Every document today has documents preceding it which is most often referred to as authority or the standard to clarify, buttress, support and emphasis points or issues. The New Testament is no exception to this. The Old Testament and its events preceded the New Testament, so the writers of the New Testament often quoted from and alluded to the Old Testament documents to support and clarify their claims and points. They also quoted and alluded to the Old Testament to explain the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ and show the fulfillment of the prophecies about Christ.
This paper seeks to examine Matthew’s understanding and typological appropriation of Jeremiah 31:15 as he referred to the passage in his writing in Matthew 2:18. The Old Testament text which Matthew quoted from is presented through a comparative analysis of the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX). The principle which Matthew used in quoting Jeremiah 31:15 and appropriated it to Matthew 2:18 are also presented and how this principle can influence contemporary interpreters in the area of interpretation and explaining the relationship between the two testaments.
Table of Contents
- INTRODUCTION
- THE CONTEXT OF MATTHEW 2:18
- THE CONTEXT OF JEREMIAH 31:15
- COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF JEREMIAH 31:15 AND MATTHEW 2:18
- MATTHEW'S TYPOLOGICAL APPROPRIATION
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines Matthew's interpretation and typological use of Jeremiah 31:15 in Matthew 2:18. It compares the Masoretic Text (MT) and Septuagint (LXX) versions of Jeremiah 31:15 to understand Matthew's source and interpretive principles. The analysis explores how Matthew's approach can inform contemporary biblical interpretation and understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
- Matthew's interpretation of Jeremiah 31:15
- Comparative analysis of Jeremiah 31:15 in MT and LXX
- Typological interpretation in the New Testament
- Relationship between Old and New Testaments
- Principles of biblical interpretation
Chapter Summaries
INTRODUCTION: This introductory section establishes the paper's purpose, which is to analyze Matthew's understanding and use of Jeremiah 31:15 in Matthew 2:18. It highlights the common practice of New Testament writers referencing and alluding to the Old Testament to support their claims and explain events, particularly those surrounding the birth of Christ. The paper aims to examine Matthew’s typological appropriation, analyzing the Masoretic Text (MT) and Septuagint (LXX) versions of Jeremiah 31:15, and exploring the implications of Matthew's approach for contemporary biblical interpretation.
THE CONTEXT OF MATTHEW 2:18: This section establishes the historical context of Matthew 2:18, focusing on the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. It describes the visit of the Magi, Herod's reaction, and the subsequent massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem. Matthew’s use of Rachel’s weeping is presented as a figurative representation of the mothers’ grief over the slain children, connecting the event to the prophecy in Jeremiah. The passage emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy and the suffering resulting from Herod's actions.
THE CONTEXT OF JEREMIAH 31:15: This chapter delves into the historical and literary context of Jeremiah 31:15, focusing on the location of Ramah and Rachel's identity. It explains the historical events related to the exile of the Israelites and Judahites, explaining how Jeremiah's prophecy, though seemingly about Rachel's loss, metaphorically represents the collective mourning of mothers whose children were taken into exile. The chapter emphasizes the literary and historical significance of the passage within the broader context of Jeremiah's prophecy.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF JEREMIAH 31:15 AND MATTHEW 2:18: This section presents a comparative analysis of Jeremiah 31:15 from the Masoretic Text (MT), Septuagint (LXX), and Matthew's quotation in the New Testament (NT). The analysis highlights similarities and differences between these texts, focusing on the variations in wording and interpretations. It argues that Matthew's quotation more closely aligns with the MT than the LXX, suggesting his direct reliance on the MT. The differences in wording are carefully examined and their implications for understanding Matthew's interpretation are discussed. It explores the nuances of word choice and their influence on the overall meaning of the passage across the three texts.
Keywords
Matthew, Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:18, Typology, Old Testament, New Testament, Masoretic Text (MT), Septuagint (LXX), Biblical Interpretation, Comparative Analysis, Prophecy Fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Matthew's Use of Jeremiah 31:15 in Matthew 2:18
What is the main topic of this paper?
This paper analyzes Matthew's interpretation and use of Jeremiah 31:15 in Matthew 2:18. It focuses on understanding Matthew's typological appropriation of the Old Testament passage and its implications for contemporary biblical interpretation.
What sources are compared in this analysis?
The analysis compares the Masoretic Text (MT) and Septuagint (LXX) versions of Jeremiah 31:15 with Matthew's quotation in Matthew 2:18. This comparison helps to determine Matthew's source and interpretive principles.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include Matthew's interpretation of Jeremiah 31:15, a comparative analysis of Jeremiah 31:15 in MT and LXX, typological interpretation in the New Testament, the relationship between the Old and New Testaments, and principles of biblical interpretation.
What is the context of Matthew 2:18?
This section discusses the historical context of Matthew 2:18, including the visit of the Magi, Herod's reaction, and the massacre of the innocents in Bethlehem. It shows how Matthew connects this event to Jeremiah's prophecy through the image of Rachel's weeping.
What is the context of Jeremiah 31:15?
This section explains the historical and literary context of Jeremiah 31:15, focusing on Ramah, Rachel's identity, and the exile of the Israelites and Judahites. It explains how Jeremiah's prophecy metaphorically represents the collective mourning for children lost to exile.
How does the paper compare Jeremiah 31:15 and Matthew 2:18?
A comparative analysis is presented, examining the MT, LXX, and Matthew's quotation. It highlights similarities and differences, focusing on variations in wording and interpretations. The paper argues for Matthew's likely reliance on the MT and discusses the implications of the word choices.
What is the significance of Matthew's approach for contemporary biblical interpretation?
The paper explores how Matthew's approach to interpreting and utilizing Old Testament texts can inform and enhance contemporary biblical interpretation and understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Keywords include Matthew, Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:18, Typology, Old Testament, New Testament, Masoretic Text (MT), Septuagint (LXX), Biblical Interpretation, Comparative Analysis, and Prophecy Fulfillment.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The table of contents includes an introduction, sections on the context of Matthew 2:18 and Jeremiah 31:15, a comparative analysis of both passages, and a section on Matthew's typological appropriation.
- Citar trabajo
- Longji Ayuba Dachal (Autor), 2011, References to the Old Testament. Matthew's typological appropriation of Jeremiah, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/385086
