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Quotes in Acts

The book of Acts quotes from the Old Testament 32 times. Of those, 11 best match the Septuagint, and 2 are quotes of Greek poets.

Acts 1:20 quoting Psalm 69:25

Acts 1:20

‘Let his estate just lie empty
And may no one else ever live there.’

Psalm 69:25

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘May the houses they own become empty,
And may no one ever live in their tents.’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘Let their encampment be desolate;
Let none dwell in their tents.’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

Matches the Septuagint and Masoretic Text well in meaning, with minor word differences.

Acts 1:20 quoting Psalm 109:8

Acts 1:20

‘Let another take his position.’

Psalm 109:8

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘…may others take their bishopric.’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘Let another take his charge.’

✅ Matches

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…take…’ — Scroll 4Q87 Psalms E

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote aligns well with both the Septuagint, which uses ‘bishopric’ (implying a position), and the Masoretic Text, which uses ‘charge’. The Dead Sea Scroll fragment is too brief to confirm a match.

Acts 2:17-21 quoting Joel 2:28-32

Acts 2:17-21

‘In the last days, says The God,
I will pour out my breath on all flesh,
And your sons and daughters will then prophesy;
Your young men will also have visions,
And the old among you will [see things in] dreams.

‘Yes, even upon My male servants
And on those who are My handmaidens,
I will pour out My breath in those days,
And all will then prophesy.

‘From the skies above, I’ll send omens and signs
With blood, fire, and smoke to the earth down below,
Before the great, shining day of the Lord.

‘For the sun will be changed into darkness
And the moon will be changed into blood.
Then, all of those will be saved
That have called on the name of the Lord.’

Joel 2:28-32

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘Then, in the last days, I’ll pour out my breath,
And your sons and daughters will all prophesy,
Your aged men will dream dreams,
And young men in your midst will see visions.

‘In those days, I’ll pour out my breath
Upon My male and female attendants.
Miracles, I’ll bring to the skies,
And fire, smoke and blood to the land.

‘For the sun will then become dark,
And the moon [will be changed] into blood,
Before the great and apparent arrival,
Of the Day of the Lord.

‘Then, all who call on the name of the Lord
Will be the ones who are saved,’ […]

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘And it shall come to pass afterward,
That I will pour out My spirit upon all flesh;
And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your old men shall dream dreams,
Your young men shall see visions;

‘And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids
In those days will I pour out My spirit.
And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth,
Blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

‘The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.

‘And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered’ […]

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…I will pour out my Spirit on… will dream… Your young men will see… And also on… in those days, I will pour out my Spirit. I will show wonders… fire, and pillars of smoke. … into darkness, and the moon… great and terrible… Yahweh… will call on… name…’ — Scroll: Wadi Muraba'at Minor Prophets

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote is a close paraphrase of Joel, aligning with both the Septuagint and Masoretic Text, though it includes a few unique word choices like ‘shining day’ instead of ‘terrible’ or ‘apparent’ day. The Dead Sea Scrolls are too fragmented for a clear comparison.

Acts 2:25-28 quoting Psalm 16:8-11

Acts 2:25-28

‘I’ve always put [Jehovah] before me;
And since He’s at my right hand,
I’ll never be shaken.

‘Therefore, in my heart, I’m cheerful,
And with my tongue, I’ll rejoice;
For my body finds rest in the hope
That in the grave, You’ll not leave me,
And Your loyal one won’t see decay.

‘For the ways of life, You’ve shown me,
And You’ll fill me with joy from Your face.’

Psalm 16:8-11

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘I see that [Jehovah] is always beside me…
He’s at my right hand, so I’ll never fall.
For this, my heart will always be glad,
And my tongue will speak praises of Him.

‘Upon Him, my flesh camps in hope,
For, He won’t abandon my life in the grave,
Or, let His holy one see corruption.

‘The ways of life, He’s shown me,
And His face has filled me with joy.’ […]

✅ Matches with some explanation

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘I have set the LORD always before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

‘Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth;
My flesh also dwelleth in safety.

‘For Thou wilt not abandon my soul to the netherworld;
Neither wilt Thou suffer Thy godly one to see the pit.

‘Thou makest me to know the path of life;
In Thy presence is fulness of joy,’ […]

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘I have set… I shall not be moved. Therefore… My body shall also dwell in safety… your holy one…’ — Scroll 4Q85 Psalms C

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote closely paraphrases Psalm 16, with some differences in wording but retaining the core meaning, matching both the Septuagint and Masoretic Text well. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment is too incomplete.

Acts 2:34-35 quoting Psalm 110:1

Acts 2:34-35

‘[Jehovah] said this to my Lord:

‘Sit here at My right hand,
‘Til I set your enemies as a stool for your feet.’

Psalm 110:1

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[Jehovah] said this to my lord:

‘Sit here at My right hand
‘Til I set your enemies as a stool for your feet.’

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘The LORD saith unto my lord:

‘Sit thou at My right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.’

✅ Matches

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

All sources match.

Acts 3:22-23 quoting Deuteronomy 18:18-19

Acts 3:22-23

‘[Jehovah] God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers, and you must listen to everything that he tells you. Then if the people don’t listen to that Prophet, they’ll all be destroyed!’

Deuteronomy 18:18-19

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘So, I’ll raise a Prophet like you from among their brothers, and I’ll put My words into his mouth and he will tell them whatever I command him to say…

‘Then I’ll bring My vengeance upon anyone who doesn’t listen to what that Prophet says in My name.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee; and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My words which he shall speak in My name, I will require it of him.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…in his mouth, and he shall speak to them… he shall speak in my name,…’ – Scroll 4Q33

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote is a clear paraphrase of Deuteronomy 18:18-19, aligning well with both the Septuagint and Masoretic Text, summarizing the core message and consequence for those who do not listen. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment is too incomplete for a full comparison.

Acts 3:25 quoting Genesis 22:18

Acts 3:25

‘All the families of the earth will be blest by your offspring!’

Genesis 22:18

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

_‘…all the nations of the earth will be blest by your offspring’ _

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

Matches well with both sources.

Acts 4:11 quoting Psalm 118:22

Acts 4:11

‘Yes, this is ‘the stone that was rejected’ by you builders, but which has now ‘become the foundation cornerstone’!’

Psalm 118:22

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘So, the stone that the builders rejected
Has become the foundation cornerstone…’

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘The stone which the builders rejected
Is become the chief corner-stone.’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain these words.)

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

Matches well with both sources.

Acts 4:25-26 quoting Psalm 2:1-2

Acts 4:25-26

‘Why do the nations and all of the peoples
Think about things that are worthless?
For, the rulers of their lands and their kings
Are against [Jehovah] and His anointed.’

Psalm 2:1-2

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘Why do the nations and all of the peoples
Think about things that are worthless?
For, the rulers of their lands and their kings
Are against [Jehovah] and His anointed.’

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘Why are the nations in an uproar?
And why do the peoples mutter in vain?
The kings of the earth stand up,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD, and against His anointed:’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…a vain thing… take a stand…’ — Scroll 11Q7 Psalms C

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote is an exact match for the Septuagint. The Masoretic Text conveys the same meaning but uses different phrasing, such as ‘in an uproar’ instead of ‘think about things that are worthless’. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment is too incomplete for a clear comparison.

Acts 7:3 quoting Genesis 12:1

Acts 7:3

‘Leave your land and your relatives and go to the land that I’m going to show you.’

Genesis 12:1

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘Leave this land, as well as your family and your father’s home, and go to a land that I’ll show you.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto the land that I will show thee.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

Matches well with both sources.

Acts 7:7 quoting Genesis 15:14

Acts 7:7

‘I will pass judgment on the nation they serve as slaves.’

Genesis 15:14

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘Then I’ll judge the nation that they are to serve.’

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘and also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge’

✅ Matches, although reworded

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

Matches well with both sources.

Acts 7:7 quoting Exodus 3:12

Acts 7:7

‘…they will come here and serve Me.’

Exodus 3:12

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[…] when you bring My people out of Egypt, you must serve God on this mountain.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘[…] when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.’ — Scroll 4Q1 Genesis-Exodus A;

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Our comments:

The Acts quote is a clear paraphrase of Exodus 3:12, concisely stating the core instruction to ‘serve Me’ at the designated place. All sources convey this instruction, making the Acts quote a good match in meaning.

Acts 7:26 quoting Exodus 2:13

Acts 7:26

‘Men… You are brothers! Why are you treating each other so badly?’

Exodus 2:13

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[…] he asked the bully:

‘Why are you beating your neighbor?’’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] and he said to him that did the wrong: ‘Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?’’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘[…] two men of the Hebrews were fighting with each other…’ – Scroll 4Q13

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote is a paraphrase of Exodus 2:13, focusing on the essence of Moses’ question about mistreatment between brothers. Both the Septuagint and Masoretic Text convey this core idea. The Dead Sea Scroll fragment is too brief to draw a conclusion.

Acts 7:27-28 quoting Exodus 2:14 (LXX)

Acts 7:27-28

‘And at that, the one who was mistreating his neighbor just pushed him away and asked:

‘Who appointed you as the ruler and judge over us?
‘Do you want to kill me the same as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’

Exodus 2:14

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘Who appointed you to be our ruler and judge? Are you going to kill me like you killed that Egyptian yesterday?’ […]

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? thinkest thou to kill me, as thou didst kill the Egyptian?’ […]

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘He said to him, ‘Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you plan to kill me,… the Egyptian?’’ – Scroll 4Q13

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Our comments:

The Acts quote is an exact match for the Septuagint, especially with the inclusion of ‘yesterday’. The Masoretic Text conveys the same challenge to Moses’ authority but omits this specific detail. The Dead Sea Scrolls also align well but are less complete.

Acts 7:32 quoting Exodus 3:6

Acts 7:32

‘I am the God of your fathers… The God of AbraHam, IsaAc, and Jacob.’

Exodus 3:6

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘I am the God of your ancestors… The God of AbraHam, the God of IsaAc, and the God of Jacob.’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

The quotes all match, but there’s more concise phrasing in Acts by omitting the repetition of ‘the God of’ before IsaAc and Jacob. The meaning, however, is identical across all versions.

Acts 7:33 quoting Exodus 3:5

Acts 7:33

‘Remove your sandals; for the place where you’re standing is holy ground!’

Exodus 3:5

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[…] Take your sandals off, because you’re standing on holy ground.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.’’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

Both sources match.

Acts 7:34 quoting Exodus 3:7-10

Acts 7:34

‘Now, I’ve seen the bad treatment of my people in Egypt and I’ve heard their groaning; therefore, I’ve come down here to take them… So come on, for I’m going to send you to Egypt!’

Exodus 3:7-10

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘I’ve seen the hardships that My people are enduring in Egypt, and I’ve heard their cries about their task-masters, so I know what they’re going through.

‘Now, I’ve come down here to free them from the Egyptians and to take them away from that land, […]

‘For, {Look!} the shouting of the children of IsraEl has now reached to Me, and I’ve seen the suffering that the Egyptians are bringing upon them.

‘So now, come; because, I’m going to send you to PharaOh, the king of Egypt, and you’re going to bring My people (the children of IsraEl) out of the land of Egypt.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people that are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their pains, and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land […]

‘Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…the cry of the children of Israel has come to me. Moreover I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh, that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.’ – Scroll 4Q1

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Our comments:

The Acts quote is a concise paraphrase of Exodus 3:7-10, capturing the core message of God seeing the suffering, hearing the cries, coming down to deliver, and sending Moses to Egypt. All three sources align well with the Acts summary.

Acts 7:37 quoting Deuteronomy 18:15

Acts 7:37

‘God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers.’

Deuteronomy 18:15

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[…] your God will raise a Prophet like me from among your brothers’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] thy God raise up unto thee, from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

Both sources match.

Acts 7:40 quoting Exodus 32:1 (LXX)

Acts 7:40

‘Make gods to lead us, because we don’t know what has happened to this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt!’

Exodus 32:1

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘We want you to make gods for us to lead us, because we don’t know what’s become of this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt.’

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[Get] up, make us a god who shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

The Acts quote is a very close match to the Septuagint, particularly in the use of ‘gods’ (plural) and the phrasing ‘what has happened to this Moses’. The Masoretic Text is a good match in meaning but uses ‘a god’ (singular) and slightly different wording.

Acts 7:43 quoting Amos 5:25-27 (LXX)

Acts 7:43

‘Rather, you took up with the images that you made for worship in the tent of Moloch, and with the star of the god Rephan. This is why I’m going to send you into exile beyond Babylon!’

Amos 5:25-26

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[…] you chose Moloch’s tent
And the star of Raiphan to serve as your gods…
You molded idols of them for yourselves!
So beyond Damascus, I’ll move you…’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] So shall ye take up Siccuth your king and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.
Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus,’

❌ Differs

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

The Acts quote aligns very closely with the Septuagint in mentioning ‘Moloch’ and ‘Rephan/Raiphan’ as the idols worshipped. Although Acts states the exile will be ‘beyond Babylon’, while the Septuagint says ‘beyond Damascus’, the meaning is the same.

The Masoretic Text differs more significantly by naming the idols as ‘Siccuth your king’ and ‘Chiun your images’, though it also mentions exile ‘beyond Damascus’.

Acts 7:50 quoting Isaiah 66:1-2

Acts 7:50

‘Since the heavens are My throne and the earth is My footstool;
What kind of House can you build for Me…
And in what sort of place should I rest,
Since all of these things were made by My hands?’

Isaiah 66:1-2

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘Since the heavens are My Throne and the earth is My footstool;
What kind of Temple can you build for Me…
What kind of place [can you build] for My rest?
For, since it all was made by My hands,’ […]

✅ Matches with some explanation

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘The heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool; what manner of house can ye build unto Me? And what manner of place may be My rest? For all these things hath My hand made,’ […]

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build to me? Where will I rest? For my hand has made all these things,’ […] — Scroll 1Q Isaiah A

‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build to me? Where will I rest? For my hand has made all these things,’ […] — Scroll 1Q Isaiah B

✅ Matches

Our comments:

All sources match well.

Acts 8:33 quoting Isaiah 53:7-8 (LXX)

Acts 8:33

‘He was brought like a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb that is quiet before shearers,
He didn’t open his mouth…
Then he was shamed and his justice was denied.
So who’ll tell the details to his generation
After his life is removed from the land?’

Isaiah 53:7-8

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘He was led like a sheep to the slaughter.
And like a lamb with no voice before shearers,
He did not open his mouth.

‘In humiliation, his justice was taken away…
Who can speak of the evil of that generation?
His life was lifted away from the land,’ […]

✅ Matches with some explanation

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘As a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
And as a sheep that before its shearers is dumb;
Yea, he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away,
And with his generation who did reason?
For he was cut off out of the land of the living,’ […]

✅ Matches more at the start

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, as a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he didn’t open his mouth. He was taken away by oppression and judgment; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living’ […] — Scroll 1Q Isaiah A

✅ Matches with some explanation

‘…yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep… his mouth. He was taken away by oppression and judgment; and as for his generation, … and stricken for the disobedience of my people?’ — Scroll 1Q Isaiah B; the … show damage to the scroll

❓ Unknown

‘…He was taken… and judgment…’ — Scroll 4Q57 Isaiah C

❓ Unknown

‘…by oppression… and stricken for the disobedience of my people’ — Scroll 4Q58 Isaiah D

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote aligns most closely with the Septuagint, particularly in the phrasing regarding the lamb before shearers and the reference to his ‘justice denied’ and the question about his ‘generation’ after his life is removed.

The Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scrolls (1Q Isaiah A) are similar in the first part but differ more significantly in the latter part of the quote. Other Dead Sea Scroll fragments are too incomplete.

Acts 13:22 quoting Psalm 89:20

Acts 13:22

‘I’ve found David…’

Psalm 89:20

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘For, I found David, My servant,’ […]

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘I have found David My servant;’ […]

✅ Matches

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘I have found…’ […]

✅ Matches

Our comments:

All sources match.

Acts 13:22 quoting 1 Samuel 13:14

Acts 13:22

‘A man after My own heart, who’ll do as I wish.’

1 Samuel 13:14

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

_‘[…] someone who [pleases] His heart – and He will appoint him to be the ruler over His people, because you failed to do what _
[Jehovah] said.’ […]

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] a man after His own heart, and the LORD hath appointed him to be prince over His people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.’ […]

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

(None of the surviving Dead Sea Scrolls contain this verse.)

Our comments:

The Acts quote is an exact match for the first part. Acts adds ‘who’ll do as I wish’, which is an interpretive expansion that aligns with the meaning in both Old Testament versions.

Acts 13:33 quoting Psalm 2:7

Acts 13:33

‘You are My son,
And today I am your Father!’

Psalm 2:7

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[..] You are My son,
Today, I became your Father!’

✅ Match

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] Thou art My son,
This day have I begotten thee.’

✅ Match

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘… my son…’ — Scroll 3Q2 Psalms

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

Both intact sources match. The Dead Sea Scroll fragment is too incomplete for a full comparison.

Acts 13:34 quoting Isaiah 55:3 (LXX)

Acts 13:34

‘I’ll give you the sacred, trusted things of [King] David.’

Isaiah 55:3

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[…] Then I’ll make an eternal Covenant with you – the sacred, trusted things of David.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] And I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
Even the sure mercies of David.’

❌ Differs

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘[…] and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.’ — Scroll 1Q Isaiah A

❌ Differs

‘[…] and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.’ — Scroll 1Q Psalms B;

❌ Differs

‘…and your soul will live: and I will make…’ — Scroll 4Q57 Psalms C

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote closely matches the Septuagint’s phrase ‘sacred, trusted things of David’. The Masoretic Text and the intact Dead Sea Scrolls, however, refer to ‘the sure mercies of David’.

Acts 13:35 quoting Psalm 16:10 (LXX)

Acts 13:35

‘You won’t allow your Holy one to see corruption.’

Psalm 16:10

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[…] nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘Neither wilt Thou suffer Thy godly one to see the pit.’

❌ Differs

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…your holy one…’ — Scroll 4Q85 Psalms C

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote is an exact match for the Septuagint. The Masoretic Text differs by using ‘godly one’ instead of ‘Holy one’ and ‘the pit’ instead of ‘corruption’. The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment is too brief to confirm a match.

Acts 13:41 quoting Habakkuk 1:5 (LXX)

Acts 13:41

‘Behold, O you who show scorn;
Yes, be amazed, and then perish!
For there’s a work that I’ll do in your days,
Which you could never believe
Should someone declare it to you!’

Habakkuk 1:5

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘Look, O you who’s speaking such words…
Gaze and wonder at wonders,
And thereafter, just pass away!
For I’ll do a work in your day,
Which you won’t believe and none can describe!’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘Behold ye among the nations, and look, and wonder marvellously; for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you.’

❌ Differs

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…marvelously; for … a work … your days, … not … it is told to you’ — Scroll: Nahal Hever Greek Minor Prophets

❓ Unknown

‘Look among the nations, watch, and wonder marvelously; for I am working a work…’ –Scroll: Wadi Murabba'at Minor Prophets

❌ Differs

Our comments:

The Acts quote aligns more closely with the Septuagint, as the Masoretic Text and Dead Sea Scroll fragments are missing the reference to perishing, and adds a mention of the people of the nations.

Acts 13:47 quoting Isaiah 49:6 (LXX)

Acts 13:47

‘I’ll make you a light to the nations…
To bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’

Isaiah 49:6

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘[…] I’ve made a Sacred Agreement with them
To be a race that will serve
As a light to the nations,
And I’ll bring them salvation to the ends of the earth.’

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘[…] I will also give you as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.’

❌ Differs

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘[…] as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.’’ — Scroll 1Q Isaiah A

❌ Differs

‘[…] as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of earth.’’ — Scroll 1Q Isaiah B

❌ Differs

‘…as a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation…’ — Scroll 4Q58 Isaiah D

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote is an almost exact match for the Septuagint, particularly in the phrasing ‘bring salvation’ (or ‘I’ll bring them salvation’). The Masoretic Text and the intact Dead Sea Scrolls differ by stating ‘that you may be my salvation’.

Acts 15:17 quoting Amos 9:11-12 (LXX)

Acts 15:17

‘In that day,
I’ll rebuild the tent of David that has fallen…
I’ll rebuild it and make it stand once again.
Then those who remain of the gentiles
May inquire of those who have called on My Name.’

Amos 9:11-12

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘And in that day, the tent of David that has fallen
Will thereafter stand once again
And its [broken] things, I’ll rebuild…
The things I cut down, I’ll raise…
I’ll rebuild it as it had been before.

‘Then, those who are left of the nations
May inquire of those who’ve called on My Name,’ […]

✅ Matches with paraphrasing

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘In that day will I raise up
The tabernacle of David that is fallen,
And close up the breaches thereof,
And I will raise up his ruins,
And I will build it as in the days of old;
That they may possess the remnant of Edom,
And all the nations, upon whom My name is called,’ […]

❌ Differs

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…that… I will raise up… its breaches, and I will raise up…’ (Scroll: Wadi Muraba'at Minor Prophets)

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote aligns very closely with the Septuagint, even though it’s a paraphrase, particularly in the details of ‘inquiring of those who have called on My Name’ rather than the Masoretic Text’s ‘called’. It also differs in the mention of possessing ‘the remnant of Edom’.

The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment is too incomplete for a full comparison.

Acts 17:28 quoting Greek Poet Epimenides of Crete

Acts 17:28

‘For in Him we live and move and have our being’

Epimenides of Crete

‘For in you we live and move and have our being.’

✅ Matches, with a slight paraphrase

Our comments:

The quote is commonly attributed to Epimenides, a Greek philosopher from Crete, who lived in the 7th-6th centuries BC. However, his writings have only survived in fragments and quotes by others. So we can only match the quote with people quoting him, not his original text. However, it seems to match.

The full quote is talking about Zeus, and it says:

‘They fashioned a tomb for you, holy and high one,
Cretans, always liars, evil beasts, idle bellies.
But you are not dead: you live and abide forever,
For in you we live and move and have our being.’

Source

Paul quotes from this same poem in Titus 1:12.

Acts 17:28 quoting Greek Poet Phainomena

Acts 17:28

‘For we are also His offspring.’

Aratus’ Phainomena, line 5

'τοῦ γὰρ καὶ γένος ἐσμέν.’

Literally:

‘For of him also offspring we are.’

✅ Matches

Our comments:

Paul’s quote matches the surviving text. This line was also famously used by Cleanthes in his Hymn to Zeus.

Acts 23:5 quoting Exodus 22:28 (LXX)

Acts 23:5

‘You must not speak badly of the one who rules your people.’

Exodus 22:28

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘You should never […] say bad things about the rulers of your people.’

✅ Matches as a paraphrase

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘You shall not […] curse a ruler of your people.’

✅ Matches with some explanation

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘…God, nor… a ruler of your people.’ — Scroll 4Q22 PaleoExodus M

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote is a close, slightly paraphrased match for the Septuagint’s phrasing regarding speaking badly of rulers (literally, speaking against evilly). The Masoretic Text conveys the same prohibition but uses ‘curse’ instead of ‘speak badly of’.

The Dead Sea Scrolls fragment is too incomplete for a full comparison.

Acts 28:26-27 quoting Isaiah 6:9-10 (LXX)

Acts 28:26-27

‘You must go to these people and say:

‘When you listen, you’ll hear,
But not understand.
And when you look, you’ll look,
But not see.’

‘For these peoples’ hearts are all closed.
So, although they can hear with their ears,
They just won’t respond,
And they’ll have eyes that are closed.

‘Thus, although they have eyes, they can’t see,
Nor can they hear with their ears
Or understand with their hearts and return,
So I can bring healing to them.’

Isaiah 6:9-10

Greek Septuagint (our translation):

‘Then, go to these people and say:

‘When it comes to hearing, you’ll hear,
But no way will you comprehend.
And when it comes to seeing, you’ll see,
But no way will you understand!’

‘Since the hearts of these people have hardened,
Their ears now listen too slowly,
And their eyes cannot see, since their eyelids are closed.
Thus, they will not hear with their ears
Nor will they see with their eyes.
So their hearts will not understand
And make them turn back, so I’d heal them.’

✅ Matches

Hebrew Masoretic Text (JPS):

‘Go, and tell this people:

‘Hear ye indeed, but understand not;
And see ye indeed, but perceive not.
Make the heart of this people fat,
And make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes;
Lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart, and turn, and be healed.’

❌ Differs

Dead Sea Scrolls (WEB):

‘He said, ‘Go, and tell this people, ‘You hear indeed, but don’t understand; and you see indeed, but don’t perceive.’ Make the heart of this people fat. Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed.’ — Scroll 1Q Isaiah A

❌ Differs

‘…and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again…’ — Scroll 4Q60 Isaiah F

❓ Unknown

Our comments:

The Acts quote is an almost exact match for the Septuagint in both wording and meaning.

The Masoretic Text and the intact Dead Sea Scroll (1Q Isaiah A) differ significantly by using causative language (‘Make the heart… fat,’ ‘make their ears heavy,’ ‘shut their eyes’) rather than describing the people’s existing state of spiritual insensitivity.

The remaining Dead Sea Scrolls fragment is too incomplete for a full comparison.

Quotes Index

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