Septuagint

Definition

The Septuagint is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, created between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. It served as a crucial text for early Christianity and Gnosticism, as it was widely used in the Hellenistic world and became the version of the Old Testament that many early Christians were familiar with. Its influence extends to theological discussions and interpretations that shaped the beliefs and practices of these religious movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Septuagint was produced in Alexandria, Egypt, primarily for the Jewish community living in a Greek-speaking environment, reflecting the cultural exchange between Greek and Jewish traditions.
2. It includes not only the Hebrew Scriptures but also additional texts, known as the Deuterocanonical books, which are not found in the Hebrew Bible but were accepted by early Christians.
3. The Septuagint significantly shaped early Christian theology by providing a basis for interpreting Old Testament prophecies as foreshadowing the life and mission of Jesus Christ.
4. Many early Church Fathers and theologians preferred the Septuagint over the Hebrew text due to its widespread use in their communities and its alignment with their theological perspectives.
5. The Septuagint's influence persists today, as it remains an important source for biblical studies and translations, impacting how both Jewish and Christian texts are understood.

Review Questions

• How did the creation of the Septuagint reflect the cultural interactions between Greek and Jewish communities during its time?
  • The creation of the Septuagint illustrated significant cultural interactions between Greek and Jewish communities as it was translated for Jews living in a Hellenistic world. This translation made the Hebrew Scriptures accessible to those who spoke Greek, thus fostering a blending of ideas between two distinct cultures. The Septuagint allowed Jewish traditions to spread within a predominantly Greek-speaking environment while also influencing the development of early Christianity through its accessibility.
• Discuss the role of the Septuagint in shaping early Christian thought and how it affected interpretations of scripture.
  • The Septuagint played a pivotal role in shaping early Christian thought as it provided a foundation for understanding Old Testament prophecies related to Jesus Christ. Early Christians frequently cited this translation when discussing scripture, leading to interpretations that emphasized themes such as redemption and fulfillment. The use of the Septuagint in theological debates helped solidify its authority within early Christian teachings and established connections between Jewish texts and emerging Christian beliefs.
• Evaluate the implications of using the Septuagint over the Hebrew Bible in early Christian communities and its long-term effects on Christian doctrine.
  • Using the Septuagint instead of the Hebrew Bible in early Christian communities had significant implications for developing Christian doctrine. This preference influenced how foundational texts were interpreted, often leading to theological concepts that differed from traditional Jewish interpretations. The reliance on the Septuagint shaped key doctrines within Christianity, including views on prophecy and messianic fulfillment, which continue to impact Christian theology today. As a result, this translation contributed to a unique identity for early Christians that set them apart from their Jewish roots.

Related terms

Apocrypha: A collection of ancient texts that are included in some versions of the Septuagint but are not considered canonical by most Protestant denominations.

Hellenism: The spread of Greek culture, language, and ideas throughout the Mediterranean and Near East, significantly influencing Jewish thought and early Christianity.

Gnosticism: An ancient belief system characterized by the idea of acquiring secret knowledge (gnosis) for spiritual enlightenment, often in contrast with orthodox Christian beliefs.