By Ed Vasicek on
Forum category
Bible, Theology & Philosophy
Featured Poll

Most Old Testament translations rely on the Masoretic Text. Some sometimes modify that text based upon the Dead Sea Scrolls and even the Septuagint. Although I think most of us favor the Masoretic Text (MT), can the other traditions be of textual value?

We know there are many principles involved in Biblical criticism, so we are painting with a broad brush.

There seems to be a renewed movement toward respecting the LXX text as a tradition to be reckoned with.

So, what are your thoughts? Have your views on this subject changed? Comments (brief ones esp.) appreciated.

Poll Results

What is your view of the Masoretic text in contrast to the LXX and Dead Sea Scrolls?

The Masoretic Text is the only text we should use in translating the OT. Votes: 0
The Masoretic Text should be the main consideration, but we should weight them against the Dead Sea Scroll texts. Votes: 2
We should us the MT as the main starting point, but take into account the LXX. Votes: 1
We should use the MT as the main starting point, but take into account both the DSS and LXX. Votes: 8
We should use all three (MT, LXX, and DSS) as relatively equal sources. Votes: 1
We should use either MT or DSS (or both) first, and then factor in the MSS. Votes: 1
Other Votes: 0

(Migrated poll)

N/A
0% (0 votes)
Total votes: 0

Discussion

Fri, 03/18/22

You are welcome to comment on the value of the Samaritan Pentateuch and also the value of Syriac (Aramaic) MSS.

"The Midrash Detective"

Sun, 03/20/22

https://www.esv.org/preface/

The ESV is based on the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible as found in Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (5th ed., 1997), and on the Greek text in the 2014 editions of the Greek New Testament (5th corrected ed.), published by the United Bible Societies (UBS), and Novum Testamentum Graece (28th ed., 2012), edited by Nestle and Aland. The currently renewed respect among Old Testament scholars for the Masoretic text is reflected in the ESV’s attempt, wherever possible, to translate difficult Hebrew passages as they stand in the Masoretic text rather than resorting to emendations or to finding an alternative reading in the ancient versions. In exceptional, difficult cases, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Septuagint, the Samaritan Pentateuch, the Syriac Peshitta, the Latin Vulgate, and other sources were consulted to shed possible light on the text, or, if necessary, to support a divergence from the Masoretic text.