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 Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in my integrity, And I have trusted in the LORD without wavering. 2 Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. 3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. 4 I do not sit with deceitful men, Nor will I go with pretenders. 5 I hate the assembly of evildoers, And I will not sit with the wicked. Psalm 26:1–5 (NASB95) |
1 Judge me, O Lord, because I went in my guilelessness, and I shall not be shaken when hoping in the Lord. 2 Scrutinize me, O Lord, and test me; purge my mind and my heart, 3 because your mercy is before my eyes, and I was well pleased with your truth. 4 I did not sit with the assembly of vanity, and I will never enter with those transgressing the law. 5 I hated the assembly of those doing evil, and with the ungodly I will never sit. Psalm 25:1–5 (LES2) |
The differences in this passage are subtle – integrity vs. innocence, without wavering vs. not be shaken, test vs. purge, walked in vs. well pleased with, deceitful men vs. vanity, and pretenders vs. transgressors. |
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6 I shall wash my hands in innocence, And I will go about Your altar, O LORD, 7 That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving And declare all Your wonders. Psalm 26:6–7 (NASB95) |
6 I will wash my hands with innocent deeds, and I will go around your altar 7 to hear a voice of praise and to describe all your marvelous deeds. Psalm 25:6–7 (LES2) |
The difference here is between “proclaim” and “hear.” |
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8 O LORD, I love the habitation of Your house And the place where Your glory dwells. 9 Do not take my soul away along with sinners, Nor my life with men of bloodshed, 10 In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. Psalm 26:8–10 (NASB95) |
8 O Lord, I love the goodly appearance of your house and the place of the tent of your glory. 9 Do not destroy my soul together with the ungodly, and my life with men of bloodshed, 10 in whose hands is lawlessness; their right hand is full of bribes. Psalm 25:8–10 (LES2) |
This passage contrasts “habitation” with “goodly appearance,” “take” with ” destroy,” and “wicked scheme” with “lawlessness.” |
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11 But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; Redeem me, and be gracious to me. 12 My foot stands on a level place; In the congregations I shall bless the LORD. Psalm 26:11–12 (NASB95) |
11 But I went in my guilelessness. Redeem me and have mercy upon me. 12 For my foot stands in uprightness. In the assembly I will bless you, O Lord. Psalm 25:11–12 (LES2) |
This passage contrasts “integrity” with “innocence” and “level place” with “uprightness.” |
Summary: This is a psalm that displays general agreement between the MT and LXX. If the entire Old Testament was like this, there would be no need for my doing this comparison.
