When studying the Old Testament, one of the questions that often arises is whether the differences found in textual variants are significant. With ancient manuscripts like the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, the Samaritan Pentateuch, and the Dead Sea Scrolls sometimes presenting differing readings, it’s natural to wonder: Do these variations impact our understanding of the Bible?
The short answer is both “yes” and “no,” depending on how we define “substantial.” Let’s break it down.
What Are Textual Variants?
Textual variants are differences between manuscripts of the same text. These differences can include:
- Spelling Variations: Differences in the way words are spelled or formatted.
- Synonyms: Different words used to convey the same meaning.
- Omissions or Additions: A word, phrase, or even a sentence may be missing or added in certain manuscripts.
- Reordering of Words or Phrases: Changes in word order, which may or may not affect meaning.
For example, in the story of David and Goliath, some Greek manuscripts (Septuagint) of 1 Samuel 17 omit parts of the story, leading to a shorter version compared to the Masoretic Text.
Are Variants Substantial Theologically?
In most cases, the textual differences in the Old Testament are not theologically significant. The core doctrines and messages of the Old Testament—such as the nature of God, covenant relationships, and the call to righteousness—remain consistent across textual traditions. Variants rarely, if ever, change the overarching theology.
Take Psalm 22:16 as an example:
- The Masoretic Text reads, “Like a lion at my hands and feet.”
- Some translations based on the Dead Sea Scrolls and other sources render it, “They pierced my hands and feet.”
While the variant provides a vivid difference, especially for Christians interpreting it messianically, the overall message of suffering and lament remains clear in both readings.
Do Variants Affect the Historical or Literary Understanding?
Here is where the differences can feel more substantial. Variants can shed light on:
- How Texts Were Transmitted: Variations help us understand the practices of scribes and the cultural or theological factors influencing their work.
- How Texts Were Interpreted: Differences between the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint show how Jewish communities in different regions interpreted the same text.
- Literary Nuances: Some variants reveal poetic, linguistic, or structural changes that can enhance our understanding of the text’s artistry.
For instance, the Ten Commandments appear slightly differently in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. While the core commands are the same, the variations provide insight into the theological emphasis of each context.
Can Variants Strengthen Faith?
Surprisingly, exploring textual variants can strengthen, rather than weaken, one’s faith. The meticulous work of scribes over centuries and the remarkable consistency across thousands of manuscripts testify to the care with which these texts were preserved. Variants remind us of the humanity of the Bible’s transmission process while pointing us to the divine message that endures.
Conclusion
Are the differences in textual variants of the Old Testament substantial? In a theological sense, no—they do not alter the core messages of Scripture. In a historical and literary sense, yes—they provide valuable insights into the Bible’s transmission and interpretation.
Far from undermining the Bible’s authority, textual criticism invites us to engage more deeply with the text. It reminds us that Scripture is both a divine gift and a product of history, preserved through the faithfulness of God’s people across generations. By studying these variants, we gain a richer appreciation for the complexity and beauty of God’s Word.
