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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17 Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High. 19 He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all. Genesis 14:17–20 (NASB95) |
17 The king of Sodom came out into the Shaveh Valley (this was the plain of kings) to meet him after he returned from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him. 18 And Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. Now he was priest of the highest God. 19 And he blessed Abram and said, “Blessed be Abram by the highest God, who created the heavens and the earth, 20 and blessed be the highest God who delivered your enemies in your hand.” And he gave him a tenth of everything. Genesis 14:17–20 (LES2) |
Both the MT and LXX use words to indicate that Abram slaughtered the enemy kings. Melchizedek’s blessing was on behalf of the Most High God. In verse 19, the MT says he is the “Possessor” of heaven and earth. The LXX says he is the Creator. By creation rights, he owns everything. The rest of the passage agrees. |
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21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself.” 22 Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ 24 “I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share.” Genesis 14:21–24 (NASB95) |
21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the men, but take the horse for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I will stretch out my hand to the highest God, who created the heavens and the earth, 23 if I take from a string to a sandal thong from all your things, in order that you might not say ‘I made Abram wealthy.’ 24 Except for what the young men ate and the portion of the men who came along with me, Eshcol, Onan, Mamre, these will take a portion.” Genesis 14:21–24 (LES2) |
Once again, the MT uses the word “goods” (singular); whereas, the LXX says “horse.” (singular) The LXX uses the idiom “stretch out my hand” to the highest God, but the MT says, “sworn.” Once again, the MT says “possessor,” while the LXX says “creator.” The rest is in agreement, except for Aner/Onan’s name. |
Summary: We see a high degree of agreement again in this passage, with a few variances, but nothing that hides Christ. The Christians argue that Melchizedek is a type of Christ. The Jews said he was Shem, using their concocted genealogies in Genesis 5 and 11 to try to prove that.
