2.28 - Scripture Quoting Scripture
April 26, 2005 | Comments: 2Biblical Hermeneutics Part Second Chapter 28
In this chapter the author discusses the citation of Scripture by other Scripture, under four headings: Old Testament citing Old Testament, New Testament citing Old Testament, New Testament citing New Testament, and New Testament citing apocryphal sources and oral tradition. After showing examples of each of these four categories, Terry devotes most of his discussion to the analysis of Old Testament quotations in the New Testament with respect to the sources used, formulas and methods of quotation, and the purposes for citation.
While there is no one over-arching rule under which the New Testament authors cite Old Testament texts, the majority of citations are drawn from the Septuagint. And though the Holy Spirit preserved the authors from vital error, we observe that some quotes are verbatim, some are not, some are from the Hebrew, some from the Greek, and some are not textually precise, being apparently cited from memory. The authors make use of the same introductory formulas that were in current rabbinic usage, e.g. “It is written.” Of especial interest is formulaic expression commonly used by Matthew, and sometimes by John, ? ??? “that it might be fulfilled.” The issue with this is whether it and other formulaic uses of ? are telic or ecbatic. Terry favors taking them generally as telic, since this accords with the nature of prophecy, viz. that the Lord who gave the inspired words acts purposefully in fulfilling them, and that therefore the introductory formula points to a divine necessity (cf. Luke 24.26,44, Acts 1.16).
The New Testament authors use quotations from the Old Testament for basically four reasons. Their quotations may 1) demonstrate and put on record the fulfillment of prophecy, 2) establish or support doctrine (Romans 3.9-19), 3) refute opponents and unbelievers, and 4) provide illustrations (1 Corinthians 10.1-5).
Comments
How does the quoting of scripture by biblical authors inform our use of the scriptures? What have you noticed about Jesus and the apostles’ use of O.T. that may be different than our methods of interpretation and support?
Nathan on May 18, 2005 at 05:35 PM
As we discussed in person over coffee:
When we consider the manner which the NT authors cited Scripture, in view of the predominant Hagadic methods of their times, they stand out as remarkably faithful to the plain sense of the text. We only find problems when we judge them by the critical textual standards of our own times, rather than theirs.
I work under the assumption that our Lord and His apostles had a better and fuller understanding than I do. With the example of Matthew 2.15, I consider that the writer understood that the entire history of Israel coming out of Egypt was sovereignly ordered and spoken of prophetically by Hosea in anticipation of its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
Andrew on May 21, 2005 at 11:08 AM
