Bible Critic

The point of this video is not to say the Bible is in error. However, the common understanding of peoples’ bibliology needs to change. Matthew uses an “erroneous” reading from the LXX for his text. That means there can be inspired “mistakes.” It’s not that it is a mistake, though, but it is an interpretational difference that ended up in the NT from the LXX reading. In our modern world, we have a concern for exactness, and we consider anything that deviates from that as an error. But I doubt the ancient reader would have seen this as an error. They would have seen this as an inspired interpretational development… Since this is in Matthew, it means we should be using the LXX, and be open to accepting multiple text types.

Determining the Original Reading of Matthew 12:21

The analysis of Matthew 12:21 involves understanding its textual variations and how they align with the source texts from the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah 42:4. This verse concludes a quotation from Isaiah 42:1-4, highlighting the interplay between the Septuagint (LXX) and the Hebrew Masoretic Text (MT).

Manuscript Evidence

Matthew 12:21 reads:

καὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν. (“and in his name the nations will hope”)

This phrase is primarily derived from the LXX version of Isaiah 42:4, which reads:

καὶ ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν. (“and in his name the nations will hope”)

Comparison with Source Texts

Septuagint (LXX)

• Rahlfs: καὶ ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν. (“and in his name the nations will hope”)
• Göttingen: καὶ ἐπὶ τῷ νόμῳ αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν. (“and upon his law nations will hope”)

Masoretic Text (MT)

• וּלְתוֹרָתוֹ אִיִּים יְיַחֵילוּ (U’leTorato Iyyim Yeyacheilu) – “and the coastlands will wait for His law.”

Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS)

• ולמשפטו איים ייחילו (U’leMishpato Iyyim Yeyacheilu) – “and the coastlands will wait for His law.”

Latin Vulgate

• et in nomine eius gentes sperabunt – “and in his name the nations will hope.”

Targum Jonathan and Peshitta

• Both renderings align closely with the LXX, emphasizing hope in the name.

Internal Evidence and Context

Matthew’s quotation aligns with the LXX reading, καὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν, which emphasizes the hope of the nations in the name of the Servant. This choice is significant for several reasons:

1. Theological Emphasis: Matthew’s Gospel often highlights the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s salvific plan. The phrase “and in his name the nations will hope” underscores this theme, resonating with the broader narrative of Matthew.

2. Linguistic Consideration: The use of ὀνόματι (onomati – “name”) over νόμῳ (nomō – “law”) aligns with the New Testament’s emphasis on faith and relationship with God rather than strict adherence to the law.

3. Manuscript Tradition: The phrase καὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν is consistently found in the best and earliest manuscripts of Matthew, indicating a strong tradition supporting this reading.

Documentary Method Analysis

Given the documentary preference for the earliest and most reliable manuscripts, the reading καὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν, reflecting the LXX, is strongly supported. This reading is found in significant Alexandrian manuscripts, which are generally regarded as the most accurate and closest to the original texts.

Inspired Sensus Plenior Application (ISPA)

In the New Testament, writers often quote or cite Old Testament Scripture, sometimes adapting the text beyond its original grammatical-historical sense. This adaptation, known as Inspired Sensus Plenior Application (ISPA), involves a new or progressive revelation where the New Testament writer, under divine inspiration, expands or reinterprets the Old Testament text to convey a deeper or additional meaning relevant to the New Testament context. This process does not introduce a second meaning but rather an extended or fuller understanding of the original text. The New Testament authors have a license to step outside the use of the Historical Grammatical Method because they were moved along by the Holy Spirit. The ISPA type of use does not grant contemporary interpreters a license to copy the method of New Testament writers, nor does it violate the principle of single meaning or inspiration. 

Refutation of Bible Critic’s Argument

The critic’s assertion that Matthew uses an “erroneous” reading from the LXX, implying the possibility of inspired “mistakes,” misunderstands the nature of textual transmission and the use of source texts in the New Testament. Several key points refute this argument:

1. Inspired Scripture: The doctrine of inspiration maintains that the Scriptures are God-breathed and authoritative. Matthew’s use of the LXX is a deliberate choice under divine inspiration, not an error. The LXX was widely used in the early church and was considered a legitimate translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.

2. Textual Variation: The differences between the MT and the LXX reflect variances in textual traditions rather than mistakes. The LXX’s rendering “and in his name the nations will hope” captures the Messianic expectation and the universal scope of salvation, which is a core theme in Matthew’s Gospel.

3. Historical Context: Ancient readers, including the authors of the New Testament, were aware of different textual traditions and used them contextually. The use of the LXX in Matthew aligns with the evangelist’s purpose and theological emphasis, demonstrating an inspired interpretative approach rather than a rigid adherence to a single textual tradition.

4. Theological Integrity: The integration of LXX readings into the New Testament text showcases the early Christian understanding of the Scriptures as dynamic and living, with the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Christ. This interpretative use does not diminish the authority or inerrancy of the Scriptures but rather enriches our understanding of God’s revelation.

5. Inspired Sensus Plenior Application (ISPA): The concept of ISPA supports the understanding that Matthew, under divine inspiration, adapted the text from Isaiah to convey a new revelation about the inclusion of Gentiles. This does not create an error but instead demonstrates the depth and richness of scriptural interpretation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

In light of the manuscript evidence and the theological coherence within the New Testament, the original reading of Matthew 12:21 is best represented by καὶ τῷ ὀνόματι αὐτοῦ ἔθνη ἐλπιοῦσιν, following the LXX. This reading not only aligns with the earliest and most reliable manuscripts but also reflects the inspired message of inclusion and hope for the nations in the name of Christ. The use of ISPA further underscores the divine inspiration and interpretative depth of Matthew’s Gospel.

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