The textual variant in 1 Kgs 6:1 is an excellent example of the occasional difference in readings of chronologically significant numbers between the Hebrew Masoretic text (MT) and the Greek Septuagint (LXX). The chosen reading represents a variation of 40 years from the reading perceived to be inferior. The practical result of this variation, if one interprets the number literally, is that the exodus will be dated either to 1446 BC or to 1406 BC, based on the presupposition that 967 BC is the correct year for the inception of construction on the First Temple. This choice has a profound effect on the synchronization of Biblical chronology and archaeological evidence. Both external evidence and internal evidence play a major part in determining which variant is to be preferred as representing the correct reading of the original text.