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 LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. 2 Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah Psalm 3:1–2 (NKJV) |
2 Lord, why are the ones afflicting me increased? Many rise up against me. 3 Many say to my soul, “There is no salvation with his God.” Psalm 3:2–3 (LES2) |
The first thing we notice is that the LXX starts with the preface, making what is verse one in the MT, verse 2 in the LXX. This psalm was written when David fled Jerusalem to flee from Absalom and his armies. In the MT, David simply makes an observation, but, in the LXX, he asks a question: why? |
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3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. 4 I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah Psalm 3:3–4 (NKJV) |
4 But you, O Lord, are my helper, my glory, even raising my head up high. 5 With my voice I cried aloud to the Lord, and he heard me from his holy mountain. Psalm 3:4–5 (LES2) |
The MT has David calling God his “shield,” but the LXX is much more personal. David says that God is the one who protects him. The rest of the passage shows agreement between the MT and LXX. |
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5 I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around. Psalm 3:5–6 (NKJV) |
6 I went to bed and fell asleep. I awoke, because the Lord will help me. 7 I will not be frightened by the myriads of people who set themselves in a circle around me. Psalm 3:6–7 (LES2) |
The MT says David slept because the Lord sustained him (past tense). The LXX says it was because David believed the Lord “will help me.” The MT recounts what God did, but the LXX shows David’s trust in God to care for him now and in the future. This faith is on display in verse 6/7. |
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7 Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people. Selah Psalm 3:7–8 (NKJV) |
8 Stand up, O Lord! Save me, O my God, because you struck down all those hating me pointlessly. You broke the teeth of the sinners. 9 Salvation is the Lord’s, and your blessing is upon your people. Psalm 3:8–9 (LES2) |
There is mostly agreement here between the MT and LXX, except where the MT says that God struck David’s enemies on the cheekbone. The LXX, on the other hand, says that God struck down those who hated David pointlessly. |
