✦ The Hyperlinked Bible

Romans 15:10 to Deuteronomy 32:43

NT Text: Romans 15:10

OT Source(s):

  • Deuteronomy 32:43 (Song of Moses - LXX reading)
  • 1QDeuteronomy (Qumran fragment reading: "Praise, heavens, his people")
  • Targum Onqelos (reading: "Praise, Gentiles, his people")

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Reference Type: Direct Quotation

Connection Method(s): Promise-Fulfillment + Longitudinal Theme

Significance: Paul follows LXX which adds "with" (not in MT: "Rejoice, nations, his people"). Song of Moses context: God judges nations used to punish Israel, then calls nations to rejoice WITH Israel at their vindication. Risen Christ speaks this invitation to Gentiles - judgment is past, salvation present. Beale/Carson provide detailed textual analysis: "The text of the MT is rather difficult. As it stands, it reads, 'Rejoice, nations, his people.' Textual difficulties must have arisen rather early, since a Qumran fragment of Deuteronomy here reads, 'Praise, heavens, his people' (1QDeuteronomy). Targum Onqelos likewise shifts to 'Praise, Gentiles, his people.' The LXX plausibly presupposes a haplography, by which ʿim ('with') has been omitted, and supplies it to the text." This textual-critical discussion demonstrates that Paul's use of the LXX reading stands within a broader interpretive tradition attested in both Qumran and Targumic sources. The variants show early Jewish interpreters wrestling with the same text, with Targum Onqelos actually supporting the call to Gentiles to praise. This strengthens Paul's argument that Gentile inclusion in worship was anticipated in Scripture and recognized in Jewish interpretive traditions.


Hermeneutical Notes

NT Use Pattern: Assimilated — Second element of the four-text catena at Romans 15:9-12 confirming Gentile praise of God.

Anchor Text: Deut 32:43 — Rejoice, O Nations