The Septuagint (LXX) was the accepted version of the Old Testament at the time of Christ and during the early church period. It was much later that the Masoretic Text (MT) became the basis for our English translations, which continues to this day in the Western church. The Eastern Orthodox Church stayed with the LXX. Conventional wisdom is that there were various textual versions of the paleo-Hebrew that were passed down, the LXX using one of them. The MT is supposed to be based on an alternate source and to be superior. However, 70 – 80 % of the quotes from the Old Testament that are found in the New Testament come directly from the Septuagint, which appears to be God’s affirmation of that version. Another noteworthy point is that the MT sometimes omits or obscures references to Christ that are quoted from the LXX in the New Testament. This makes we question the MT. After perusing the MT alongside the LXX, I have discovered numerous textual differences, but not all of them, or even the majority of them, have theological or Christological significance. Unfortunately, having such variations tends to engender doubt as to what is the true Word of God. This, I believe, is a satanic strategy.
Generally, I prefer the LXX after comparing both. It seems more “literal.” Almost always the LXX provides the clearest references to Christ. In those few cases when the MT does, I go with it.
I choose whichever version most closely agrees with the New Testament and gives the clearest reference to Christ and the New Covenant.
In this series, I have done my best to compare and contrast what I consider to be significant passages. Here is an another example. The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which I like the best. It is available in print or through Logos Bible Software.
| Masoretic Text | Septuagint | Significance |
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1 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer. 2 O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah. Psalm 4:1–2 (NASB95) |
2 When I called, the God of my righteousness heard me. In tribulation you made room for me. Have mercy upon me and hearken to my prayer. 3 Sons of humans, how long are you slow of heart? Why do you love vanity and seek a lie? Psalm 4:2–3 (LES2) |
The first difference we see is that in the LXX David wrote that God already answered his prayer and made room for him in his tribulation. The second difference is that what the MT translates “how long will my honor become a reproach” the LXX gives as “how long are you slow of heart?” This is significant because Jesus used a similar phrase to upbraid the disciples in the road to Emmaus for their unbelief after his resurrection. (Luke 24:25) This links Psalm 4 to Jesus and helps us to see it as a prophecy regarding Christ. Ever since rejecting Christ as Messiah, the Jews who are not among the elect have actively embraced deception and pursued worthlessness, which is what happens to everyone who rejects God’s gracious offer in the gospel. Stephen’s rebuke was that the Jews “always resist the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 7:51) This is true of those Jews and Gentiles who refuse to acknowledge Christ as the Lord. |
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3 But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him. Psalm 4:3 (NASB95) |
4 Know that the Lord magnifies his holy one. The Lord will hear me when I have cried out to him. Psalm 4:4 (LES2) |
Here the MT again hides a clear reference to Christ that was intimated in the above verse. Jesus is the holy one that God magnifies. Jesus was glorified on the Mount of Transfiguration and after his resurrection. (Matthew 17:1-8) All who call upon the Lord Jesus will be saved. (Romans 10:13) |
| I have observed that the most egregious changes the MT makes are found in the prophets and psalms. King David was a prophet; so, it is not surprising that his prophetic psalms that refer to our Lord would be altered. | ||
Conclusion
If you want to know more about why Christians should prefer the Septuagint to the MT, click on this link.
