Septuagint

Definition

The Septuagint is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, completed in the 3rd century BCE. It played a crucial role in the transmission of biblical texts, especially for Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians, who used it extensively for religious study and liturgy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The name 'Septuagint' comes from the Latin word for 'seventy,' which refers to the tradition that seventy or seventy-two Jewish scholars worked on this translation.
2. The Septuagint was widely used by early Christians and is often quoted in the New Testament, highlighting its significance in early Christian theology.
3. It includes books that are not found in the Hebrew Bible, such as the Wisdom of Solomon and Sirach, which are considered part of the Deuterocanonical books.
4. The Septuagint served as a bridge between Jewish traditions and the early Christian church, facilitating the spread of Jewish scripture among non-Hebrew speaking populations.
5. It has influenced many translations of the Bible throughout history, including Martin Luther's German Bible and the King James Version.

Review Questions

• How did the Septuagint influence early Christian thought and practice?
  • The Septuagint significantly influenced early Christian thought as it provided a version of the Hebrew Scriptures that was accessible to Greek-speaking audiences. Early Christians frequently quoted from the Septuagint in their writings, which helped shape their theological perspectives and interpretations of Jesus' life and teachings. Its use in liturgy and scripture readings established a strong connection between Jewish and Christian traditions.
• Discuss the importance of the Septuagint in relation to the development of biblical translations throughout history.
  • The Septuagint is foundational to biblical translations because it set a precedent for translating sacred texts into vernacular languages. Its impact can be seen in later translations, such as the Vulgate and even modern English versions like the King James Bible. The Septuagint allowed for broader access to scriptural texts beyond Hebrew-speaking communities, thereby influencing how different cultures engaged with biblical narratives and theology.
• Evaluate the role of the Septuagint in shaping Jewish and Christian identities during their formative years.
  • The Septuagint played a crucial role in shaping both Jewish and Christian identities as it provided a shared scripture that bridged linguistic and cultural gaps. For Jews living in Hellenistic environments, it maintained their religious traditions while facilitating communication with non-Jewish populations. For early Christians, it affirmed their beliefs by presenting prophecies and texts that aligned with their understanding of Jesus as the Messiah. This dual function helped both groups establish distinct identities while also fostering dialogue between them.

Related terms

Hebrew Bible: The collection of sacred texts in Judaism, also known as the Tanakh, which includes the Torah, the Prophets, and the Writings.

Vulgate:

A late 4th-century Latin translation of the Bible that became the standard version for the Roman Catholic Church.

Apocrypha: A collection of ancient texts that are included in some Christian Bibles but are not considered canonical by Judaism or most Protestant denominations.