

Stone Choir
Stone Choir
Two Lutheran (LCMS) men bring a theological lens to the world, and relate the state of the world back to theology. Topics are timely, challenging, and fearless. We’ll probably make you nervous, sometimes make you angry, but never leave you bored. We are the stones who cry out.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 59min
Translating Scripture from Greek
In this engaging discussion, the hosts explore the complexities of translating the Septuagint into English. They emphasize the need for a definitive, reliable version free from rabbinic influences found in current translations. Key topics include the structure of a translation team, the criteria for selecting translators, and the use of primary Alexandrian texts. They advocate for a thought-for-thought translation style and stress the importance of preserving the original meaning while making it accessible. The vision is an authoritative, living-language Bible for future generations.

Sep 10, 2025 • 2h 13min
The Septuagint — New Testament, Part 2
The discussion dives deep into the Septuagint's significance as the early church's Scripture, emphasizing its alignment with New Testament writings. Key quotations from Romans highlight a preference for the Septuagint over rabbinic texts. The hosts examine Christological implications across various biblical books, including Corinthians and Hebrews. They explore historical shifts from Hebrew to Greek scripts and detail the resulting theological consequences. Their compelling closing arguments advocate for modern translations rooted in the Septuagint.

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 47min
The Septuagint — New Testament, Part 1
Hosts
Corey J. Mahler
coreyjmahler.com
@CoreyJMahler
Woe
aka Eschatologuy
@treblewoe
In this episode and the next, we cover the places where the New Testament cites the Old Testament and there is a difference between the Septuagint (LXX) and the rabbinic text. In this first (of two) episodes, we cover citations from Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts; in the next episode, we will cover Romans through Revelation. By the sheer weight of the evidence, it will become undeniable that the New Testament authors were reading and citing the Septuagint — not some supposed ‘Hebrew’ edition (that, in fact, no longer existed at the time of the composition of the New Testament).
The Septuagint was the Bible of the Apostles; it was the Bible of the early Church; it was the Bible that God miraculously preserved — as He promised He would; and it should be our Bible today.
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Show Notes
Verses
Vorlage over LXX
Matthew 2:15 → Hosea 11:1
Matthew 8:17 → Isaiah 53:4
Matthew 26:31 → Zechariah 13:7 (also Mark 14:27)
Matthew 27:9-10 → Zechariah 11:12-13 (with elements from Jeremiah 19; 32)
Mark 1:2 → Malachi 3:1 (also Luke 7:27)
John 19:37 quoting Zechariah 12:10
Romans 11:35 quoting Job 41:11 (MT 41:3)
LXX over MT
Matthew 1:23 → Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 3:3 → Isaiah 40:3
Matthew 3:17 (Mark, Luke) → (Genesis 22:2, 12, 16)
Matthew 17:5 (Mark, Luke)
Matthew 4:15-16 → Isaiah 9:1-2 (MT versification 8:23-9:1)
Matthew 11:10 → Malachi 3:1 (also Mark 1:2, Luke 7:27)
Matthew 12:18-21 → Isaiah 42:1-4
Matthew 13:14-15 → Isaiah 6:9-10
Matthew 15:8-9 → Isaiah 29:13
Matthew 19:5-6 → Genesis 2:24
Matthew 21:16 → Psalm 8:2 (LXX 8:3)
Matthew 24:29 → Isaiah 13:10, 34:4
Luke 2:23 → Exodus 13:2
Luke 3:4-6 → Isaiah 40:3-5
Luke 4:18-19 → Isaiah 61:1-2 (with Isa 58:6)
John 12:38 → Isaiah 53:1
Acts 2:26 → Psalm 16:9 (LXX 15)
Acts 7:14 → Genesis 46:27; Exodus 1:5
Acts 7:42-43 → Amos 5:25-27
Acts 8:32-33 → Isaiah 53:7-8
Acts 13:41 → Habakkuk 1:5
Acts 15:16-18 → Amos 9:11-12 (and the closing clause of v. 18)
See Also
Further Reading
Parental Warnings
None.
Transcript
The transcript for this episode can be found here
Other transcripts can be found here
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Aug 12, 2025 • 3h 21min
The Septuagint — Timelines and Other Alterations
Delve into the intriguing textual alterations made by rabbis in key biblical narratives. Discover how changes in genealogies and the timelines of Esther and Job influence historical interpretations. Learn about the complexities of calendrical systems and their effect on biblical events. The discussion reveals the contrast between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text, questioning how these variations impact faith. Enjoy explorations of pivotal figures and divine themes, all while pondering the interplay between archaeology and religious belief.

Jul 2, 2025 • 2h 6min
The Septuagint — Wisdom Literature
The hosts dive into the fascinating differences between the Septuagint and the rabbinic texts, particularly in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They highlight how translation nuances can reshape theological understanding and perceptions of divine intervention. Listeners discover themes of humility, wealth, and moral instruction, emphasizing the importance of original text engagement. The discussion encourages reflection on community relations and the complexities of wisdom, urging a deeper exploration of scripture's implications for faith and daily life.

Jun 11, 2025 • 2h 10min
The Septuagint — Christology
Dive into the fascinating world of biblical texts as hosts explore the Christological differences between the Septuagint and the Masoretic text. Discover how translation choices can alter the meaning of pivotal verses, such as Isaiah 7:14 and Psalm 2. The conversation emphasizes the importance of hermeneutics and the integrity of original scriptures in understanding Christ’s role. Along the way, enjoy insights into the theological implications of these ancient writings and their impact on early Christianity. An enlightening discussion awaits!

May 7, 2025 • 3h 18min
The Septuagint — European History
The podcast dives into the rich and complex history of the Septuagint's role in European church history, highlighting key figures who could have defended its importance but largely did not. It examines the contentious translations of Jerome and their lasting impact on biblical interpretation. Listeners are introduced to the intricate relationship between Hebrew scholarship and Christian thought, showcasing figures like Nicholas of Lyra and the political tensions surrounding translations. The critical implications of rejecting the Septuagint, particularly in the context of the Reformation, are thoughtfully explored.

Apr 23, 2025 • 2h 51min
The Septuagint — Near Eastern History
The historical significance of the Septuagint in preserving biblical texts is explored, emphasizing its role in early Christianity. The evolution of the Hebrew language and its impact on scriptural continuity is discussed, as well as the linguistic dynamics during Jesus' time. The podcast critiques the shift from the Septuagint to Hebrew texts, advocating for a return to the Greek version. It also examines the tensions in translation and the intricate relationship between Christians and Jews over scriptural interpretations, urging a deeper understanding of theological contexts.

Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 27min
The Context Window
Dive into the fascinating concept of 'context windows' — our cognitive limits in conversation and understanding history. Explore the complexities of the Septuagint and why reassessing its historical significance matters. Discuss the perils of voting without true insight and the necessity of informed civic engagement. Delve into the challenges of meaningful communication in the age of social media while acknowledging the burden of expertise in democracy. Discover how repetition shapes learning and the importance of historical context in shaping our faith.

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 28min
Addicted to Psychologizing
This discussion dives into the intricate nature of addiction, highlighting its biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. The hosts challenge reductionist views, advocating for a comprehensive understanding of human behavior. They explore temptation's role and the idolatry of desire, emphasizing the importance of moral responsibility. Individuality and the diversity of personality types add depth to their conversation, promoting empathy and community support in overcoming struggles. The conversation ultimately champions a holistic approach to healing and understanding.