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 |
|
5 A throne will even be established in lovingkindness, And a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; Moreover, he will seek justice And be prompt in righteousness. Isaiah 16:5 (NASB95) |
5 And a throne will be restored with mercy, and he will sit on it with truth in David’s tent, judging and seeking a judgment and eagerly pursuing righteousness. Isaiah 16:5 (LES2) |
The Greek word translated “restored” literally means to “be set right,” as a bone would be set. This obviously points to Christ in both the MT and LXX. The restoration of David’s tent is something understood by the early church to mean the New Covenant inclusion of Gentiles as part of God’s people, the church. James quoted the prophet Amos in Acts. This passage agrees with Isaiah’s words and provides a deeper understanding how the church interpreted them. 13 After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brethren, listen to me. 14 “Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name. 15 “With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 ‘AFTER THESE THINGS I will return, AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN, AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS, AND I WILL RESTORE IT, 17 SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD, AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME,’ 18 SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS KNOWN FROM LONG AGO. Acts 15:13–18 (NASB95) It also hearkens back to a previous passage in Isaiah. 6 Because a child was born to us; a son was given to us whose leadership came upon his shoulder; and his name is called “Messenger of the Great Council,” for I will bring peace upon the rulers and health to him. 7 His leadership is great, and there is no boundary to his peace on the throne of David and his kingdom, to establish and take hold of it by justice and by righteousness, from now to eternity. The eagerness of the Lord Sabaoth will do these things. Isaiah 9:6–7 (LES2) |
Summary: This single verse stands out in chapter 16 of Isaiah in that it points directly to Christ and the New Covenant. The MT did not alter the text in this instance.
