Translation of the Septuagint: What Happened
In the 3rd century BC in Alexandria, Jewish scholars began translating the Hebrew Bible into Greek, starting with the first five books, the Torah. The translation is known as the Septuagint, from the Latin word for seventy. According to a famous legend told in the Letter of Aristeas, King Ptolemy II invited 72 Jewish scholars to Alexandria to translate the Torah for his great library, and they completed the work in 72 days. Most historians believe the real motive was the needs of Alexandria's large Jewish community, many of whom spoke Greek rather than Hebrew. The rest of the Hebrew scriptures were translated over the following two centuries. The Septuagint had enormous influence. It made Jewish scripture accessible to the wider Greek-speaking world, and it became the Bible of the early Christians, who spread their faith across the eastern Mediterranean in Greek. Most quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament follow it. The Septuagint remains the official Old Testament of the Greek Orthodox Church today and is a vital source for biblical scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Septuagint?
The Septuagint is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, made in Alexandria starting in the 3rd century BC. The first part translated was the Torah.
Why is it called the Septuagint?
Septuagint comes from the Latin word for seventy. According to legend, 72 Jewish scholars translated the Torah for Ptolemy II's library, completing it in 72 days.
Why was the Septuagint made?
Most historians believe it was made for Alexandria's large Jewish community, many of whom spoke Greek rather than Hebrew, although the legend credits Ptolemy II.
Why is the Septuagint important for Christianity?
The Septuagint became the Bible of the early Christians, who spread their faith in Greek. Most Old Testament quotations in the New Testament follow its text.
Is the Septuagint still used today?
Yes. The Septuagint is the official Old Testament of the Greek Orthodox Church, and it is an important source for biblical scholars.
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