In the 3rd century before Christ, the Lighthouse of Alexandria shone its fiery beam across the Mediterranean, a beacon of ancient wonder. Nearby, in the fabled Library of Alexandria, a monumental task was undertaken that would shake the foundations of the world. The Greek ruler Ptolemy II of Egypt asked for a Greek translation of the Hebrew Torah for his opulent library. 72 Jewish rabbis — six from each tribe — were dispatched to Alexandria in order to grant this request. Moreover, these 72 elders worked in complete isolation, and within exactly 72 days, they translated the Hebrew Torah into Greek. Miraculously, all 72 translations were identical, hence the name “Septuagint,” which means 70 in Greek. This translation laid the foundation for the spread of Jewish scripture in the Greek-speaking world, but why was it so significant? The Historical Significance of the Septuagint Ptolemy II reigned during the pinnacle of Greek culture and influence. As the son of one of Alexander the Great’s generals, he inherited a vast empire. His contributions to scholarship and the creation of the Septuagint are two of his many notable accomplishments. The oldest fragments of the Septuagint, found in the Qumran Dead Sea Scrolls in 1952, date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC, just 150 years after the original copies were made. The oldest complete copies of the Bible, such as the Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, use the Septuagint as their main source. Why does this ancient Greek translation matter so much today? This is due to the Septuagint’s role as a conduit for Jewish and Christian texts, which had a significant impact on the growth of both faiths. The Septuagint and Modern Bibles The majority of contemporary Bible translations do not primarily draw from the Septuagint. Rather, the Masoretic Text — an alternative Hebrew source that Jerome translated into Latin between 390 and 405 Ad — is what they utilize. The Roman Catholic Church adopted this Latin Vulgate, which had an impact on numerous English translations. However, why isn’t the older Septuagint used in more Bibles? Jerome and modern translators argue that the Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, so translating directly from Hebrew manuscripts makes more sense. However, the original Hebrew manuscripts no longer exist, leading to differences in translations. What are the implications of these differences? Notable Differences and Controversies Most differences between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text are minor, but some are significant. The Septuagint, for example, contains the Apocrypha, traditional writings that Jewish rabbis rejected as scripture. The chronology of Genesis is another significant distinction. Septuagint’s timeline aligns better with modern archaeological findings, while the Masoretic Text’s timeline places events like the Great Flood in conflicting historical periods. These discrepancies raise questions about which translation is more accurate. Did ancient scribes alter timelines for political or theological reasons? One theory suggests that the timeline was changed to discredit Jesus as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, a critical aspect of Christian theology. The Impact of the Septuagint on Christianity The Septuagint’s significance extends beyond Jewish history; it played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. Greek became the common language of the Mediterranean by the 1st century AD, opening up the Septuagint to a wide readership. At least two-thirds of Old Testament quotes in the New Testament are from the Septuagint, underscoring its importance. For example, Matthew 1:23 quotes Isaiah 7:14 from the Septuagint: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son,” which is a cornerstone prophecy about Jesus. The Masoretic Text uses “young woman” instead of “virgin,” significantly altering the interpretation. How did these differences affect the early Christian message? The Greek translation of the Septuagint made it easier for early Christians to demonstrate that Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, which aided in the expansion of Christianity across the Roman Empire.
Quiz on the Septuagint and Its Significance
1. What was the primary purpose of the Septuagint's creation?
a) To promote Greek culture
b) To translate the Hebrew Torah into Greek
c) To document the history of Alexandria
d) To serve as a religious text for Christians
2. How many Jewish rabbis were involved in the translation of the Torah for the Septuagint?
a) 50
b) 72
c) 12
d) 100
3. Why is the name “Septuagint” used for this translation?
a) It means "translation" in Greek
b) It refers to the 70 years of exile
c) It signifies the 70 translators involved
d) It means "70" in Greek
4. Which text do most modern Bible translations primarily use?
a) The Septuagint
b) The Dead Sea Scrolls
c) The Masoretic Text
d) The Latin Vulgate
5. What is one significant difference between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text?
a) The language used
b) The inclusion of the Apocrypha
c) The number of books
d) The authorship
6. According to the text, what was one possible reason for alterations in timelines in biblical texts?
a) To simplify translations
b) To support different theological views
c) To align with cultural practices
d) To promote literacy among the masses
7. How did the Septuagint contribute to the spread of Christianity?
a) By limiting access to the scriptures
b) By providing a common language through Greek
c) By opposing the teachings of Jesus
d) By excluding Old Testament references
8. What key prophecy about Jesus is quoted from the Septuagint in the New Testament?
a) "A child will be born"
b) "The Lord is my shepherd"
c) "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son"
d) "He will come on a cloud"
