Text-Critical Issues Between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint Text of the Book of Jeremiah

Abstract

This paper examines the text-critical issues between the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX) versions of the Book of Jeremiah, focusing on orthographic variants, editorial changes, and transcription errors. The study begins with the Masoretic Text, detailing its historical development, transmission, and defining features. It then discusses significant textual variants within the MT tradition, such as spelling, grammar, and word order. The paper then turns to the Septuagint translation, analysing notable differences in wording, verse arrangement, and theological emphases. These differences provide insight into the LXX translators’ interpretive choices and theological perspectives. The analysis reveals distinct theological emphases, scribal tendencies, and translational choices that shape the textual tradition of Jeremiah. The paper reviews scholarly debates on the reliability and significance of the MT and LXX traditions, highlighting diverse interpretive approaches and their implications for modern biblical scholarship. The paper concludes by summarising key findings and emphasising the significance of text-critical analysis in biblical studies.