The Septuagint (LXX) is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). It was created between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC by Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, for the Hellenistic Jewish community, which primarily spoke Greek. The name Septuagint comes from the Latin word for seventy (septuaginta), referring to the tradition that 70 (or 72) scholars completed the translation.

Key Features of the Septuagint:

1. Content:
   • Includes the books of the Hebrew Bible and additional writings, such as the Deuterocanonical books (e.g., Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon).
   • Served as the basis for the Old Testament in early Christianity.
2. Language:
   • Translated into Koine Greek, the common language of the eastern Mediterranean at the time.
3. Usage:
   • Widely used by Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians, including the authors of the New Testament, who often quoted from it.

Historical Background:

1. Origins:
   • Commissioned during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (283–246 BC) for inclusion in the Library of Alexandria, according to legend.
   • The translation began with the Torah (Pentateuch) and later expanded to include other books.
2. Legend of the Seventy:
   • According to the Letter of Aristeas, 70 (or 72) Jewish scholars translated the Torah into Greek independently, and their translations miraculously agreed word for word, affirming divine inspiration.

Significance:

1. Early Christian Use:
   • The Septuagint was the primary Old Testament text for the early church, especially in the Greek-speaking world.
   • Many New Testament writers quoted the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew text, reflecting its widespread acceptance.
2. Deuterocanonical Books:
   • The Septuagint includes books not found in the Hebrew Bible but accepted in the Catholic and Orthodox canons.
3. Influence on Christianity:
   • The Septuagint shaped early Christian theology and liturgy. For example, Isaiah 7:14 in the Septuagint translates the Hebrew word for “young woman” as “virgin,” influencing the doctrine of the Virgin Birth.

Differences from the Hebrew Bible:

1. Textual Variations:
   • The Septuagint occasionally differs from the Hebrew Masoretic Text in wording, order, and emphasis.
2. Additions and Omissions:
   • Includes additional books and sections, such as the Additions to Esther and Daniel.
3. Theological Interpretation:
   • Some translations in the Septuagint reflect theological interpretations rather than strict literalism.

Controversy and Criticism:

1. Rejection by Jewish Communities:
   • By the 2nd century AD, Jewish authorities favored the Masoretic Text (in Hebrew) over the Septuagint, partly due to its adoption by Christians.
2. Canonical Disputes:
   • The inclusion of Deuterocanonical books in the Septuagint contributed to divisions between Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant canons.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.