Introduction

The textual variation in Genesis 9:10 provides an intriguing case for Old Testament textual criticism. The Masoretic Text (MT) includes the phrase “to all the beasts of the earth,” whereas the Septuagint (LXX) omits this phrase. This analysis aims to determine the most authentic version of this verse by examining both documentary evidence and internal narrative considerations.

Manuscript Evidence and Analysis

Textual Variants Overview

Main Reading (MT – Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia):

• Hebrew: לְכֹ֖ל חַיַּ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ׃
• English: “and with every living soul that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; of all that comes out of the ark, to all the beasts of the earth.”

Variant Reading (LXX):

• Greek: (omits “to all the beasts of the earth”)
• English: “and with every living soul that is with you, the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you; of all that comes out of the ark.”

External Evidence

The MT, our primary source, contains the phrase “to all the beasts of the earth.” This reading is consistent within the Hebrew text and is intended to emphasize the comprehensive scope of God’s covenant. The LXX, however, omits this phrase, suggesting either a different Vorlage (the underlying Hebrew text from which the LXX was translated) or a deliberate editorial decision by the translators.

Internal Evidence and Narrative Consideration

The repetition of “every beast of the earth” in the MT serves to underscore the universal nature of the covenant established by God with Noah and all living creatures. This stylistic choice aligns with the Hebrew Bible’s tendency to emphasize important theological points through repetition.

The LXX’s omission of the phrase could be interpreted in several ways:

1. Redundancy: The LXX translators might have considered the phrase redundant, given the earlier mention of “every beast of the earth.” This editorial decision would align with a tendency to streamline the text for clarity and brevity.
2. Accidental Omission: It is also possible that the omission was accidental, resulting from a scribal error during the transmission of the text.

Comparative Analysis

1. Masoretic Text (MT):

   • Consistency: Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God’s covenant through repetition.
   • Theological Implication: Reinforces the inclusion of all living creatures in the covenant.
   • Stylistic Choice: Reflects the Hebrew Bible’s narrative style of emphasizing key points through repetition.

2. Septuagint (LXX):

   • Interpretation: Potentially streamlined the text for clarity, viewing the repetition as redundant.
   • Editorial Decision: Reflects the translators’ discretion in harmonizing and clarifying the text.
   • Accidental Omission: Possible scribal error during the transmission of the text.

Consideration of Other Manuscripts

• Samaritan Pentateuch: Often aligns with the MT but can exhibit unique readings.
• Targums: Reflect interpretative traditions that might provide additional insight into the textual variant.
• Syriac Peshitta and Vulgate: Generally follow the MT but may offer unique variants similar to the LXX.

Conclusion

After evaluating both the documentary evidence and the internal narrative considerations, it is reasonable to conclude that the original reading of Genesis 9:10 likely included the phrase “to all the beasts of the earth,” as preserved in the Masoretic Text. This conclusion is supported by the stylistic and theological emphasis typical of the Hebrew Bible. The LXX’s omission, while potentially reflecting an interpretative or editorial decision, does not necessarily indicate the earliest textual tradition. The MT’s reading, with its emphasis on the comprehensive scope of God’s covenant, aligns with the broader narrative and theological context of Genesis.

The Masoretic Text’s inclusion of “to all the beasts of the earth” is consistent with the Hebrew Bible’s narrative style and theological emphasis on the universality of God’s covenant. Therefore, it is likely that this phrase represents the original text of Genesis 9:10.

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