Here is a direct side-by-side comparison of the Masoretic Text (MT) with the Septuagint (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).
| Masoretic Text | Septuagint | Significance |
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To the Chief Musician. With Stringed Instruments. On An Eight-Stringed Harp. A Psalm of David. 1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled. 3 My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O LORD—how long? Psalm 6:title–3 (NKJV) |
1 FOR THE END, AMONG HYMNS UPON THE EIGHTH, A PSALM OF DAVID. 2 O Lord, do not reprove me with your anger, nor correct me with your wrath. 3 Have mercy on me, O Lord, because I am weak. Heal me, because my bones were troubled. 4 My soul was troubled very much. But you, O Lord, for how long? Psalm 6:1–4 (LES2) |
The first thing we notice is that the LXX makes the title the first verse. Other than that, there are a few words that are different, but the psalm is very similar in the Hebrew and Greek. |
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4 Return, O LORD, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake! 5 For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks? Psalm 6:4–5 (NKJV) |
5 Turn, O Lord; rescue my soul. Save me on account of your mercy, 6 because there is no one who remembers you in death, and in Hades who will confess you? Psalm 6:5–6 (LES2) |
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6 I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. 7 My eye wastes away because of grief; It grows old because of all my enemies. Psalm 6:6–7 (NKJV) |
7 I grew weary with my groaning. I will wash my bed each night; with my tears I will drench my bedspread. 8 My eye was troubled from anger. I became worn out among all my enemies. Psalm 6:7–8 (LES2) |
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8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping. 9 The LORD has heard my supplication; The LORD will receive my prayer. 10 Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly. Psalm 6:8–10 (NKJV) |
9 Keep away from me, all who work lawlessness, because the Lord heard the sound of my weeping. 10 The Lord heard my supplication; the Lord accepted my prayer. 11 May all my enemies be put to shame and very much troubled. May they return and quickly be very ashamed. Psalm 6:9–11 (LES2) |
Summary: One would hope and expect, based on the common understanding that there is not much difference between the MT and LXX, that all the Old Testament would agree as does this psalm. The differences are minor above, as one sees when comparing them side-by-side. However, if you have been following along with my comparisons, you know that this is not often the case.
