The Septuagint, often abbreviated as LXX, is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, completed in the 3rd century BCE. It served as the primary biblical text for Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians, significantly influencing Christian theology and the New Testament writings.
Scripture
27 And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two. All the persons of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy.
28 He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen.
29 Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.
30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive.”
31 Then Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s household, “I will go up and tell Pharaoh and will say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s household, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me.
32 and the men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.
33 When Pharaoh calls you and says, ‘What is your occupation?’
34 you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we and our fathers,’ in order that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”
Meaning of the Septuagint in the Bible
The Septuagint (LXX) represents a profound bridge between Hebrew Scriptures and the Greek-speaking world, facilitating a broader understanding of biblical texts. Its translation was not merely a linguistic task; it was an act of divine providence, as captured in 2 Timothy 3:16, which states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” The Septuagint expanded the accessibility of God’s Word beyond the Hebrew-speaking community, paving the way for the spread of the Gospel and the foundational beliefs of Christianity. Many early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Origen, relied on the Septuagint for their theological expositions, acknowledging its influence on doctrine and liturgy.
Furthermore, the Septuagint’s role is underscored in verses such as Matthew 1:22-23, where the Gospel writer quotes the LXX to highlight the fulfillment of prophecy regarding the Messiah: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” By emphasizing the continuity of the Old Testament context within the New Testament narrative, the Septuagint bridges both testaments, embodying the thread of redemption woven throughout the Scriptures. Its existence underscores the dynamic relationship between translation, interpretation, and the universality of God’s message, making it a significant element in understanding the intricate tapestry of biblical revelation.
The Septuagint not only served as a crucial translation for early Christians but also significantly impacted the theological landscape of Judaism in the Greco-Roman context. While initially created for Jewish communities in Egypt, the LXX played a vital role in shaping the understanding of Scripture among Hellenistic Jews. This translation was an essential resource in communities that spoke Greek and maintained an affinity for Jewish religious identity, fostering dialogues between faith and culture. The Septuagint’s unique renderings of certain Hebrew terms often introduced new theological concepts, thereby influencing interpretations of Jewish law, prophecy, and ethics in a cosmopolitan environment.
Additionally, the Septuagint has been instrumental in advancing biblical scholarship throughout history. Its existence raised questions about the fidelity and adaptability of sacred texts across languages and cultures. The early church recognized the LXX as an authoritative text, enhancing the interpretative frameworks used by theologians to articulate their beliefs. Scholars in the centuries following its translation engaged with the text to explore doctrinal issues, often contrasting it with the Hebrew Masoretic Text. As a result, the Septuagint stands as a vital resource for biblical exegetes, allowing for comparative studies that illuminate the variances in interpretation and the theological implications inherent in different translations. Its enduring legacy continues to influence contemporary debates on the textual integrity of Scripture and the nature of divine revelation in a multilingual world.
Historical Significance
The Septuagint, often abbreviated as LXX, is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures that dates back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. Its creation was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it made the Jewish scriptures accessible to a broader audience, particularly the Hellenistic Jews who spoke Greek rather than Hebrew. This translation played a crucial role in the spread of Jewish thought and culture in the Greco-Roman world. Additionally, the Septuagint became the version of the Old Testament most widely used in early Christianity, influencing the theological development of the early Church and shaping the understanding of the Old Testament in relation to the New Testament.
Theological Implications
The Septuagint carries profound theological implications, particularly in how it interprets and presents the Hebrew Scriptures. The translation often reflects a different understanding of certain texts, which can lead to varied interpretations of key theological concepts. For instance, the Septuagint’s rendering of certain prophecies and texts has been influential in Christian theology, particularly in the context of Christology and the understanding of Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This translation also highlights the dynamic nature of scriptural interpretation and the ways in which language and culture can shape religious understanding.
Cultural Influence
Beyond its religious significance, the Septuagint has had a lasting impact on Western culture and literature. As one of the earliest translations of sacred texts, it set a precedent for future translations and interpretations of religious writings. The Septuagint’s influence can be seen in various literary works, art, and philosophy throughout history. Its role in the development of Christian thought and its integration into the cultural fabric of the Roman Empire underscore the importance of the Septuagint not only as a religious document but also as a cultural artifact that has shaped Western civilization.
How to Deepen Your Understanding of Scripture and Faith
Deepening your understanding of Scripture and faith is a journey that invites both the heart and the mind to engage with God’s Word. Start by setting aside dedicated time each day for prayer and reflection, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding. As you read, consider using a study Bible or commentaries that provide context and insights into the passages, helping you grasp the historical and cultural background. Journaling your thoughts and questions can also be a powerful tool; it allows you to process what you’re learning and see how it applies to your life. Don’t hesitate to join a Bible study group or engage in discussions with fellow believers, as sharing perspectives can illuminate truths you might not have seen on your own. Remember, this is not just an intellectual exercise; it’s about nurturing a relationship with God, so let your heart be open to His teachings and allow them to transform your life.
Bible References to the Septuagint’s Meaning:
Exodus 1:1-7: 1 These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household:
2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah,
3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,
4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher.
5 All the descendants of Jacob were seventy persons; Joseph was already in Egypt.
6 Then Joseph died, and all his brothers and all that generation.
7 But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
Deuteronomy 32:8-12: 8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,
when he divided mankind,
he fixed the borders of the peoples
according to the number of the sons of God.
9 But the Lord’s portion is his people,
Jacob his allotted heritage.
10 “He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.”
11 Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
that flutters over its young,
spreading out its wings, catching them,
bearing them on its pinions,
12 The Lord alone guided him,
no foreign god was with him.
Joshua 24:25-28: 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem.
26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God.
27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that he spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.”
28 So Joshua sent the people away, every man to his inheritance.
1 Samuel 2:1-10: 2 And Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.
2 “There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God.”
3 Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble bind on strength.
5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
6 The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
8 He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
9 He will guard the feet of his faithful ones, but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness, for not by might shall a man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; against them he will thunder in heaven. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth; he will give strength to his king and exalt the power of his anointed.”
2 Samuel 22:1-7: 1 And David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.
2 He said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
3 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
5 “For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of destruction assailed me;”
6 In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I called. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came to his ears.
7 “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I called. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came to his ears.”
1 Kings 8:1-11: 1 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion.
2 And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.
3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.
4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up.
5 And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered.
6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim.
7 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim overshadowed the ark and its poles.
8 And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the Holy Place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside. And they are there to this day.
9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, where the Lord made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.
10 And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord,
11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
2 Kings 17:24-28: 24 And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel. They took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities.
25 And at the beginning of their dwelling there, they did not fear the Lord. Therefore the Lord sent lions among them, which killed some of them.
26 So they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The nations that you have carried away and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the law of the god of the land. Therefore he has sent lions among them, and behold, they are killing them, because they do not know the law of the god of the land.”
27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, “Send there one of the priests whom you carried away from there, and let him go and dwell there and teach them the law of the god of the land.”
28 So one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel and taught them how they should fear the Lord.
Nehemiah 8:1-8: 1 And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel.
2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month.
3 And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
4 And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood.
6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
Psalm 14:1-7: 1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.
2 The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.
3 They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.
4 Have they no knowledge, all the evildoers who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call upon the Lord?
5 There they are in great terror, for God is with the generation of the righteous.
6 You would shame the plans of the poor, but the Lord is his refuge.
7 Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.
Isaiah 7:14-17: 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good.
16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted.
17 The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria.”
Jeremiah 31:31-34: 31 “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah,
32 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord.
33 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord.
Ezekiel 18:1-9: 1 The word of the Lord came to me:
2 “What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’?”
3 As I live, declares the Lord God, this proverb shall no more be used in Israel.
4 Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die.
5 “If a man is righteous and does what is just and right—
6 if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman in her time of menstrual impurity,
7 does not oppress anyone, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment,
8 does not lend at interest or take any profit, withholds his hand from injustice, executes true justice between man and man,
9 “if he walks in my statutes and keeps my rules by acting faithfully—he is righteous; he shall surely live, declares the Lord God.”
Daniel 3:24-30: 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
3 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire.
27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them.
28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God.
29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
Amos 9:11-15: 11 “In that day I will raise up the booth of David that is fallen and repair its breaches, and raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old,”
12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom
and all the nations who are called by my name,”
declares the Lord who does this.
13 “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when the plowman shall overtake the reaper
and the treader of grapes him who sows the seed;
the mountains shall drip sweet wine,
and all the hills shall flow with it.”
14 I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
15 I will plant them on their land, and they shall never again be uprooted out of the land that I have given them,” says the Lord your God.
Matthew 1:22-23: 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Luke 4:16-21: 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.
17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
John 10:34-38: 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods’?”
35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—
36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’?
37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me;
38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
Acts 7:14-16: 14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all.
15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers,
16 And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
Romans 3:1-2: 1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?
2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
Hebrews 1:5-14: 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?
6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”
8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”
10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.
12 like a robe you will roll them up,
like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will have no end.”
13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.