Some alterations of the Septuagint that are found in the MT are so egregious that the translators of our English Bible chose to abandon it in favor of the LXX. I list some examples below for your consideration.
My question is this: once see that the MT is lying, why should we trust it ever again?
The Septuagint version I am using is the Lexham English Septuagint 2nd Edition, which I like the best. It is available in print or as part of Logos Bible Software.
NT Quote |
LXX |
MT |
Comment |
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35 Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.” Matthew 27:35 (NKJV) |
17 For many dogs encircled me. A gathering of those doing evil surrounded me. They pierced my hands and feet. 18 They can count all my bones; they perceived and gazed upon me. 19 They distributed my garments among themselves, and they cast a lot for my clothing. Psalm 21:17–19 (LES2) |
16 For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; 17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. 18 They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. Psalm 22:16–18 (NKJV) |
It is apparent that these two passages are mostly the same. This is because the translators took it upon themselves to depart from the MT regarding one phrase. The MT says: “…like a lion, my hands and my feet…” This was such an egregious departure from a clear reference to Christ’s crucifixion that the translators could not abide it. Sadly, however, they tolerate many other omissions and obfuscation, as you will see if you look at other articles comparing specific texts. |
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1 Saul reigned one year; and when he had reigned two years over Israel, 2 Saul chose for himself three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in the mountains of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent. 1 Samuel 13:1–2 (NKJV) |
1 Saul was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty two years over Israel. 2 Now Saul chose for himself 3,000 men of Israel, of which 2,000 were with Saul in Michmash and in the hill country of Bethel, while 1,000 were with Jonathan at Gibeah of Benjamin. But he sent away the rest of the people, each to his tent. 1 Samuel 13:1–2 (NASB95) |
In this case, by sticking with the MT, translators of our English Bible chose to insert an age into the text that was missing. The LXX does not even go there. It leaves out the 30 years and the 42 years. Adding to God’s Word is not a good idea, even when it is an educated guess. | |
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23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 (NKJV) |
14 Because of this, the Lord himself will give you a sign: Look, the virgin will conceive in the womb and will bear a son, and you will call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (LES2) |
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 (NKJV) |
The LXX uses the Greek word parthenos for “virgin.” The Hebrew word in the MT is almah, which normally means young woman. The translators of the NKJV chose to go with the LXX since it matches the New Testament quote, which definitely is the Word of God. |
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17 So that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the LORD who does all these things.’ Acts 15:17 (NKJV) |
12 so that the remnant of the people, and all the nations upon whom my name was invoked upon them, will search for me,” says the Lord who is making these things. Amos 9:12 (LES2) |
12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, And all the Gentiles who are called by My name,” Says the LORD who does this thing. Amos 9:12 (NKJV) |
This was a case when the translators of Amos 9:12 went with the MT, but the apostle quoted the LXX. There is a huge difference between the nations seeking for God and Israel possessing them. The LXX points to Christ, but the MT elevates Israel. |
Conclusion
If you want to know more about why Christians should prefer the Septuagint to the MT, click on this link.The Eastern Orthodox Church had the wisdom to retain the LXX for its Old Testament scriptures. As for me, I now rely on the LXX. It was Paul’s standard for Old Covenant truth and is quoted in the New Testament. That makes it good enough for me.
