως προβατα σφαγης καθως γεγραπται οτι ενεκεν σου θανατουμεθα ολην την ημεραν ελογισθημεν ως προβατα σφαγης

1 The NET parallel Greek text does have accent marks since this essay was first written: εἰς πᾶσαν τὴν γῆν ἐξῆλθεν ὁ φθόγγος αὐτῶν καὶ εἰς τὰ πέρατα τῆς οἰκουμένης τὰ ρήματα αὐτῶν (Romans 10:18b)

2 Psalm 19:1 (NET)

3 Psalm 19:7 (NET)

4 Psalm 19:11 (NET)

5 Philippians 2:13 (NET) Table

6 John 14:15 (NET)

7 Psalm 91:12 (Tanakh chabad.org)

8 John 8:44a (NET) Table

9 Matthew 16:21 (NET)

11 Matthew 22:37 (NET) Table; Deuteronomy 6:5might, strength, power

12 Matthew 26:75 (NET) Table

13 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had Ἰωάννου here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ιωνα (KJV: son of Jonas).

14 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had Ἰωάννου here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ιωνα (KJV: son of Jonas).

15 The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had Ἰωάννου here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ιωνα (KJV: son of Jonas).

Paul’s OT Quotes – Antioch

Old Testament quotations in the New Testament frustrated me terribly as I began to study the Bible.  When I turned back to the passages listed in the footnotes and read the actual text, it was often significantly different.  How could Paul and even Jesus quote the Old Testament so poorly and inaccurately?  It was difficult for me to see how they arrived at the understanding they presented.  And it was even more difficult for me to believe that they were correct.

A table follows with quotations from Paul’s sermon at Pisidian Antioch, the NET translation of the Old Testament passage he quoted, and the New American Bible translation of the same passage.  (I was told that the New American Bible was better regarding this issue.)

#

Paul (NET/NAB)

New English Translation

New American Bible

1

I have found David

Acts 13:22 (NET) Table

I have discovered David, my servant.

Psalm 89:20a (NET)

I have chosen David, my servant…

Psalm 89:21a (NAB)

2

…to be a man after my heart…

Acts 13:22 (NET)

The Lord has sought out for himself a man who is loyal to him…

1 Samuel 13:14 (NET)

The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart…

1 Samuel 13:14 (NAB)

3

You are my Son; today I have fathered you. [NAB: this day I have begotten you]

Acts 13:33 (NET)

You are my son!  This very day I have become your father!

Psalm 2:7 (NET)

You are my son; today I am your father.

Psalm 2:7 (NAB)

4

I will give you the holy and trustworthy promises made to David.

Acts 13:34 (NET) Table

I shall give you the   benefits assured to David.

Acts 13:34 (NAB)

Then I will make an unconditional covenantal promise to you, just like the reliable covenantal promises I made to David.

Isaiah 55:3 (NET) Table

I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.

Isaiah 55:3 (NAB)

5

You will not permit your Holy One to experience decay.

Acts 13:35 (NET) Table

You will not suffer your holy one to see corruption.

Acts 13:35 (NAB)

You will not abandon me to Sheol; you will not allow your faithful follower to see the Pit.

Psalm 16:10 (NET) Table

For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.

Psalm 16:10 (NAB)

6

Look, you scoffers; be amazed and perish!  For I am doing a work in your days, a work you would never believe, even if someone tells you.

Acts 13:41 (NET) Table

Look on, you scoffers, be amazed and disappear.  For I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe even if someone tells you.

Acts 13:41 (NAB)

Look at the nations and pay attention!  You will be shocked and amazed!  For I will do something in your lifetime that you will not believe even though you are forewarned.

Habakkuk 1:5 (NET)

Look over the nations and see, and be utterly amazed!  For a work is being done in your days that you would not have believed, were it told.

Habakkuk 1:5 (NAB)

Items #1-3 are not too bad in either translation.  I’d give the advantage to the New American Bible for Item #2, a man after his own heart.  The trouble begins in Items #4 and #5.  Again I’d give the advantage to the New American Bible on Item #4.  In the NET translation I’m not sure whether God will give the Messiah the same promises made to David or others like them.  And in Item #5 all hell breaks loose, literally.  Paul spoke about the Lord’s Holy One not experiencing decay or corruption, but both Bible translations are about Sheol and the Pit.

Here is the context for Paul’s usage of these Old Testament texts (Acts 13:32-39 NET).

And we proclaim to you the good news about the promise to our ancestors, that this promise God has fulfilled to us, their children, by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second psalm, ‘You are my Son; today I have fathered you.’  But regarding the fact that he has raised Jesus from the dead, never again to be in a state of decay (διαφθοράν, a form of διαφθορά), God has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and trustworthy promises made to David (Table).’  Therefore he also says in another psalm, ‘You will not permit your Holy One to experience decay (διαφθοράν) [Table].’  For David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died, was buried with his ancestors, and experienced decay (διαφθοράν) [Table], but the one whom God raised up did not experience decay (διαφθοράν).  Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by this one everyone who believes is justified from everything from which the law of Moses could not justify you (Table).

This was a rather important doctrine to be based on such inaccurate quotation of Old Testament Scripture.  I was surprised that no one stood up in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch to correct Paul’s misquotes.  While Item #6 is not too awful, apparently the words you scoffers and any mention of perishing or disappearing wasn’t in the original text.  So I was left with the impression that Paul added the pejorative and threatening language.

Later, I learned that Paul had quoted from the Septuagint (LXX), a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scripture completed in Alexandria about 200 years before the birth of Jesus.  Below is a table with Paul’s quotation from the NET and New American Bibles, the Old Testament text in Greek from the Septuagint, and the parallel Greek text used by the translators of the NET.  Both the Septuagint and the parallel Greek text used by the NET translators are available online.

#

Paul (NET/NAB)

Blue Letter Bible (Septuagint)

NET   Bible (Greek parallel text)

1

I have found David…

Acts 13:22 (NET)

εὗρον Δαυιδ

Psalm 89:20a

ευρον δαυιδ

Acts 13:22

2

…to be a man after my heart…

Acts 13:22 (NET)

ἄνθρωπον κατὰ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ

1 Samuel 13:14

[ανδρα] κατα την καρδιαν μου

Acts 13:22

3

You are my Son; today I have fathered you. [NAB: this day I have begotten you]

Acts 13:33 (NET)

υἱός μου εἶ σύ ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε

Psalm 2:7

υιος μου ει συ εγω σημερον γεγεννηκα   σε

Acts 13:33

4

I will give you the holy and trustworthy promises made to David.

Acts 13:34 (NET)

I shall give you the benefits assured to David.

Acts 13:34 (NAB)

διαθήσομαι ὑμῖν διαθήκην αἰώνιον τὰ ὅσια Δαυιδ τὰ πιστά

Isaiah 55:3

δωσω υμιν τα οσια δαυιδ τα πιστα

Acts 13:34

5

You will not permit your Holy One to experience decay.

Acts 13:35 (NET)

You will not suffer your holy one to see corruption.

Acts 13:35 (NAB)

οὐδὲ δώσεις τὸν ὅσιόν σου ἰδεῖν διαφθοράν

Psalm 16:10

ου δωσεις τον οσιον σου ιδειν διαφθοραν

Acts 13:35

6

Look, you scoffers; be amazed and perish!  For I am doing a work in your days, a work you would never believe, even if someone tells you.

Acts 13:41 (NET)

Look on, you scoffers, be amazed and disappear.  For I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will never believe even if someone tells you.

Acts 13:41 (NAB)

ἴδετε οἱ καταφρονηταί καὶ ἐπιβλέψατε καὶ θαυμάσατε θαυμάσια καὶ ἀφανίσθητε διότι ἔργον ἐγὼ ἐργάζομαι ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ὑμῶν ὃ οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε ἐάν τις ἐκδιηγῆται

Habakkuk 1:5

ιδετε οι καταφρονηται και θαυμασατε και αφανισθητε οτι εργον εργαζομαι εγω εν ταις ημεραις υμων εργον ο ου μη πιστευσητε εαν τις εκδιηγηται υμιν

Acts 13:41

Except for accent marks Item #1 is identical in both the Septuagint and the parallel Greek text.  In Item #2 the phrase began with ἄνθρωπος in the Septuagint and ἀνδρα (a form of ἀνήρ) in the parallel Greek text.  Both may be translated man.  The phrase in the Septuagint ended with a form of αὐτός (self) and with μοῦ (I, me, my, mine) in the parallel Greek text.  The rest, except for accent marks, are identical, and a form of καρδία (heart) is clearly in both.  And finally, except for accent marks Item #3 is identical in Psalm 2:7 in the Septuagint and Acts 13:33 in the parallel Greek text.

In Hebrews 8:10 NET διαθηκη ην διαθησομαι is translated is the covenant that I will establish; διαθηκη = is the covenant; διαθησομαι = I will establish.  So I am guessing that the beginning of Item #4, διαθήσομαι ὑμῖν διαθήκην αἰώνιον from Isaiah 55:3 in the Septuagint means something like I will establish with you this covenant eternal as opposed to simply δωσω υμιν (I give you) in the parallel Greek text of Acts 13:34.  After that except for accent marks both are identical.

Item #5 begins with two different forms of negation, but after that except for accent marks both are identical.  The final word in both the Septuagint and the parallel Greek text is διαφθορά (decay, corruption) not βόθυνος (cistern, ditch, pit), nor ἄβυσσος (depthless, abyss, deep, bottomless, pit), nor φρέαρ (cistern, well, abyss, prison, pit), nor ταρταρόω (abyss, incarcerate, hell) [Addendum: 8/8/2022 τάρταρος], nor τάφος (grave, sepulchre, tomb), nor ληνός (trough, vat, winepress), nor χάσμα (chasm, gulf), nor γέεννα (valley of the son of Hinnom, hell).

Item #6 displays some significant differences between the Septuagint and the parallel Greek text.  The phrase καὶ ἐπιβλέψατε in Habakkuk 1:5 was not repeated in Acts 13:41.  The word καὶ is a conjunction, probably and in this case.  The closest I could find to ἐπιβλέψατε was επιβλεψητε in James 2:3 (NET), which was translated do you pay attention.  So I assume the text of Habakkuk contained not only the word look (ἴδετε) but followed with and pay attention (καὶ ἐπιβλέψατε).  [Addendum 08/30/2019: ἐπιβλέψατε is the Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Person Plural form of ἐπιβλέπω]  Next, where the parallel Greek text reads και θαυμασατε the Septuagint had καὶ θαυμάσατε θαυμάσια.  I found θαυμασια in Matthew 21:15 (NET) translated the wonderful.  So my assumption is that θαυμασια modifies θαυμάσατε.  Paul said and be amazed (και θαυμασατε) where the Septuagint said something like and be wonderfully amazed (καὶ θαυμάσατε θαυμάσια) or perhaps, and be amazed by miracles.

The second clause was joined by διότι (on the very account that, or inasmuch as) in the Septuagint and οτι (because, translated for) in the parallel Greek text.  (I suspect it has something to do with language construction since εργον (a work) was repeated at the beginning of the next clause in the parallel Greek text and not in the Septuagint.)  In the Septuagint ἔργον ἐγὼ ἐργάζομαι (a work I am doing) follows the conjunction διότι.  In the parallel Greek text εργον εργαζομαι εγω (a work am doing I) follows the conjunction οτι.  The latter is clumsy in English but I don’t think word order has the same significance in Greek.  Finally the parallel Greek text ended with a more definitive εκδιηγηται υμιν (tells you) while the Septuagint ended ἐκδιηγῆται (probably something like, tells of it).

Compared to the other quotations I’ve looked at these differences are significant (and I can’t explain them) but not substantial.  What is important to me is that οἱ καταφρονηταί (you scoffers) and καὶ ἀφανίσθητε (and perish or and disappear) occur in both.  Paul was not as bad at quoting Old Testament scripture as I at first thought.  In fact, this whole exercise leads me to believe that the Septuagint is like a snapshot of at least Diaspora Jewish thinking on the Bible when their Messianic hopes were still vital.

I suspect that no one interrupted or corrected Paul in the synagogue in Pisidian Antioch because they all used the Septuagint, or had not yet gotten word from the religious authorities that the Hebrew language no longer meant what it meant when the Septuagint was translated.  Bible scholars and translators today (and apparently since Jerome in the fifth century) prefer the Hebrew text.  I doubt a tradition with that longevity is going to change any time soon.  But as I said before all of these resources are online.  I don’t know Greek either, but with a concordance and a little comparison and contrast among texts one can begin to see through the fog.

 

Addendum (6/19/2015): Jim Searcy has published that the Septuagint is a hoax written by Origen and Eusebius 200 hundred years or so after Christ.  “In fact, the Septuagint ‘quotes’ from the New Testament and not vice versa…”  His contention is that the “King James Version is the infallible Word of God.”  So, I’ll re-examine the quotations above with the KJV.

#

Paul (KJV)

King James Version

New American Bible

1

I have found David…

Acts 13:22 (KJV)

I have found David my servant…

Psalm 89:20a (KJV)

I have chosen David, my servant…

Psalm 89:21a (NAB)

2

…a man after mine own heart…

Acts 13:22 (KJV)

the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart…

1 Samuel 13:14 (KJV)

The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart…

1 Samuel 13:14 (NAB)

3

Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Acts 13:33 (KJV)

Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Psalm 2:7 (KJV)

You are my son; today I am your father.

Psalm 2:7 (NAB)

4

I will give you the sure mercies of David.

Acts 13:34 (KJV)

 

I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Isaiah 55:3 (KJV)

I will renew with you the everlasting covenant, the benefits assured to David.

Isaiah 55:3 (NAB)

5

Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Acts 13:35 (KJV)

 

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Psalm 16:10 (KJV)

For you will not abandon me to Sheol, nor let your faithful servant see the pit.

Psalm 16:10 (NAB)

6

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

Acts 13:41 (KJV)

 

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.

Habakkuk 1:5 (KJV)

Look over the nations and see, and be utterly amazed!  For a work is being done in your days that you would not have believed, were it told.

Habakkuk 1:5 (NAB)

Items #1 – #5 correspond excellently between Old Testament and Paul’s quotations in his sermon at Antioch.  Item #6 indicates that Paul (inspired by the Holy Spirit) altered a text addressed to the heathen, applied it to the Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, called them despisers, and threatened them (perish).  Later Origen copied this text into his false Greek text which became the Septuagint, if Mr. Searcy is correct.

The alternative here would be that the despisers could no longer bear to hear this word in the Hebrew text and assumed it was meant for the heathen, after the Greek text of the original Hebrew was firmly established.  Paul did seem to indicate that his words were what was spoken of in the prophets (τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις).

 

Addendum: August 30, 2019
Tables comparing Psalm 89:20; 1 Samuel 13:14; Psalm 2:7 and Habakkuk 1:5 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and tables comparing in the Tanakh and NET, and tables comparing Psalm 89:20 (89:21); 1 Samuel (Kings, Reigns) 13:14; Psalm 2:7 and Habakkuk 1:5 in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor) follow.

Psalm 89:20 (Tanakh)

Psalm 89:20 (KJV)

Psalm 89:20 (NET)

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: I have discovered David, my servant.  With my holy oil I have anointed him as king.

Psalm 89:20 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 88:21 (Septuagint Elpenor)

εὗρον Δαυιδ τὸν δοῦλόν μου ἐν ἐλαίῳ ἁγίῳ μου ἔχρισα αὐτόν εὗρον Δαυΐδ τὸν δοῦλόν μου, ἐν ἐλέει ἁγίῳ μου ἔχρισα αὐτόν

Psalm 88:21 (NETS)

Psalm 88:21 (English Elpenor)

I found Dauid my slave; with my holy oil I anointed him. I have found David my servant; I have anointed him by [my] holy mercy.

1 Samuel 13:14 (Tanakh)

1 Samuel 13:14 (KJV)

1 Samuel 13:14 (NET)

But now thy kingdom shall not continue; HaShem hath sought him a man after His own heart, and HaShem hath appointed him to be prince over His people, because thou hast not kept that which HaShem commanded thee.’ But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee. But now your kingdom will not continue.  The Lord has sought out for himself a man who is loyal to him, and the Lord has appointed him to be leader over his people, for you have not obeyed what the Lord commanded you.”

1 Samuel 13:14 (Septuagint BLB)

1 Kings 13:14 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ νῦν ἡ βασιλεία σου οὐ στήσεται καὶ ζητήσει κύριος ἑαυτῷ ἄνθρωπον κατὰ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐντελεῗται κύριος αὐτῷ εἰς ἄρχοντα ἐπὶ τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ ὅτι οὐκ ἐφύλαξας ὅσα ἐνετείλατό σοι κύριος καὶ νῦν ἡ βασιλεία σου οὐ στήσεταί σοι, καὶ ζητήσει Κύριος ἑαυτῷ ἄνθρωπον κατὰ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐντελεῖται Κύριος αὐτῷ εἰς ἄρχοντα ἐπὶ τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ, ὅτι οὐκ ἐφύλαξας ὅσα ἐνετείλατό σοι Κύριος

1 Reigns 13:14 (NETS)

1 Kings 13:14 (English Elpenor)

also now your kingdom will not stand, and the Lord will seek for himself a person after his heart, and the Lord will command him to rule over his people, because you did not keep what the Lord commanded you.” But now thy kingdom shall not stand to thee, and the Lord shall seek for himself a man after his own heart; and the Lord shall appoint him to be a ruler over his people, because thou hast not kept all that the Lord commanded thee.

Psalm 2:7 (Tanakh)

Psalm 2:7 (KJV)

Psalm 2:7 (NET)

I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. The king says, “I will announce the Lord’s decree.  He said to me: ‘You are my son.  This very day I have become your father.

Psalm 2:7 (Septuagint BLB)

Psalm 2:7 (Septuagint Elpenor)

διαγγέλλων τὸ πρόσταγμα κυρίου κύριος εἶπεν πρός με υἱός μου εἶ σύ ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε διαγγέλλων τὸ πρόσταγμα Κυρίου. Κύριος εἶπε πρός με· υἱός μου εἶ σύ, ἐγὼ σήμερον γεγέννηκά σε

Psalm 2:7 (NETS)

Psalm 2:7 (English Elpenor)

By proclaiming the Lord’s ordinance: The Lord said to me, ‘My son you are; today I have begotten you. declaring the ordinance of the Lord: the Lord said to me, Thou art my Son, to-day have I begotten thee.

Habakkuk 1:5 (Tanakh)

Habakkuk 1:5 (KJV)

Habakkuk 1:5 (NET)

Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you. Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. “Look at the nations and pay attention! You will be shocked and amazed! For I will do something in your lifetime that you will not believe even though you are forewarned.

Habakkuk 1:5 (Septuagint BLB)

Habakkuk 1:5 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἴδετε οἱ καταφρονηταί καὶ ἐπιβλέψατε καὶ θαυμάσατε θαυμάσια καὶ ἀφανίσθητε διότι ἔργον ἐγὼ ἐργάζομαι ἐν ταῗς ἡμέραις ὑμῶν ὃ οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε ἐάν τις ἐκδιηγῆται ἴδετε, οἱ καταφρονηταί, καὶ ἐπιβλέψατε καὶ θαυμάσατε θαυμάσια καὶ ἀφανίσθητε, διότι ἔργον ἐγὼ ἐργάζομαι ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ὑμῶν, ὃ οὐ μὴ πιστεύσητε, ἐάν τις ἐκδιηγῆται.

Habakkuk 1:5 (NETS)

Habakkuk 1:5 (English Elpenor)

Look, you despisers, and watch!  And marvel at marvelous things, and be annihilated!  For I am working a work in your days that you would not believe if someone should tell it. Behold, ye despisers, and look, and wonder marvelously, and vanish: for I work a work in your days, which ye will in no wise believe, though a man declare [it to you].