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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1 Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1–2 (NKJV) |
1 Blessed is the man who does not go in the counsel of the ungodly, and does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit in the seat of evil persons. 2 But rather his will is focused on the law of the Lord, and in his law he will meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1–2 (LES2) |
The MT and LXX essentially agree until the end of verse one. The MT says not to sit in the seat of scoffers, but the LXX warns against the seat of loimos – pests, pestilence, plague, or destroyers. The second difference is in verse 2. The MT says the godly person delights in the law of God. The LXX says his will is focused on it. Both agree that the godly person will meditate on God’s law day and night. |
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3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3 (NKJV) |
3 He will be like the tree that has been planted along the streams of the rivers, which will give its fruit in its season. And its leaf will not fall off. In all things, however much he does, he will be given prosperity. Psalm 1:3 (LES2) |
The MT and LXX essentially agree in this verse, with minor differences. |
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4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:4–6 (NKJV) |
4 Not so the ungodly, not so! But rather, they are like the chaff that the wind spreads abroad away from the face of the earth. 5 On this account the ungodly will not stand up in the judgment, nor will the sinful stand in the council of the righteous, 6 because the Lord knows the way of the righteous; but the way of the ungodly will perish. Psalm 1:4–6 (LES2) |
Here we see greater divergence. The LXX repeats “not so” to intensify it. It also strengthens the wind’s (Holy Spirit’s) work to drive or spread the ungodly from the face of the earth. This agrees with John the Baptist’s words about our Lord Jesus. 15 Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, 16 John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3:15–17 (NKJV) Otherwise, the MT and LXX agree in this passage. |
