Septuagint

Definition

The Septuagint is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, completed in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. It holds a significant place in religious history as it was widely used in the early Christian church and is often cited in the New Testament. The translation reflects the linguistic and cultural exchanges of the time, as well as the importance of the Hebrew Scriptures to Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The name 'Septuagint' comes from the Latin word for 'seventy', reflecting the tradition that seventy or seventy-two Jewish scholars worked on its translation.
2. The Septuagint was the first major translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into another language and is crucial for understanding early Jewish and Christian thought.
3. Many early Christians preferred the Septuagint over the Hebrew texts due to its widespread use in the Greek-speaking world.
4. It includes several books that are not found in the traditional Hebrew Bible, some of which are considered deuterocanonical by certain Christian denominations.
5. The Septuagint's influence extends beyond theology; it played a role in shaping Western literature, philosophy, and even art throughout history.

Review Questions

• How did the Septuagint impact early Christian communities and their understanding of Scripture?
  • The Septuagint significantly impacted early Christian communities by providing them with a Greek translation of Hebrew Scriptures that was more accessible to Greek-speaking believers. It served as a bridge between Jewish teachings and the emerging Christian faith, allowing early Christians to reference familiar texts while promoting their beliefs. The usage of the Septuagint in various writings, including those in the New Testament, reinforced its role as an essential tool for theological development during that era.
• Compare and contrast the Septuagint with the Masoretic Text regarding their textual traditions and significance in religious studies.
  • The Septuagint and the Masoretic Text represent two distinct textual traditions of the Hebrew Scriptures. While the Septuagint is a Greek translation that reflects Hellenistic culture and thought, the Masoretic Text is a meticulously preserved Hebrew version maintained by Jewish scholars. Both texts have significant roles in religious studies: the Septuagint is crucial for understanding early Christian interpretations of Scripture, whereas the Masoretic Text serves as the authoritative text for Judaism. This difference highlights how translations can affect theological perspectives and religious practices across cultures.
• Evaluate how the inclusion of certain books in the Septuagint affects its status compared to other biblical translations like the Vulgate.
  • The inclusion of additional books in the Septuagint, which are often not present in other biblical translations like the Vulgate, highlights differing theological perspectives within Christianity. These deuterocanonical texts contribute to distinct doctrinal beliefs and practices among various Christian denominations. For instance, while Catholics accept these books as canonical due to their presence in the Septuagint, Protestant traditions often do not. This variance illustrates how translations can influence religious authority and lead to diverse interpretations of faith among different communities.

Related terms

Masoretic Text: The authoritative Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible, traditionally compiled and preserved by Jewish scholars known as the Masoretes.

Apocrypha: A collection of ancient texts that are included in some versions of the Bible but are not considered canonical by all Christian traditions.

Vulgate:

A late 4th-century Latin translation of the Bible, primarily translated by St. Jerome, which became the standard text for the Roman Catholic Church.