The Septuagint (pronounced sep-TOO-uh-jint) is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible (the Tanakh, which Christians call the Old Testament). It is often abbreviated as LXX, which is the Roman numeral for 70. The name "Septuagint" comes from the legendary account that it was translated by 70 (or 72) Jewish scholars.
Here's a breakdown of its importance:
Origin and Legend:
* Legendary Account: According to the Letter of Aristeas, written around the 2nd century BCE, the translation was commissioned by Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the ruler of Egypt (285-247 BCE), for his library in Alexandria. He wanted a Greek version of the Jewish Law (Torah/Pentateuch) to include in his collection. He invited 72 elders from the twelve tribes of Israel, six from each tribe, to translate the Hebrew scriptures. They were housed separately and, miraculously, produced identical translations in 72 days. This story, while legendary, highlights the importance placed on the translation and its supposed divine inspiration.
* Historical Reality: While the Letter of Aristeas is likely embellished, it is generally accepted that the Septuagint originated in Alexandria, Egypt, sometime in the 3rd to 2nd centuries BCE. The Torah (the first five books of the Bible) was likely translated first, with the other books being translated gradually over time. Different books may have been translated by different individuals or groups, which accounts for variations in style and accuracy.
Content:
* Translation: The Septuagint contains a Greek version of all the books found in the Hebrew Bible. However, it also includes some additional books (called "deuterocanonical" by Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, and "apocryphal" by Protestants) that are not found in the traditional Hebrew canon. These books include Tobit, Judith, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and additions to Daniel and Esther.
* Differences from the Masoretic Text: The Septuagint differs from the Masoretic Text (the standard Hebrew text of the Hebrew Bible, compiled later) in several ways:
* Book Order: The order of the books differs. The Septuagint often organizes the books by genre (historical, poetical, prophetic), rather than the chronological order found in the Hebrew Bible.
* Wording: There are variations in wording and phrasing, sometimes significant.
* Additions: As mentioned above, it includes books not found in the Hebrew canon.
* Chapter and Verse Numbering: This can differ from the Hebrew Bible, particularly in Psalms.
Importance in Christian Tradition:
* Early Church's Primary Scripture: The Septuagint was the primary version of the Old Testament used by Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians. Most of the quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament are taken from the Septuagint, not directly from the Hebrew. This indicates that the early Christian community primarily read and understood the Old Testament through the lens of the Septuagint.
* Understanding the New Testament: To understand the New Testament, it is essential to understand the Septuagint. The New Testament authors often used the Septuagint's wording and interpretations of Old Testament passages. Studying the Septuagint can shed light on the meaning and intent of the New Testament authors.
* Liturgical Use: The Septuagint remains the authoritative version of the Old Testament for the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is used in their liturgical services and theological writings.
* Textual Criticism: The Septuagint is an invaluable resource for textual criticism of the Old Testament. By comparing the Septuagint with the Masoretic Text and other ancient versions, scholars can try to reconstruct the original Hebrew text and understand how the text has changed over time. It provides evidence for different readings and interpretations of the Old Testament in the Second Temple period.
* Theological Interpretations: The Septuagint sometimes offers different theological interpretations than the Masoretic Text. These differences can be important for understanding the development of Jewish and Christian thought.
Challenges and Controversies:
* Authority: Protestant Christians, who typically rely on the Hebrew canon, generally view the "apocryphal" books found in the Septuagint as non-canonical or deuterocanonical. Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians consider these books to be part of the Old Testament canon.
* Translation Accuracy: The accuracy of the Septuagint translation has been debated. Some argue that it is a faithful translation of the Hebrew text available at the time, while others point out inaccuracies and possible interpretive bias.
In Summary:
The Septuagint is a pivotal text in both Jewish and Christian history. Its significance for Christian tradition lies in its role as the primary Old Testament scripture for the early Church, its influence on the New Testament, its continued use in Eastern Orthodox worship, and its value for textual criticism and theological interpretation. Understanding the Septuagint is crucial for a deeper understanding of the Bible and the historical context in which Christianity emerged.