The Quotations of Jesus in the Septuagint: A Closer Look at the Old Testament

Introduction

Jesus' teachings and actions were deeply rooted in the scriptures of the Old Testament, specifically the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. However, the way we understand these scriptures has evolved significantly over the centuries. This article explores the quotations and references that Jesus made to the Old Testament, particularly from the Septuagint, and the impact these have had on biblical interpretation.

Jesus and the Septuagint

During his time, Jesus was well-versed in the teachings of the Old Testament, which was known as the Septuagint. The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, which includes the Torah and the rest of the Old Testament. Jesus, like many of his contemporaries, would have been familiar with this version of the scriptures, which often included additional commentaries and interpretations.

Jesus' teachings often drew parallels from the stories and prophecies found in the Old Testament. These teachings were not just a matter of intellectual curiosity but were integral to the formation of Christian theology. The Septuagint provided Jesus with a rich tapestry of stories and prophetic messages that he referenced and built upon in his sermons and parables.

The Quotations from the Old Testament

It has been noted that Jesus often quoted from the Old Testament, specifically from the Septuagint. His quotations came from every book of the Septuagint, showcasing his deep understanding and familiarity with the entirety of the scriptures. These quotations were not merely rhetorical devices but were a means to convey divine truth and reveal the fulfillment of prophecy.

For example, Jesus would often reference the Tanakh, the Hebrew name for these scriptures, which includes the Torah, Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). Jesus' teachings and his actions often pointed to the fulfillment of the prophecies found in these books, particularly those from the Prophets, which make up a significant portion of the Septuagint.

The Misunderstandings about the Old Testament

It is crucial to understand that the Old Testament as we know it today was not a distinct collection during Jesus' time or even for several centuries afterward. The Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which established the Old Testament canon, was not until several centuries after Jesus' death. Therefore, the way the Old Testament is currently divided into books and chapters is a later development.

Books like Isaiah were not divided into chapters and verses until the 13th century CE. An example to illustrate this point is how Isaiah was originally a complete book without these divisions. The idea that Isaiah 11:1, for example, specifically refers to Israel is a later interpretation and is not how the ancient text would have been read. The divisions were imposed by a Catholic Archbishop, changing the way the text is understood.

The Misinterpretation of Nativity Stories

Many of the nativity stories and early life narratives of Jesus are often taken out of context, leading to misconceptions about his early life and the events surrounding his birth. These stories are often derived from the Gospels and do not always align with historical evidence or the broader context of the Old Testament.

A prime example is the account of Joseph and Jesus in Egypt. According to Hosea 11:1, the original text specifically refers to Israel. In the Gospel of Matthew, this verse has been used, but not in its original context. This alteration can lead to significant misinterpretation and a lack of historical accuracy. Additionally, the idea that Joseph had property in Bethlehem and that the family traveled there is historically inaccurate. Joseph was known to have property in Nazareth, and Mary, being pregnant, would not have been required to travel to Bethlehem as dictated by the Jewish rules at the time.

The True Legacy of Jesus

Jesus was a Jewish child who became a Jewish evangelist. His mission was to bring his people back to Yahweh, which aligns more closely with pre-Christian understandings of the scriptures. The idea that Jesus was born in Bethlehem or that he was divine in the sense often presented in Christian theology has been significantly shaped by later interpretations of the scriptures.

The nativity stories, as they are often told, do not reflect the true intentions and context of Jesus' teachings. They are often misunderstood due to the way the scriptures and the stories have been divided and interpreted. Jesus' message of spiritual rebirth and repentance was grounded in the traditions and prophecies of the Old Testament, but these teachings were often taken out of context by later Christian interpretations.

By examining the original sources in the Septuagint, we can gain a deeper and truer understanding of Jesus' teachings and how they fit into the broader context of the Old Testament. This understanding is essential for both Christians and Jews who seek to understand the origins and true meaning of their faith.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the quotations and references Jesus made to the Old Testament are rooted in the Septuagint and its rich tapestry of stories and prophecies. By examining these references, we can gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings and how he utilized the Old Testament to spread his message of God's love and redemption. The divisions and interpretations we see in the Old Testament today are later developments and often lead to misconceptions about the original texts. Understanding these nuances is crucial for a truly enlightened interpretation of both the Old Testament and the life of Jesus.