Septuagint

Definition

The Septuagint is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, created in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. It played a crucial role in making Jewish scriptures accessible to a Greek-speaking audience, particularly during the time of the conquests of Alexander the Great, which spread Greek culture and language across the eastern Mediterranean and beyond. The translation is significant not just for its linguistic contributions but also for its influence on early Christianity and the development of religious thought in the Hellenistic world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Septuagint was commissioned by Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who sought to gather Jewish texts in Alexandria, where a large Jewish community lived.
2. This translation provided a bridge between Jewish religious traditions and Greek philosophical thought during the Hellenistic period.
3. It was widely used among early Christians who often quoted from it instead of the Hebrew scriptures, influencing Christian theology and doctrine.
4. The Septuagint contains books that are not found in the traditional Hebrew Bible, known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books.
5. As a significant literary work, the Septuagint influenced later translations of the Bible into Latin and other languages, shaping religious texts for centuries.

Review Questions

• How did the Septuagint serve as a cultural bridge between Jewish and Greek traditions following Alexander's conquests?
  • The Septuagint acted as a vital cultural bridge by translating Hebrew scriptures into Greek, thus making Jewish religious texts accessible to a broader Greek-speaking audience. This facilitated cross-cultural dialogue and exchange during the Hellenistic period, where Greek philosophy began to intermingle with Jewish thought. The translation allowed Jews living in a predominantly Greek world to maintain their religious identity while engaging with Greek culture.
• Evaluate the impact of the Septuagint on early Christian communities and their understanding of scripture.
  • The Septuagint significantly impacted early Christian communities as it was often referenced over the Hebrew Bible due to its accessibility in Greek. Early Christians found its interpretations and texts influential for understanding their faith, particularly in establishing foundational theological concepts. The reliance on the Septuagint helped shape Christian doctrine and liturgy, creating a distinct separation from traditional Jewish interpretations.
• Analyze how the creation of the Septuagint reflects broader trends in Hellenization during Alexander's conquests and their aftermath.
  • The creation of the Septuagint reflects broader trends in Hellenization as it showcases how cultural exchange occurred during and after Alexander's conquests. The translation highlights a shift towards integrating local traditions with Greek language and culture, emphasizing inclusivity in Hellenistic society. This interaction not only allowed for the preservation of Jewish texts but also fostered new interpretations that would resonate through both Jewish and early Christian communities, ultimately shaping religious practices and beliefs across diverse populations.

Related terms

Hellenization: The process by which Greek culture and language spread throughout the ancient world, particularly after the conquests of Alexander the Great.

Koine Greek: A common dialect of Greek that emerged after the conquests of Alexander the Great and became the lingua franca of the eastern Mediterranean.

Ptolemaic Egypt: The kingdom established in Egypt by Ptolemy I after Alexander the Great's death, known for its significant cultural and scholarly advancements, including support for translations like the Septuagint.