Septuagint

Definition

The Septuagint is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally said to have been completed in the 3rd century BCE in Alexandria. This translation played a crucial role in the dissemination of Jewish scripture throughout the Hellenistic world and influenced early Christian texts and theology. The Septuagint served as a bridge between cultures, providing access to Jewish scriptures for those who spoke Greek, including early Christians.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Septuagint is often abbreviated as LXX, which stands for the Roman numeral 70, reflecting the tradition that 70 scholars worked on its translation.
2. It includes books not found in the Hebrew Bible, such as Tobit, Judith, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, expanding the Jewish scriptural canon.
3. The translation was produced in Alexandria during a time when many Jews lived outside of Israel and spoke Greek rather than Hebrew.
4. The Septuagint significantly influenced early Christian writers, who quoted from it extensively in the New Testament.
5. In religious contexts, the Septuagint is still used by various Christian denominations today, particularly within the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Review Questions

• How did the creation of the Septuagint reflect the cultural dynamics of Hellenization in Alexandria?
  • The creation of the Septuagint was a direct response to the Hellenization process occurring in Alexandria, where Greek culture and language were dominant. As many Jews had settled in this Greek-speaking environment, translating their sacred texts into Greek allowed them to maintain their cultural identity while also engaging with surrounding Greek society. This translation not only preserved Jewish heritage but also made their scriptures accessible to non-Jews who were becoming increasingly interested in Jewish teachings.
• Discuss the significance of the Septuagint's inclusion of additional books compared to the Hebrew Bible.
  • The inclusion of additional books in the Septuagint that are not found in the Hebrew Bible highlights its role in shaping early Jewish and Christian thought. These texts, such as Tobit and Judith, provided alternative narratives and teachings that enriched the understanding of faith during that period. This expansion also set a precedent for how scripture was viewed across different communities, influencing theological discussions and ecclesiastical decisions regarding what constituted sacred text in Christianity.
• Evaluate the impact of the Septuagint on early Christian theology and its continued relevance today.
  • The impact of the Septuagint on early Christian theology was profound, as it provided foundational texts that shaped Christian doctrine and liturgy. Early Christian writers frequently quoted from it, which established it as a primary version of scripture for many communities. Its continued relevance today can be seen in its use within various Christian denominations, particularly among Eastern Orthodox Christians, who regard it as authoritative. The Septuagint serves as a vital link between Judaism and Christianity, reflecting shared heritage while illustrating divergent theological paths.

Related terms

Alexandria: A major city in ancient Egypt, known for its great library and as a center of learning and culture, which was instrumental in the production of the Septuagint.

Hellenization: The spread of Greek culture and language, which was pivotal in the context of the Septuagint's creation as it aimed to make Jewish texts accessible to a Greek-speaking audience.

Apocrypha: A collection of ancient texts that were excluded from the canonical Hebrew Bible, some of which were included in the Septuagint and later influenced Christian teachings.