Believers understand Esther as a historical account of God’s providential care for the Jewish people during the Persian exile, even though one version of the book never explicitly mentions God. What many Protestants may not realize is that there is another account of this text.
And contrary to popular opinion, the Septuagint version of the Book of Esther did have passages speaking directly about God.
The Septuagint (LXX) and the Masoretic Text (MT) versions of the Book of Esther differ significantly in content, style, and theological emphasis. Here are the key differences:
1. Length and Additional Material
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The Masoretic Text (Hebrew version) is shorter, consisting of 10 chapters (Esther 1–10).
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The Septuagint (Greek version) is longer, containing six major additions (labeled Additions A–F), expanding the story with new details, prayers, and divine interventions. These additions make the LXX version about 50% longer than the MT.
2. Divine Presence
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MT Esther: God is never mentioned explicitly.
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LXX Esther: God is frequently referenced, especially in the additions.
3. Additions in the LXX (A–F)
These sections are considered Deuterocanonical by Catholics and Orthodox Christians but are not found in the Hebrew MT or most Protestant Bibles:
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Addition A (Before Esther 1): A dream of Mordecai foreshadowing events.
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Addition B (After Esther 3:13): The full text of the king’s edict to destroy the Jews.
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Addition C (After Esther 4:17): Prayers of Mordecai and Esther.
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Addition D (Replacing Esther 5:1–2): A dramatic expansion of Esther’s audience with the king.
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Addition E (After Esther 8:12): The full text of the king’s edict allowing Jewish self-defense.
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Addition F (After Esther 10:3): Interpretation of Mordecai’s dream and a concluding doxology.
4. Differences in Key Passages
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Esther’s Preparation (Esther 2:9, 12, 15 MT vs. LXX): The LXX adds details about Esther’s piety.
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Haman’s Accusation (Esther 3:8 MT vs. LXX): The LXX makes his charges against the Jews more explicit.
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Esther’s Approach to the King (Esther 5:1–2 MT vs. Addition D): The LXX heightens the drama, describing her fear and divine intervention.
5. Historical and Literary Style
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MT Esther: More concise, with a focus on political intrigue and Jewish survival.
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LXX Esther: More theological, emphasizing God’s providence and the piety of Esther and Mordecai.
6. Ending
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MT Esther (10:3): Ends abruptly, focusing on Mordecai’s greatness.
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LXX Esther (Addition F): Concludes with Mordecai interpreting his dream and praising God.
Conclusion
The Masoretic Text presents Esther as a secular-seeming story of Jewish deliverance, while the Septuagint version makes the religious elements explicit, adding prayers, divine interventions, and a stronger theological framework.
If you've never read the Book of Esther from the Septuagint, consider reading it here:
