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some differences between LXX and the MT. are more…

“some differences between LXX and the MT. are more frequently to be attributed to defective writing, to ignorance on the part of the writers, to textual corruption, and even to laxity on the part of the translators .. for example, the fragments of the Hebrew text of Ecclesiastieus appear to belong…” quote by John Courtenay James
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““some differences between LXX and the MT. are more frequently to be attributed to defective writing, to ignorance on the part of the writers, to textual corruption, and even to laxity on the part of the translators .. for example, the fragments of the Hebrew text of Ecclesiastieus appear to belong to two different MSS. It is interesting to find in these MSS, dating perhaps circa x-xi cent., the abbreviation of the divine name by three marks.””

John Courtenay James

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Differences between the Septuagint and Masoretic Text often stem from scribal errors, ignorance, corruption, or translator laxity, illustrated by varied Hebrew manuscript fragments and divine name abbreviations.

In simple terms: Textual variants arise from copying mistakes and translation choices.

Key Takeaway

Check manuscript origins when studying ancient texts.

Themes

textual criticism biblical studies translation manuscript variation

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

scholarly explanatory

When to use this quote

  • Academic research
  • Bible study
  • archaeology
  • religious education

Key Concepts

Scribal error corruption abbreviation historical linguistics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we distinguish intentional alterations from accidental errors?
  • What impact do these variants have on modern translations?
A Different Perspective

Not all differences indicate intentional doctrinal changes; some are accidental.

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