Romans 3:15-17 to Isaiah 59:7-8

OT Source(s):

Isaiah 59:7-8 - "Their feet rush to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their paths, and the way of peace they do not know"

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Reference Type: Direct Quotation

Connection Method(s): Longitudinal Theme

Significance: Part of Paul's catena of OT quotations in Romans 3:10-18. Paul quotes Isaiah's indictment of Israel's sin — feet swift to shed blood, destruction and misery in their paths, the way of peace unknown to them — and applies it universally to demonstrate that all humanity stands condemned. Isaiah originally directed this accusation at Israel for its injustice and covenant unfaithfulness; Paul broadens the application to establish the universal scope of human sinfulness before God.

Hermeneutical Notes

NT Use Pattern: Assimilated — Tributary element of the Romans 3:10-18 catena — the only prophetic contribution (Isaiah 59:7-8) in an otherwise psalmic chain, lengthening the indictment to bloodshed and the way of peace.

See also: Romans 3:10-18 to Psalm 14:1 (full catena)