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 |
|
1 Then the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Designate the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, 3 that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, |
1 And the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘Establish the cities for places of refuge that I spoke to you through Moses, 3 a place of refuge for the slayer who struck down a life unintentionally. And the cities will be for you a place of refuge, and the slayer will not be killed by the next of kin by blood until he might stand before the congregation for judgment.’ ” Joshua 20:1–3 (LES2) |
I included this passage to illustrate the way the MT sometimes edits the more ancient LXX by rearranging the text and making additions and subtractions. |
Summary: We see here that the MT adds information was not included in the original Paleo-Hebrew, from which the LXX derives.
