Septuagint - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

The Septuagint (pronounced sep-TOO-uh-jint) is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. Imagine it as the OG subtitled version of the Old Testament. It was translated in Alexandria, Egypt, starting in the 3rd century BCE. The name "Septuagint" comes from the legend that 70 (or 72) Jewish scholars worked on the translation. It's significant because it was the version of the Hebrew Bible used by many Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians. Think of it like the director’s cut of a movie – a little different, but still the same story.

Etymology

The word "Septuagint" comes from the Latin word "septuaginta," meaning "seventy." This refers to the legendary 70 (or 72) Jewish scholars who supposedly translated the Hebrew Bible into Greek. The translation is believed to have begun in Alexandria, Egypt, during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–247 BCE). The Septuagint became the primary version of the Hebrew Bible for Greek-speaking Jews and was widely used by early Christians, influencing the New Testament. It's a key link between ancient Judaism and early Christianity.

Related Words

Examples

• "The scholar consulted the Septuagint to understand the original meaning of the passage."
• "The Septuagint provides valuable insights into the development of biblical interpretation."
• "Early Christians often quoted from the Septuagint in their writings."
• "The Dead Sea Scrolls have shed new light on the text of the Septuagint."

Encouragement

The Septuagint is a fascinating piece of history! Exploring it can give you a deeper appreciation for the Bible and the process of translation. You might even discover some interesting differences between the Septuagint and modern translations. 🤔

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