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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2 In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing For those of Israel who have escaped. Isaiah 4:2 (NKJV) |
2 But on that day God will shine in counsel with glory upon the land, to raise and to glorify the remnant of Israel. Isaiah 4:2 (LES2) |
The LXX refers to the church, the remnant of the elect, the Israel of God, being glorified when the light and glory of the Lord is revealed upon the earth. |
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3 And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. 4 When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning, Isaiah 4:3–4 (NKJV) |
3 And the remainder will be in Zion and the remnant in Jerusalem; all those recorded for life in Jerusalem will be called holy, 4 because the Lord will wash out the filth of the sons and daughters of Zion, and he will purge the blood from the middle of them by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of burning. Isaiah 4:3–4 (LES2) |
The is also talking about the elect of God in Christ (Ephesians 1:4) who are cleansed from their sins by the blood of Christ applied by the Holy Spirit. |
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5 then the LORD will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering. 6 And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain. Isaiah 4:5–6 (NKJV) |
5 And it will come, and as for every place of the mountain Zion and all the places surrounding her, a cloud will shade them by day, and like smoke and burning fire light by night, and it will be covered with all the glory. 6 And it will serve as shade from the heat, and as shelter, and as a place hidden from the harshness and the rain. Isaiah 4:5–6 (LES2) |
This speaks of God’s presence in a way that is reminiscent of Israel’s desert wanderings, when God shaded them with the cloud of his presence by day and lit the night with his holy fire. It will be fulfilled when his glory fills the earth. (Isaiah 6:3) |
