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).
| Masoretic Text | Septuagint | Significance |
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19 In that day there will be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the LORD at its border. 20 And it will be for a sign and for a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them. 21 Then the LORD will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know the LORD in that day, and will make sacrifice and offering; yes, they will make a vow to the LORD and perform it. 22 And the LORD will strike Egypt, He will strike and heal it; they will return to the LORD, and He will be entreated by them and heal them. Isaiah 19:19–22 (NKJV) |
19 On that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the territory of the Egyptians and a stele to the Lord toward its border, 20 and it will be a sign into eternity to the Lord in the territory of Egypt, because they will cry out to the Lord because of those afflicting them, and he will send them a person who will save them; by judging, he will save them. 21 And the Lord will be known to the Egyptians, and the Egyptians will know the Lord on that day, and they will make sacrifices, and they will pray prayers to the Lord, and they will return. 22 And the Lord will strike the Egyptians with a blow, and he will heal them with healing, and they will return to the Lord, and he will listen to them, and he will heal them. Isaiah 19:19–22 (LES2) |
Although I am not completely sure how to understand this passage, I included it to demonstrate once again some of the differences between the MT and LXX. The MT both adds and subtracts words from the LXX. |
Summary: I included this passage simply to show some of the differences between the MT and LXX.
