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, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; 3 He who does not backbite with his tongue, Nor does evil to his neighbor, Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend; Psalm 15:1–3 (NKJV) |
1 O Lord, who will dwell in your quarters? And who will dwell on your holy mountain? 2 The one going without blame and working righteousness; the one speaking truth in his heart. 3 He who does not beguile with his tongue, nor does evil against his neighbor, and he does not take up a reproach against those near to him. Psalm 14:1–3 (LES2) |
The Greek word that is translated “quarters” is the word for tabernacle. The passage basically agrees, except the MT says “against his friend,” but the LXX says, against those near to him.” |
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4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; 5 He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15:4–5 (NKJV) |
4 The one acting wickedly is scorned before him, but those fearing the Lord he honors. He is one who swears an oath to his neighbor and does not break faith. 5 He did not give his money for interest, and he did not take gifts against the innocent. The one who does these things will not be shaken for eternity. Psalm 14:4–5 (LES2) |
Verse 4 in the LXX is much clearer where it says that a godly person does not swear an oath to his neighbor and then break faith. Otherwise, the passage agrees. |
Summary: This is one of the few psalms that show very little difference between the MT and LXX.
