Nusach Ha-mikra – Accuracy of the Biblical Text

The Masoretes lived between the 8^th and 10^th centuries, and sought to establish a uniform version of the text that would be accepted, from that point onwards, in all Jewish communities.The Masora text was preserved with great accuracy and meticulousness by means of various devices.

In general, the Masora version of the text continues the version used by Chazal, nevertheless, it should be noted that in dozens of instances the Masora version differs from the text used by Chazal, and sometimes these differences are substantial. A clear awareness of the many discrepancies between the Masoretic version of Tanakh and the version used and cited by Chazal existed amongst authorities and commentators through the ages.