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Why Don't the New Testament Writers Quote the OT Word for Word?

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If the Scriptures teach inerrancy, why didn’t the New Testament writers cite the Old Testament writers word for word? The lack of verbal exactness in citing the Old Testament has caused some to deny the biblical teaching of inerrancy.

This objection does not carry much weight for a number of reasons. They include the following.

1. There Are Different Languages Involved

First, there is the issue of languages. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew, with parts in Aramaic, while the New Testament was composed in Greek. Any quotation, therefore, cannot be given word for word because there are two different languages involved. There had to be a translation from one language to another.

2. The Ancient Practice Of Citing Another Written Work Must Be Appreciated

While in some modern cultures it is the accepted method to quote another author word for word, this was not the case in biblical times. It is not so much the exact words, as the exact content that was being cited. As long as the content is accurately stated, then it is not necessary to quote the author word for word. The Old Testament was not quoted for its words but rather for the meaning. The New Testament writers also expanded upon what was written. They gave the true meaning and application.

3. This Mistakenly Assumes The Writer Must Quote Word For Word

The attack is based on the assumption that citations must give the exact words of the writer quoted, when no such rule obtains in literature. Unless the writer specifically says that he is quoting another word for word, we should not assume that this is the case. The writer is quoting correctly if he gives the true sense of the text.

4. There Was A Free Manner Of Quoting The Old Testament

The New Testament writers frequently quote the Old Testament without verbal exactness. Most likely, many of the quotations were from memory. At times the citations were made according to the sense of the Old Testament rather than making a direct quote.

The Quotations Are Sometimes Indirect

Sometimes the quotations in Scripture are indirect not direct. An indirect quotation does not cite someone directly but does report accurately what that person said. For example, John makes the statement to us, “I was at work from nine in the morning until five in the evening.” Then we, in turn, tell someone that John told us that he was at work all day. While our sentence does not quote John word for word, it does give an accurate account of what he said.

Although an indirect quotation may not use any of the speaker’s original words it can correctly report what the speaker said. The point is that indirect citing of someone can be accurate without using someone’s exact words.

5. There Were No Punctuation Marks In The Original

Another thing that needs to be emphasized is that the ancients did not use the same type of punctuation as we do today. There were no punctuation marks, ellipses, brackets, or other such devices in the original writings of Scripture – the autographs. Consequently, we do not know whether the ancient writer was citing something directly or alluding to it.

Therefore, in some instances, the so-called misquotation is not a citation of Scripture at all. There was no intent for the writer to cite another portion of Scripture.

There are several other points that need to be emphasized.

There Is One Author Behind All Of Scripture – The Holy Spirit

The Bible emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is author of the entire Bible.

Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20, 21).

Since this is the case, we should allow the author to quote Himself as He pleases.

This Theory Assumes The Apostles Were Ignorant Of Scripture

The attack is also based on the assumption that the apostles were rather ignorant in theology, judged by modern standards. This is a rather arrogant position to hold seeing that they were two thousand years closer to the Old Testament than we now are.

There Is Hardly Ever Any Attempt To Harmonize

Whenever there is a seeming problem with the way a New Testament writer quotes the Old Testament, an error is automatically assumed – no attempt is made to find a solution.

Inerrancy Only Requires The Bible Always Tells The Truth

Inerrancy does not require word for word quotations from the Old Testament. The doctrine of inerrancy simply means that the Bible tells the truth. Time and time again we find the writers doing this.

Summary

One of the main objections against an inerrant Bible is the lack of verbal exactness when the New Testament quotes the Old. The fact that the Old Testament passage is not quoted word for word supposedly is an argument against the doctrine of inerrancy. However this is not the case. First, the Old Testament was written in Hebrew while the New Testament was composed in Greek. This makes verbal exactness impossible. In addition, in ancient writing there were no such things as punctuation marks, quotation marks or any other such devices. Consequently one can never be certain when a passage is being directly cited or merely paraphrased. It also may be asked, “Why an author must quote another word for word to be faithful to what the quoted author wrote?”

It must be remembered that the Holy Spirit is the ultimate author behind all the books of Scripture. Should not He be able to quote His own work any way that He wishes? Finally, the biblical doctrine of inerrancy does not demand the Old Testament be quoted word for word in the New Testament. The doctrine of inerrancy requires that the Bible should always tell the truth. This is exactly what it does.

Comments

  1. I agree with all of your analysis about this situation, however, there is a major instance that goes unspoken that reveals a great deal. The Septuagint was created in 325BC and was the commonly used version of the Scriptures even until after Christ because of the lasting effects of Alexander the Great’s decision of having the whole world speak Greek under his reign. The Hebrew Scriptures were still used and intensely maintained by the scribes and Pharisees and similar to the Jewish practices of today, little boys were still trained in Hebrew, but it was more ceremonial than the more commonplace Greek. Thus, much of the “common man’s” familiarity with the Scriptures was with the Septuaigint rather than the Original Hebrew version. Thus their quoting is from Greek to Greek in some cases, but the versions in our laps used Greek, Latin, as well as Hebrew translations of the original texts to preserve the original text as exactingly as possible in the English translation. So our version is not going to read word for word in English in both places as it more likely would if you had the entirety in a single language. So it is everything you mentioned in addition to the existence and proliferation of the Septuagint which was the source for most of the quotes. Paul on the other hand, being a Pharisee, actually quotes from boththe Septuagint and Hebrew, which is interesting in that it seems like th Holy Spirit is validating/authorizing both.

    • Ditto – something else to remember is that all scripture are Hebrew concepts. The Septuagint is the key to finding the intent of the Hebrew NT writers because it connects the two languages. The Hebrew NT writers were penning Hebrew truths in a hybrid form of Greek, a Jewish/Greek similar to “Yiddish” (Ye-Duetch) or Jewish/German. What was written in NT was not “Proper/Classic” or “Common” Greek. As GODS people Israel were dispersed into different cultures they absorbed the language of the culture while remaining true to who they are, forming new words unfamiliar in the existing cultures language because the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob/Israel did not exist outside of Israel, Act 17:16-33. The Hellenistic language was the language of commerce in that known world similar to English of our world, but the English of Americans is going to differ much from the English of other nationalities.
      J.

  2. The reason for differences is, as the author of this blog says, due to the Holy Spirit’s changing things around in the NT as He saw fit. The main reason behind why the Holy Spirit did this was due to progressive revelation that God reveals to man. God did not reveal everything at once to man. Then, after certain events happened, the Holy Spirit came along and said, “that is what that OT scripture REALLY meant. I just hadn’t revealed the whole meaning until now.”

  3. James,
    I completely agree with this statement
    You

    “Thus, much of the “common man’s” familiarity with the Scriptures was with the Septuaigint rather than the Original Hebrew version.”

    A perfect example of this is a passage found in Hebrews

    Hebrews 10:5-7 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, BUT A BODY YOU HAVE PREPARD FOR ME. 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come— In the volume of the book it is written of Me— To do Your will, O God.’ ” NKJV

    This is a quote from Psalm 40:6-8 directly from the LXX. (Septuagint) The Hebrew text of this Psalm has been corrupted, substituting “You have opened my ears” in place of “but a body You have prepared for Me,” as in the Septuagint.

    Therefore we can be certain that the LXX is correct in this verse. In fact the LXX is quoted far more often in the NT when the authors are citing the OT, especially in the book of Hebrews.

    Also in many of Paul’s epistles he alludes to the LXX with certain phrases or sometimes even key words that are rendered exactly the same in the NT Greek text as the LXX Greek but it get’s overlooked because its not a direct quote of an OT verse and therfore is not given as an OT quotation in our NT. This is important to consider when an exegesis of certain texts in the NT are done because Paul sometimes brings in a sutle nuiance’s from the LXX and if we don’t go back to the LXX and consider the context of what is said in that verse then we may miss the point Paul is trying to make.

  4. Thank so much for this bit of information. We might add that it is the Holy Spirit who “translates” the written word to me as the “living word.” Holy men of God wrote as they were inspired in the Old Testament. Holy men of God wrote as they were taught and inspired in the New Testament. We too can be holy men of God and our understanding, as well as authority and power in our teaching, is to be also and “act of God:” “without Him, we can do nothing;” but we are to “abide in Him” through faith in His fruit – bearing through us. The “short work on earth” is completed by God through us too. We can walk in the same confidence, in “like minded faith.”
    We, the church, are to demonstrate His power to “move mountains” today, just as our forefathers the disciples moved them in the first century. They were, “As He is in the world; we can believe that we too are – through faith in Him and by heeding His word, respecting it, honoring it, teaching it – and trusting the Teacher common to the prophets, the Apostles, and all since who will be His disciples – the Holy Spirit.
    LORD, in one accord we ask Thee to “stretch forth thine hand to heal and to, with signs and wonders, continue thy work until thy return – grant yours boldness (in confidence) to witness of Thy great ongoing outreach on earth: we share you, LORD; and we beleve you to reach through our sharing to bring the fruit you promised would come through our efforts.
    Buddy

  5. porfavor gostei dos comentarios gostaria de receber mias artigos sou do brasil e moro no rio de janeiro e sou pastor da 3 igreja batista de jacarepaua.

    • Pastor inscreve se p receber os devocionais. Eles sao muito bons e sao enviados diariamente. O filme deles the gospel segundo lucas tambem eh muito bom. Faça o download capitulo porc capitulo

  6. The LXX Septuagint is a myth. It doesn’t exist. All of you Bible correctors who quoted it are under a delusion.

    The King James Bible is superior to every other English translation.

    The King James Bible is superior to the Textus Receptus.

    It’s God’s preserved Word in the language of the end times and has saved more souls than all combined Bibles that preceded it.

    Stick with the King James and abandon all others. The King James said it, that settles it for me–even if I don’t believe it. The King James Bible demands you conform yourself it it. All other bibles conform themselves you.

    • To all stiff-necked critics with hardened hearts to the obvious truth which learned scholars have passed on “from faith to faith” (Rom. 1:17), how Lowe can you go?
      The Septuagint is a fact of literary history. Anyone who denies that fact is delusional.
      Written 400 years ago, which was not the end times so obvious to the modern believer’s awareness of fulfilled prophecy (e.g. the return of the Jews to Israel), the King James Bible is not superior to every other English translation. The mistakes therein are well documented. Archeological discoveries have unearthed a wealth of letters, essays, shopping lists and market orders that have given today’s translators a better understanding of the Greek language, As the King James Bible was distributed to the peoples of those days in their language, so modern translations are being distributed to the peoples of our age.
      One Scripture that should have been added to the article is II Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”. The true and living God, who cannot lie, has guaranteed that His people would be comforted, counseled, instructed and edified by the truth of His Word in the language of their days which they can understand.
      If you have “cut your teeth” on the King James Bible, praise God. It is the version He has given you. Got the NIV? Praise God, he has revealed Himself through it. I’m a NASV man and I know the the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is in them and His only-begotten Son, my God and Savior Christ Jesus.
      Again, as stated in today’s blog, it is not always the exact words that are of utmost importance. The essence of the context, the meaning of the message being delivered is that which changes our lives, conforming us into the image of His Son. Whatever version you are reading daily, mistakes or not, God can and will use for your enlightenment. God bless you.

    • The KJV is exactly what the title says, “King James Version” of God’s Word. It was only commissioned in 1611 but yet there are versions far earlier than this. Matter of fact find a first edition KJV and you will find the apocrypha include in his version. Do not add or take away from the Word, but yet at one point KJ include the apocrypha and then decided to take it out. The point is, it is another version of God’s Word, nothing more. It is not this great one and only authoritative version. There is nothing like the original language of God’s Word and we should strive to understand it as much as possible even if it is not our native language. We may have the Word in our language of today, but with every translation some meaning is lost and that is why cross referencing with the original language is important no matter what version you use.

      • Christie~

        While the Apocrypha was included as a part of the KJV, it was done so merely for its historical value. It was never accepted as a part of God’s inspired Word except by the Catholic Church. It was later removed to avoid any confusion with regard to that fact.

        I hope this helps!

        Barbara

  7. Hi,

    I asked this question to myself and others a couple of years ago. I knew the LXX to be inaccurate in parts so wondered why it would be quoted. A simple answer is that it is accurate where the NT authors quote it. To an unbeliever this may sound like it is just convenient to believe. But I think that if it were accurate in some places and not others we should expect the accurate parts to be quoted and not others. It does take faith to believe this but since it is plausible and there is no immediate incontrovertible evidence to the contrary it is reasonable to believe.

    King James only Thomas- I will pray for you, brother that you find the truth and the truth sets you free.

    Blessings

    • If I may continue the conversation with you, – accurate against what standard? At the time of its writing, the LXX was an attempt to translate Hebrew scripture (TNK) into the Hellenistic speaking world. (Tanakh, the name is an acronym formed from the initial Hebrew letters of the Masoretic Text’s three traditional subdivisions: The Torah (“Teaching”, also known as the Five Books of Moses), Nevi’im (“Prophets”) and Ketuvim (“Writings”)—hence TaNaKh. – Wikipedia). Its accuracy would have to be measured against the TNK standard written in Hebrew, not Greek, Latin or English. The LXX was written in Jewish / Greek; you can read what I wrote in an earlier posting for more. This would also pose an accuracy problem because of the nature of translating from one language to another. Interpretation is inevitable unless you can read Hebrew for yourself, I cannot.

      Separate issue, I have heard it said “King James Bible – If it was good enough for Paul, it is good enough for me” ;-).

      J.

  8. As Rex stated the Septuagint is a matter of historical fact that has been validated by numerous sources. The KJV while still a very good translation, is not without it’s flaws. Remember also, that it is the same translation that many cults use including Mormonism, and Catholicism. The Catholic church uses the KJV to justify the pope, infallibility of the pope, purgatory, Mary worship, etc. This is not a knock on the KJV but rather a reminder that anyone can piece-meal God’s word to justify themselves. I actually do speak Hebrew and am in the process of learning Greek, so I can tell you that the LXX is very actuate and as long as we can keep the conversation civil and not try to “troll” anyone, I would love to hear Lowe’s thoughts or anyone else’s for that matter.
    –En aletheia kai agape (In Truth and Love)

  9. ————-scholarship verse DISCIPLESHIP————–

    Hebrews 12:2
    Looking unto JESUS the —AUTHOR—and finisher of our faith
    who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross
    despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of
    the throne of GOD

    Hebrews 5:8&9
    Though HE were a SON yet learned HE obedience
    by the things which HE sufFered
    (9)And being made perfect HE became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey —-HIM—-

    1 Corinthians 10:2-4
    And all were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea
    (3)And did —ALL—eat the same spiritual meat
    (4)And did —ALL—drink the same spiritual drink
    For they drank of that spiritual ROCK that followed them
    AND THAT ROCK WAS—CHRIST—

    1 Timothy 6:3&4
    If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome words
    EVEN THE WORDS OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
    AND TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH IS ACCORDING TO GODLINESS
    (4)—-HE IS PROUD KNOWING NOTHING—-doting about—QUESTIONS—
    and strifes of words whereof cometh envy strife railings evil surmisings

    2 Timothy 2:23
    But foolish and unlearned questions avoid
    knowing that they do gender strifes

    Titus 3:9
    But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and
    —CONTENTIONS—AND STRIVINGS ABOUT THE LAW
    FOR THEY ARE UNPROFITABLE AND VAIN

    Titus 3:10
    A man that is an heretick after the first
    and second admonition reject

    Titus 3:11
    Knowing that he that is such is subverted and sinneth
    being condemned of himself

    1 John 1:9
    —WHOSOEVER— transgresseth and abideth not in the
    —DOCTRINE—OF CHRIST HATH NOT GOD—he that abideth
    in the doctrine of CHRIST he hath both
    THE FATHER AND THE SON

    1 John 1:10
    IF there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine
    receive him not into your house neither bid him GOD speed

    1 John 1:11
    For he that biddeth him GOD speed
    is partaker of his evil deeds

    Luke 8:21
    And HE answered and said unto them
    MY mother and MY brethren are these which here
    the word of GOD and do it

    Isaiah 8:16
    Bind up the testimony seal the law among MY disciples

    Isaiah 8:20
    To the law and to the testimony if they speak not
    according to this word it is because there is no light in them

    Galatians 6:1&2
    Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault you which
    are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness
    considering thyself lest thou also be tempted
    (2)Bear ye one anothers burdens and so fulfill the
    —LAW OF CHRIST—

    Matthew 15:10
    And HE called the multitude and said unto them
    HEAR AND UNDERSTAND

    Matthew 15:11
    Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man
    But that which cometh out of the mouth THIS DEFILETH A MAN

    Matthew 15:12
    Then came HIS disciples and said unto HIM
    Knowest thou that the pharisees were offended
    after they heard this saying

    Matthew 15:13
    But HE answered and said
    Every plant that MY FATHER hath not planted shall be rooted up

    Matthew 15:14
    LET THEM ALONE
    THEY BE BLIND LEADERS OF THE BLIND
    AND IF THE BLIND LEAD THE BLIND
    —BOTH SHALL FALL INTO THE PIT—

    1 Thessalonians 1:4
    But as we were allowed of GOD to be put in—TRUST—
    with the gospel even so we speak —NOT AS PLEASING MEN—
    BUT GOD WHICH TRIETH OUR HEARTS

    1 Peter 4:11
    —IF— any man speak let him speak as the oracles of GOD
    —IF— any man minister let him do it as of the ability
    which—GOD GIVETH—
    That GOD in all things may be glorified through JESUS CHRIST
    To whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever —AMEN—

    John 8:31
    Then said JESUS to those Jews —WHICH BELIEVED ON HIM—
    —IF— YOU CONTINUE IN MY WORD THEN ARE YOU MY DISCIPLES
    INDEED

    John 15:4
    ABIDE IN ME AND I IN YOU AS THE BRANCH CANNOT
    BEAR FRUIT OF —ITSELF— EXCEPT IT ABIDE IN THE
    VINE NO MORE CAN —YOU— EXCEPT YOU ABIDE IN ME

    LOVING THE LORD JESUS

  10. Well, Mr. Morrow, I think that about sums it up.

    Fine choice of scripture, by the way.

    –Debi

  11. The last two posts (Steve Morrow and Debi C.) have an anti-intellectual tone to them which is out of place within Christian discipleship.

    Many people who are smug in their opposition to scholarship by Christians by claiming it exists in opposition to humble discipleship need to repent of their pride and ignorance.

    They also need to appreciate the extremely demanding work of scholars throughout the centuries who have toiled (and sacrificed much) to make the very best English translations so ordinary people can read them.

    If you truly think ‘scholarship vs. discipleship’, then I suggest you stop throwing around chunks of Scripture like hand grenades and trying reading them in the original languages. Perhaps that will help you develop a sense of gratitude for the faithful, humble, and mostly completely unknown men and women who dedicate decades of their lives to helping the world read and understand the Word of God.

    • Kernal Baus, I am sincerely sorry that I offended you. But I read Steve Morrow’s choices of scripture after studying all of the blog post. In fact, I read the blog and re-read the other posts twice.

      I truly believe that Steve Morrow chose the scriptures he chose out of reverence and study. I am sorry that the way I responded to him offended you, and I never intended to offend anyone. I responded in the way I did merely to be brief in my reply to Steve Morrow.

      I still believe that he summed up the study quite well in the scripture references he chose. And I believe Steve Morrow chooses to post in the way he does because that is most comfortable for him.

      I have been reading Steven Morrow’s posts and many times I have not understood what he was saying. And I have bitten my tongue to flippantly reply to his posts with accusations of whatever I felt emotionally.

      But today, I really read his post, and thought about what he was saying through scripture. That is Steven’s way of responding. And I chose to respond to his post the way I did because there was nothing more to be said.

      Again, I humbly apologize for offending you. If we had been sitting in my living room enjoying coffee and tea and croissants, with our bibles open and our pens poised above our notebook paper, perhaps our conversation might have been more light-hearted.

      Please forgive me.
      love, Debi

      • Debi, of course I forgive you, but I am also sorry for my overly strident tones…this is an issue which pushes my buttons and has done for a long time. I wrote last night when I was tired and could not express my feelings without moderation. It is easier to express frustration at a computer than in person, which is something I need to remember…

        • Thanks, Kernal. Thank you for writing back.

          I love scholarship in Bible study! I love learning deeper things from scholars. My pastor is a scholar AND a good teacher AND a man of deep faith in Christ AND a man who loves the Lord.

          I don’t always understand you, Steve Morrow, but I think you were trying to express that if we abide in the vine, and walk humbly with our God, we don’t need to discuss whether the Word of God was quoted exactly or paraphrased. I agree.

          But discussion is fun, and we learn from each other when we talk about God’s Word. And God is listening to us, and through His Holy Spirit, He connects us and teaches us to get along. I think we sharpen each other when there are people who have studied God’s Word so deeply (like you have, I am guessing) with people who are like a dry sponge (that would be me).

          Again, thank you Kernal.
          Debi

          • Kernal, here is my P.S.–
            I have a DVD called “William Tyndale…His Life, His Legacy: the most influential English speaking person ever!” Talk about scholars who sacrificed! William Tyndale is the man who transcribed Greek into English so the common man would have GOD’S WORD (he got burned at the stake for that). William Tyndale is the creator of the English language as we know it today (Thanks, Bill!)

            If you can find it at the library, it is a good one!
            –Debi

  12. James 3:14
    But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts
    glory not and lie not against the truth

    Ephesians 6:13
    Wherefore take unto you the WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD that you may
    be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to
    stand

    Ephesians 6:14
    Stand therefore having your loins girt about with TRUTH
    And having on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS

    Proverbs 9:9
    Give instruction to a wise man and he will be yet wiser
    Teach a just man and he will increase in learning

    Proverbs 8:7&8
    For MY mouth shall speak truth and wickedness is an
    abomination to MY lips

    (8)—ALL— the words of MY mouth are in righteousness
    there is nothing froward or perverse in them

    Proverbs 8:9 THEY ARE —ALL PLAIN—TO HIM THAT
    UNDERSTANDETH AND RIGHT TO THEM THAT FIND KNOWLEDGE

    Proverbs 2:6
    For the LORD giveth wisdom
    out of —HIS—mouth cometh
    knowledge and understanding

    Psalm 119:104
    Through thy precepts I get understanding
    THEREFORE I HATE EVERY FALSE WAY

    Psalm 119:78
    Let the proud be ashamed
    for they dealt perversely with me without a cause
    But I will meditate in thy precepts

    Psalm 119:93
    I will never forget thy precepts
    For with them thou hast quickened me

    Psalm 119:100
    I understand more than the ancients
    Because I keep thy precepts

    Psalm 119:130
    The entrance of thy words giveth light
    it giveth understanding unto the simple

    Psalm 111:10
    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom
    A GOOD UNDERSTANDING HAVE
    —ALL THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS—
    HIS praise endureth forever

    Proverbs 2:3
    Yea if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice
    for understanding

    Proverbs 2:4
    If thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures

    Proverbs 2:5
    THEN shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD
    And find the knowledge of GOD

    Proverbs 11:12
    He that is void of wisdom despiseth thy neighbor
    But a man of understanding HOLDETH HIS PEACE

    2 Corinthians 10 3&4&5
    For though we walk in the flesh
    We do not war after the flesh
    (4)For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal
    But mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strongholds
    (5)casting down imaginations and —EVERY HIGH THING—
    that exalteth itself against the knowledge of GOD
    AND BRINGING INTO CAPTIVITY EVERY THOUGHT TO THE
    —OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST—

    Mark 8:35
    For whosoever will save his life shall lose it
    But whosoever shall lose his life for MY sake and the gospels
    the same shall save it

    Philippians 1:28
    And in nothing terrified by your adversaries
    which is to them an evident token of perdition
    But to you of salvation and that of GOD

    1 John 2:27
    But the anointing which you have received of HIM abideth
    in you AND YOU NEED NOT THAT ANY MAN TEACH YOU
    But as the same anointing teacheth you of all things
    and is truth and is no lie and even as it hath taught you
    YOU SHALL ABIDE IN—HIM—

    John 15:10
    —IF— you keep MY commandments
    you shall —ABIDE—in MY love
    Even as I have kept MY FATHERS commandments
    And —ABIDE— in HIS love

    John 14:6
    JESUS saith unto him
    —I AM—the way the truth and the life
    —NO MAN—cometh unto the FATHER but by ME

    Proverbs 8:20
    I lead in the —WAY—of righteousness
    in the midst of the paths of judgement

    Psalm 119:172
    My tongue shall speak of THY word
    For—ALL— THY commandments are righteousness

    Psalm 119:144
    The righteousness of THY testimonies is everlasting
    Give me understanding and I shall live

    Luke 17:1
    Then said HE unto HIS disciples
    It is impossible but that offences will come
    but woe unto him through whom they come

    John 14:15
    —IF—you love keep MY commandments

    LOVING YOU FATHER AND YOUR SON JESUS CHRIST

  13. As the founder of the all-inclusive and LGBT-affirming voice of independent Christian publishing I have to point out that inerrancy of the word is often the basis of scriptural attacks against LGBT individuals – where words referring to temple prostitutes and man-boy relationships are misapplied to the gay community. If we were as concerned about quoting the “content” of the scriptures meaning and less bound to misinterpreations that are derived from linguistic misunderstandings, we’d find scripture does not condemn LGBT individuals and finally be able to welcome LGBT individuals as equal members of the body of Christ. May God open our hearts to this necessity. Thanks very much for sharing this post.

    • It’s probably off-topic to start this debate here. The conservative position on sexuality does not depend on the doctrine of inerrancy, and is expounded in a variety of ways, not just linguistic ones.

    • Matthew 19:4-5

      Romans 1:22-32

      Hebrews 10:26-31

      We are loved no matter how we define oursleves, may we all come to repentance in faith of Jesus Christ. Let us be free of our bonds!!!

    • Founder, I do stand by my brothers posting to your comment. I don’t mind having a dialogue even if this is off topic, but have found those of a liberal mind tend to fall into name calling and the vilifying of those who simply don’t agree with them, let alone prove a point of contention. Let me say this, words mean things and word play can be done by all camps. I get the sense you want to avoid that, I do too. Also, wanting to start or strengthen a relationship with the Jewish Messiah Himself to a certain end, I do too. As I read what you wrote several comments made in your reply give me pause enough to question, but as I say there is hesitation on my part to go any further….

      I make every effort to see others through the eyes of HIM who knows my name and who I am and afford them all that has been afforded me. Yes, Rev 22:17, “whosoever will”, but the key word here is “will”, HIS will or my will. Ultimately this question will be beyond the point of debating and only be HIS will.
      J.

  14. Isaiah 28 and Matthew 12 enlighten consideration of this matter. The Old and New Testaments must be preserved exactly intact. Contemplation of the intent includes discussions and sharing of written thoughts so that the purpose, the word of God is accomplished. There is a progression of the human drama, creation of humans in the image of God. The days and deeds of Old Testament events are passed yet are preserved for the enlightenment, the understanding. Jesus is the purpose of creation, which is, which was and is to come. Rev 1:8, Rev 4:8, Eph 1:18 – 23 and 1Cr 15:28. Our Messiah fulfilled the OT promises. The NT is the Church established by the Spirit of God as witnessed in the book of the Acts and continues up to this day. Jesus fulfilled the Word of God without changing one jot or tittle. The apostles passed on the salvation message as directed by the Spirit of God.

  15. I worked through this issue many years ago, and the Lord led me to basically the same conclusion though I have no formal training in such things. God is so good to lead us into a deeper understanding of Him.

    I do have a question that is somewhat related however. I’ve never understood why Isaiah said Christ would be called Immanuel, but he was named Yeshua. I understand Immanuel means “God with us”, and Yeshua means “to deliver” so the difference is probably along the same lines as your post, yet perhaps I’m missing something. Was He named that because the angel told them that would be the name (God picked the name – who’s gonna argue?), or was there some significant way the name Yeshua fulfilled the ancient prophecy in a manner I don’t understand? My guess has been Isaiah was merely describing the role of Christ and not actually naming Him. I’ve never seen the question discussed and would love your input.

    • Sarah, He is Jesus, Mat 1:21, Luk 1:31. He is God with us, 2 Cr 5:19, Col 2:9, Is 45:23, john 14:17 – 18, Rev 22:6 – 22:16 Just as Debi C. says there is a hierarchical description such as father, child, son and the name, Jesus.

    • Sarah~

      You are correct. We know from Matthew 1:20-21 that an angel of the Lord told Joseph, “thou shalt call his name JESUS.” In verse 23, He is defined by His character (“God with us”) just as He is defined in Isaiah 9:6 by His character (“Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”).

      Have a blessed day!
      Barbara

        • Sarah, I appreciate your use of “Yeshua” instead of Jesus. It is beyond any debate that his name is NOT “Jesus.” “Jesus” is an anglicized version of a Latin transliteration (Iesus)of a Greek transliteration(Iesous)that is incapable of properly conveying the Hebrew, “Yahushua.” There is no “J” in Hebrew. In fact, the letter “J” did not really enter language until circa 1500 AD. It is sad that the name the Creator gave to His Son is so readily corrupted and embraced by the masses. Names are names. They do not change from language to language; and the name Yahushua is beyond significant. It is the Father’s name (IAUE)combined with the Son’s mission(shua), salvation.

          Remember, in John 17, Yahushua prayed that he had kept his disciples in the Father’s name; and that he had manifested the Father’s name to them. He did that in HIS name, Yahushua.

          Phil 2 says that the Son was given the name that is above every other name; and that all should kneel and bow to the “name” given to him, unto the glory of Elohim. Their is a divinely intended allegiance to “the name.”

          1 Cor 15 reveals that the Father is submitting all of creation to the Son; and when that has been fulfilled, the Son will restore it all back to the Father. This is being done through the use of the name the Father gave to His son.

          In Rev 3, we see this fulfilled when the Son returns his name to the Father, and the Father gives his Son a new name. when you understand this, you understand why calling him “Jesus” is robbing the world of the glory of the revelation contained in the name Yahushua. “Jesus” does not reveal the Father’s name, nor the Son’s mission.

          Isaiah said that his NAME shall be CALLED Immanuel. It does not say his name shall BE Immanuel. When you grasp the mystery of the divine purpose of the name, you can readily see why the name is “called” Elohim with us.

  16. Maybe it is like saying, “This is our President”, and then going on to say, “Say hello to Barak Obama.”

    Is that what you mean?

    • Debi,
      That’s kinda the conclusion I came to as I thought through this. 🙂 Thank you all for your comments.

  17. O LORD my GOD evidence shows that scholarship/man would rather focus/dwell on those things that are against what YOU command
    of us rather than those things which YOU do command of us I pray
    to you LORD JESUS that the FATHER would hear I pray and ask that these things would not be so also that we would lift YOU up and
    not man also I pray and ask that the double minded would realize
    they should expect nothing from YOU HELP US O LORD TO NOT SET A BAD EXAMPLE—IN YOUR NAME JESUS AMEN

    1 Corinthians 4:6
    And these things brethren I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes
    That you might learn in us not to think of men above that
    which is written
    That no one of you be puffed up for one against another

    John 7:17&18 Natural Israelite Bible English Version
    —IF—anyone wants to do HIS will he shall concerning the doctrine whether it is from YAHWEH or whether I speak
    on MY own authority

    (18)He who speaks from himself seeks his —OWN GLORY—
    But he who seeks the glory of the ONE who sent him is true
    —AND NO UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IS IN HIM—

    REMINDER
    Proverbs 8:8
    —ALL—the words —OF MY MOUTH—are in righteousness
    There is nothing froward or perverse in them

    Romans 1:18
    For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against
    —ALL—ungodliness and unrighteousness of men
    who hold the truth in unrighteousness

    Froward–definition
    Habitually disposed to disobedience and opposition

    Colossians 3:16
    Let the word of CHRIST dwell in you richly in —ALL WISDOM—
    Teaching and admonishing one another in—PSALMS—AND HYMMS
    and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts
    TO THE LORD

    1 John 4:13
    Hereby know we that we dwell in HIM and HE in us
    Because HE hath given us of HIS spirit

    John 6:63
    It is the spirit that quickeneth
    The flesh —PROFITETH NOTHING—
    the words that—I— speak unto you
    THEY ARE SPIRIT AND THEY ARE LIFE

    Proverbs 1:22&23
    How long you simple ones will you love simplicity
    And the scorners DELIGHT IN THEIR SCORNING
    And fools hate knowledge
    (23)Turn you at MY reproof
    Behold I will pour out MY spirit unto you
    I will make known MY words unto you

    Acts 5:20
    Go stand and speak in the temple
    —ALL— the words of this life

    Romans 8:2
    For the —LAW— of the spirit of life in CHRIST JESUS
    Hath made me free from the law of sin and death

    1 Corinthians 14:34
    Let your women keep silence in the churches for it is not permitted unto to them to speak
    But they are commanded to be under obedience as saith the law

    1 Corinthians 14:37
    —IF—any man think himself to be spiritual
    Let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the LORD

    Romans 1:24
    Wherefore God also gave them up to —UNCLEANNESS— THROUGH
    THE LUSTS OF THEIR OWN HEARTS—to dishonortheir own bodies
    between themselves

    Romans 1:25
    Who changed the truth of GOD into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more than the creator
    WHO IS BLESSED FOREVER AMEN

    Romans 1:26
    For this cause —GOD—gave them up unto —VILE AFFECTIONS—
    For even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature

    Romans 1:27
    And likewise also the men leaving the natural use of the woman
    burned in their lust one toward another
    MEN WITH MEN WORKING THAT WHICH IS UNSEEMLY
    And receiving in themselves that recompence of their —ERROR—
    which was meet

    Romans 1:28
    And even as they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge
    —GOD GAVE THEM OVER TO A REPROBATE MIND—to do those things
    which are not convenient

    Proverbs 6:16
    These six things doth the LORD —HATE—
    Yea seven are an abomination to HIM…..proverbs6:17&6:18

    Proverbs 6:19
    A false witness that speaketh lies
    and he that soweth discord among the brethren

    Galatians 6:7&8
    BE NOT DECEIVED GOD IS NOT MOCKED
    FOR WHATSOEVER A MAN SOWETH THAT SHALL HE ALSO REAP
    (8) FOR HE THAT SOWETH TO HIS FLESH
    SHALL OF THE FLESH REAP CORRUPTION
    BUT HE THAT SOWETH TO THE SPIRIT SHALL OF THE SPIRIT
    REAP LIFE EVERLASTING

    John3:3
    JESUS answered and said unto him
    Verily verily I say unto thee
    Except a man be born again he cannot see the
    KINGDOM OF GOD

    1 Peter 1:23
    Being born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible
    by the word of GOD which liveth and abideth forever

    Matthew 5:6
    Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after
    righteousness for they shall be filled

    Matthew 5:10
    Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousnesses
    sake —FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN—

    Matthew 6:33
    But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD and—HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS—
    and all these things shall be added unto you

    Romans 10:3
    For they being ignorant of GODS righteousness
    and going about to establish their own righteousness
    Have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of GOD

    Deuteronomy 32:20
    And HE said I will hide MY face from them
    I will see what their end shall be
    For they are a very —FROWARD—generation
    children in whom is no faith

    Psalm 119:138
    Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded
    are righteous and very faithful

    Psalm 119:86
    —ALL—THY commandments are faithful
    They persecute me wrongfully help thou me

    Psalm 101:4
    A froward heart shall depart from ME
    I WILL NOT KNOW A WICKED MAN

    Proverbs 8:13
    The fear of the LORD is to —HATE— evil
    Pride and arrogancy and the evil way and the froward mouth
    —I DO HATE—

    2 Timothy 2:19
    Nevertheless the foundation of GOD standeth sure
    —HAVING THIS SEAL—The LORD knoweth them that are HIS
    And let every one that nameth the name of CHRIST depart
    from iniquity

    2 Timothy 2:20
    But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and
    silver but also of wood and of earth and some to honor and some to dishonor

    2 Timothy 2:21
    —IF—a man therefore purge himself from these
    he shall be a vessel unto honor sanctified and meet for the MASTERS use and prepared unto every good work

    John 3:10
    In this the children of GOD are manifest
    And the children of the devil
    —WHOSOEVER—doeth not righteousness is—NOT OF GOD—
    neither he that loveth not his brother

    LOVING THE LORD

    • Steve,
      What is the significance of tempting Eve? Was it harder to attempt the first created than the second? It is rather, more opportunistic to affect the human component with the greatest influence over new life from this point forward from creation. Additionally, placing a contention between the two elements of human existence is a very effective strategy for destruction. The tempter applied all subtlety to entice Eve and then carry Adam. We continue to be “beguiled” still today.
      Women, our precious mothers are the gateway to enter this world. Life that is influenced at its source is more malleable for contrived purposes. For this reason Satan and other unbelievers are known to treat women harshly. Satan has directed his venom, his purpose to destroy us toward women from the beginning. Woman have been shamefully bullied and abused throughout history. Mothers withstand assaults directed at their lovingkindness, their sensitivity that is distinct to their being and essential for their reproduction of humans. Childbirth and rearing require much of mothers’ lives. Care for their children can be an agonizing ordeal. Who suffers more as struggles or ills test her children? The loving half of our being, our mothers must be cherished.
      Jesus proclaims, “You must be born again” Jhn 3:7

      • Bob, you seem to be over complicating the question you ask. Eve was beguiled first because that was “the plan.” Adam stood there and watched her being deceived by the serpent (remember, there was absolutely no reason for Eve to understand deception. There had never been a lie told up to that point). When Eve took and ate, she disobeyed the commandment and she died. When she turned to Adam, they were worlds apart. She was in darkness, he was still in light. At that moment, with clarity of mind, understanding what was at stake, Adam acted in faith. He who knew no sin, became sin in order to redeem his wife. He knew Elohim. He knew that He would take whatever steps were necessary to bring them out of darkness back into light.

        Just as it is said of Messiah in 2 Cor 5, Messiah, who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us that we might become the righteousness of Elohim in Him. Adam and Eve were simply the forerunners demonstrating the mystery of redemption for us.

  18. 1 Corinthians 15:34
    Awake to righteousness and sin not for some have not the knowledge of GOD I speak this to your shame

    Psalm 61:5
    For thou O GOD hast heard my vows thou hast given me the heritage of those that FEAR THY NAME

    Malachi 1:3
    AND I HATED ESAU and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness

    Psalm 119:111
    THY testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever
    for they are the rejoicing of my heart

    Isaiah 54:17
    No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper
    And every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement
    thou shalt condemn
    This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD
    And their righteousness is of ME SAITH THE LORD

    1 Timothy 2:7
    Whereunto I am ordained a preacher and an apostle
    I speak the truth in CHRIST and lie not
    A teacher of the gentiles in faith and verity

    1 Timothy 2:11&12
    Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection
    (12) But I suffer not a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over the man but to be in silence

    Colossians 2:8
    Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit
    After the tradition of men after the rudiments of the world
    AND NOT AFTER CHRIST

    Romans 12:2
    And be not conformed to this world
    But be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind
    That you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of GOD

    Hebrews 10:36
    For you have need of patience that after you have done the will of GOD you might receive the promise

    John 14:15
    —IF—you love ME keep MY commandments

    1 Corinthians 14:37
    —IF— any man think himself to be a prophet or spiritual
    Let him ackowledge that the things that I write unto you
    are the commandments of the LORD

    LOVING THE LORD

  20. This is ALL the provable evidence that the LXX is legitimate:

    • Supposedly a translation that was done by Ptolemy Philadelphius (III).
    • Letter of Aristae: in this letter it states Ptolemy wanted a translation of the Jews bible in Greek. It states they got six scholars from each of the twelve tribes (72 total) in 250 BC and had it done.
    • Eusebus makes mention of a Greek Pentateuch in passing.
    • How much of the actual Old Testament has been found written in Greek? One papyrus (Rylans) #458 a fragment; contains Deut 23-28 only. It was translated around 150 BC, a 100 year discrepancy with the Letter of Aristae.
    • Five chapters is all the physical evidence that the fantasy that the ENTIRE OT was translated into Greek by 72 Jewish scholars. The complete existing LXX is 5 chapters total—nothing more—no scholar has ever seen or touched any other books of the OT.

    Evidence AGAINST the LXX existence.

    • The Letter Aristae is of questionable authorship. Many scholars state Philo wrote it.
    • If it were true, then it is nothing more than a Letter of Intent.
    • Question: How did they locate the Twelve Tribes? 606 BC Israel was carried up into Babylon and absorbed into the world. No one through 2012 can find the entire Twelve Tribes.
    • Even if they could find the 12 tribes, the Jews wouldn’t have accepted this because the Tribe of Levi was the Keeper of the Scriptures and no other tribe would strive against Levi. (Malachi 2:7; Deut. 17:18, 31:24-25).
    • All copies that they have of a Greek OT are AD manuscripts.
    • The main copies they use to quote the LXX contain the Apocrypha books. Do you honestly think Jews were going to put non-inspired books into a LXX that would have had their name on it? Not on your life. Those who disagree with me on this point are just stupid and willfully ignorant.
    • Rylan’s paprus is of questionable origin. There’s a good chance it’s not a BC manuscript, but AD.
    • What is put out today as the LXX exists only in one place: the 2nd column of Origen’s Hexapla—which contains the Apocrypha.
    • The Hebrew language is as much apart of their religion as is the Ark, Burning Bush etc. it’s their particular language, separate from the entire world. For example: to date Chinese Jews only teach their kids Hebrew. Do you really think that 72 circumcised Jews back in BC times would stoop to lowering God’s Word into the goyim’s tongue? And accept that as authoritative? Ha!
    • To a Jew the English translation of the OT means nothing compared to the OT written in Hebrew. That has always been the Jewish perspective.

    The reason why lying scholars say the LXX exists is because everyone can get a Bible in English (KJB). A John MacArthur/John Piper/Al Mohler et al can’t justify their love of the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (scholars dominating the laity) if everyone can read the same Bible in the same translation. They need a different language that common man can’t understand so he can hold these frauds in awe. So the hucksters can enjoy a comfortable life without ever having to experience a rich inventor or businessman’s toil and how often they can lose the shirt off their backs if their products fail to enter the marketplace. All they do is preach their doublespeak and then “write” books based on transcripts of their sermons.

    The Scholars Club states that: No translation can be better than the originals.

    If this is true then: An English translation of Greek can’t be better than the Greek.

    Then logic follows: A Greek translation of Hebrew cannot be better than the Hebrew.

    So why would they point to the LXX at all and not just stick with the existing Hebrew writings!

    THERE IS NO LXX. THERE IS MORE EVIDENCE THAT ATLANTIS EXISITED THAN THE LXX IS REAL.

    Dumpsters don’t stink until garbage is placed in them. Same thing with other Bible translations that walk away from the King James Bible.