Septuagint

Definition

The Septuagint is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, widely used by Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians. Created in the 3rd to 2nd centuries BCE in Alexandria, it played a crucial role in the dissemination of Jewish scriptures and influenced early Christian theology, making it one of the most important scientific and literary achievements of the Hellenistic period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'Septuagint' comes from the Latin word for 'seventy', referring to the tradition that seventy scholars worked on its translation.
2. The Septuagint was crucial for early Christians as it provided them access to Jewish scriptures in Greek, aiding their understanding and interpretation of texts like the Old Testament.
3. It contains several books that are not found in the Hebrew Bible, which has led to debates about its authority and usage in different religious traditions.
4. The Septuagint is often cited in the New Testament, indicating its significance in early Christian writings and teachings.
5. Scholars regard the Septuagint as a valuable resource for understanding the linguistic, cultural, and religious dynamics of the Hellenistic period.

Review Questions

• How did the creation of the Septuagint reflect the cultural exchange between Jewish and Hellenistic societies?
  • The creation of the Septuagint exemplifies the blending of Jewish and Hellenistic cultures during a time of significant interaction. As Jews in Egypt sought to preserve their religious texts while also engaging with Greek-speaking communities, translating the Hebrew Bible into Greek became essential. This translation not only facilitated access to Jewish scriptures for Greek-speaking Jews but also allowed early Christians to utilize these texts in their own theological discussions, illustrating how language and culture can bridge communities.
• Discuss the impact of the Septuagint on early Christian theology and its significance within biblical scholarship.
  • The Septuagint significantly shaped early Christian theology by providing a Greek text that was widely used among Christians. Many New Testament authors quoted from the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew Bible, indicating its authority in early Christian thought. This reliance on the Septuagint has led to its critical examination in biblical scholarship, where it is considered both a theological resource and a reflection of how early Christians interpreted Jewish scriptures in light of their beliefs about Jesus as the Messiah.
• Evaluate how the Septuagint influenced later translations of biblical texts and its role in shaping religious traditions.
  • The influence of the Septuagint extends beyond its original context into later translations like the Vulgate and Luther's German Bible. Its unique textual variants have prompted debates about scriptural authority within various religious traditions. The differing acceptance of the Septuagint's additional books highlights significant divisions between Judaism and Christianity, particularly regarding what constitutes sacred scripture. Understanding its role allows for a deeper appreciation of how translations can shape religious identities and doctrinal developments over time.

Related terms

Alexandria:

A major city in ancient Egypt known for its cultural and intellectual achievements, including the famous Library of Alexandria.

Hellenization:

The spread of Greek culture, language, and ideas across the ancient world, particularly after the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Biblical Canon: The collection of books that are considered authoritative scripture by a religious community, with the Septuagint playing a key role in shaping the early Christian canon.