Brief Answer

The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), created between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. It was widely used by Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians, including the apostles. The Septuagint holds historical and theological significance, as it helped bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile audiences and played a key role in spreading God’s Word during the early church era.

Understanding the Septuagint from a Biblical Perspective

The Septuagint provides valuable insights into how the Hebrew Scriptures were understood and interpreted during the intertestamental period. Its name comes from the Latin word for seventy (hence its abbreviation, LXX), based on the tradition that seventy (or seventy-two) Jewish scholars translated it.

• Purpose of the Septuagint: The translation was meant to make the Hebrew Scriptures accessible to Jews living in the Hellenistic world who no longer spoke Hebrew fluently.
• Use in the New Testament: Many Old Testament quotations in the New Testament align with the Septuagint’s wording, which indicates that early Christians, including the apostles, often relied on it when sharing the gospel.

The Septuagint underscores the timelessness of God’s Word, as it transcended linguistic and cultural barriers to reach diverse audiences.

Historical Context

The Septuagint was created in Alexandria, Egypt, a hub of Greek culture and learning, during the time when the Jewish community was becoming increasingly Hellenized. Some key historical points include:

• Jewish Diaspora: Many Jews lived outside Israel during this period, particularly in Alexandria, where Greek was the dominant language. The Septuagint allowed these Greek-speaking Jews to engage with Scripture.
• Influence of Hellenism: The widespread use of Greek as the common language under Alexander the Great’s empire made the Septuagint a vital tool for spreading God’s Word to non-Hebrew speakers.
• The Early Church: As Christianity spread, the Septuagint became a foundational text for early Christians. It was instrumental in demonstrating how Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, such as Isaiah’s prophecy about the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14, quoted in Matthew 1:23).

The Septuagint’s historical role highlights God’s providence in ensuring His Word reached beyond the Jewish community.

Practical Implications

Understanding the Septuagint can enrich a believer’s study of Scripture and deepen appreciation for its historical and theological significance:

• Bible Study: Comparing the Septuagint with the Hebrew text and the New Testament can shed light on how biblical concepts were understood and interpreted in different contexts.
• God’s Accessibility: The creation of the Septuagint demonstrates God’s desire for His Word to be accessible to all people, regardless of language or culture.
• Apologetics: Familiarity with the Septuagint helps Christians understand how Old Testament prophecies were viewed and fulfilled in Jesus, equipping them to share the gospel with clarity.

Theological Depth and Insight

The Septuagint’s role in bridging the Old and New Testaments highlights several important theological truths:

• God’s Sovereignty: The translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek reflects God’s sovereign plan to make His Word available to the nations.
• Unity of Scripture: The Septuagint shows how the Old Testament points to Christ, emphasizing the unity of the Bible’s message of redemption.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The Septuagint’s influence on New Testament writings demonstrates how God’s promises to Israel are fulfilled in Jesus. For example, the messianic prophecies in Isaiah, Psalms, and Zechariah gain clarity when seen through the lens of the Septuagint.

Broader Biblical Themes

The Septuagint resonates with broader themes in Scripture:

• The Word of God for All Nations: The translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek foreshadows the gospel’s expansion to all nations (Genesis 12:3; Matthew 28:19-20).
• God’s Faithfulness to His Promises: The use of the Septuagint in the New Testament affirms that God’s Word is consistent and trustworthy.
• Cross-Cultural Evangelism: The Septuagint reminds Christians of the importance of making God’s Word understandable to all people, reflecting the heart of missions.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit played a crucial role in the spread and understanding of God’s Word, including the Septuagint:

• Inspiring Understanding: The Spirit guided the early church in recognizing the connection between the Old Testament (including the Septuagint) and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:27, 44-45).
• Empowering Witnesses: The Spirit empowered the apostles to use Scripture, often quoting from the Septuagint, to preach the gospel and explain God’s plan of salvation (Acts 2:16-36).
• Guiding Translators and Teachers: The Spirit continues to work through translators and teachers to make God’s Word accessible to every culture and language.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

The Septuagint remains relevant for modern Christians in several ways:

• Understanding Biblical Context: Studying the Septuagint helps believers grasp the cultural and linguistic background of the early church.
• Appreciating God’s Mission: The Septuagint reminds us that God’s Word is meant to reach all nations and peoples, encouraging us to support Bible translation and missions.
• Seeing Christ in the Old Testament: The Septuagint aids in understanding how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy, deepening our faith in Him as the Messiah.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

The Septuagint plays a key role in pointing to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God’s promises. Through this Greek translation, early Christians were able to share the good news that Jesus is the Messiah, as foretold in the Scriptures. For example:

• Isaiah 53, which describes the suffering servant, finds fulfillment in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.
• The Septuagint’s translation of Isaiah 7:14 highlights the virgin birth, fulfilled in Jesus, Emmanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

This translation reflects God’s love for all people, ensuring that His Word would reach beyond linguistic and cultural boundaries, drawing all nations to Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the creation of the Septuagint reflect God’s desire for His Word to reach all nations and languages?
2. In what ways does understanding the Septuagint enhance your appreciation for the unity of Scripture?
3. How can the Septuagint’s role in spreading the gospel inspire you to participate in God’s mission today?

Reflecting on these questions can deepen your understanding of the Bible’s historical and theological richness, while also inspiring you to share God’s Word with those around you.