Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text with the LXX. I have concluded that the LXX is much to be preferred over the Masoretic Text, a position from which the Eastern Orthodox Church never deviated. Perhaps, if you take the time to read my comparisons and other articles, you will arrive at the same conclusion.
The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software. Occasionally I also use the Brenton translation of the LXX for insight into difficult passages.
If you want to know more, click on the following links.
- Why Christians Should Prefer the Septuagint over the Masoretic Text.
- Some Insights Gained through Comparing the Masoretic Text to the Septuagint
- More side by side comparisons of the Masoretic Text (MT) to the Septuagint (LXX).
| Septuagint | MT | Significance |
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7 You did not want sacrifice and offering, but you restored a body to me. You did not ask for whole burnt offering and an offering concerning sin. 8 Then I said, “Look, I have arrived. In the scroll of the document it has been written concerning me. 9 I wish to do your will, O my God, and your law is in the middle of my heart.” Psalm 39:7–9 (LES2) |
6 Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:6–8 (NKJV) |
This is a notable example of the MT removing a clear reference to Christ that is quoted from the LXX in the New Testament. As with many of the Psalms, the numbering of the LXX differs from the MT. The LXX says in verse 7 that God restored (Greek: katartidzo, which can mean established or furnished) a body to me. This is a reference to the Incarnation of Christ, and quite possibly to his resurrection, if restore is used. The author of Hebrews quotes this text in his argument for Christ’s supremacy. 5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for Me. 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come— In the volume of the book it is written of Me— To do Your will, O God.’ ” 8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:5–10 (NKJV) The Masoretes knew of this argument with which Christians were using OT scriptures to prove that Christ is the Messiah. By changing the text to “My ears have you opened,” they sought to discredit the reference in the NT and remove the foundation of the argument. Remember, this translation was produced centuries after Christ’s resurrection. Jesus had already condemned the rabbis for altering God’s Word. We should not put it past them to do such a thing. |
