Exploring the Greek Septuagint’s Textual Criticism

The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, has significantly impacted the New Testament, with up to 90% of its Old Testament quotations influenced by it¹. This fact highlights the profound significance of the Septuagint within biblical scholarship and textual analysis.

Established in 1988, the Centre for Septuagint Studies and Textual Criticism has spearheaded research into the Greek Old Testament for over three decades. Through a meticulous examination of textual variants in both Hebrew and Greek, the centre elucidates the intricate history of biblical texts¹.

Textual Criticism of the Greek Septuagint is a domain replete with challenges and groundbreaking discoveries. Scholars, such as Jellicoe, have identified a plethora of issues, from the Septuagint’s genesis to its transmission history and linguistic intricacies¹. These investigations are pivotal for deciphering the Bible’s textual evolution and interpretation.

For those eager to immerse themselves in Septuagint studies, an abundance of resources is available. From Swete’s seminal “An Introduction to the Old Testament in Greek” to contemporary online tools like Academic-Bible.com, researchers and enthusiasts have access to a vast array of materials for exploring Septuagint Manuscripts¹.

Recent publications, such as the 200-page tome “The Septuagint: What it is and Why it matters” by Crossway, provide concise yet thorough introductions to this intricate subject. These resources encapsulate centuries of scholarship, making it accessible to both laypeople and academics interested in Biblical Textual Criticism².

Key Takeaways

The Septuagint greatly influenced New Testament quotations
Textual criticism involves examining Hebrew and Greek variants
Scholars address issues from development to linguistic nuances
Various resources are available for Septuagint study
Recent publications offer accessible introductions to the topic
The field combines historical, linguistic, and theological aspects

Introduction to the Septuagint

The Septuagint, commonly referred to as the Greek Old Testament, stands as a cornerstone in biblical scholarship. This ancient Greek rendition of the Hebrew scriptures is of paramount importance to scholars and religious communities globally. Its significance extends beyond mere translation, embodying a historical and theological depth that continues to captivate and challenge scholars.

Definition and significance

As the earliest complete rendition of the Old Testament in Greek, the Septuagint represents a linguistic milestone in Greek literature. It marks the initial comprehensive pre-Christian commentary on the Old Testament. This text’s influence on early Christianity cannot be overstated, and its relevance in contemporary Septuagint Studies underscores its enduring importance.

Historical context of the Greek Old Testament

Emerging during the Hellenistic era, the Septuagint catered to the needs of Greek-speaking Jews in Alexandria. It transitioned into the Bible of early Christianity, remaining pivotal until the second century. Subsequently, it evolved into the Old Testament of the Greek church, profoundly influencing Christian theology and biblical interpretation.

Importance in biblical scholarship

The Septuagint’s significance in biblical scholarship is mirrored in the extensive research dedicated to its study. A seminal work, introduced in November 2019, spans 702 pages, offering a comprehensive introduction to the Septuagint. Priced at $109.99 for the hardcover and $74.99 for the paperback, this tome features contributions from a diverse array of scholars, reflecting a broad spectrum of nationalities, professional backgrounds, and denominational affiliations³.

Aspect	Details
Publication Date	November 2019
Page Count	702
Publisher	Baylor University Press
Topics Covered	Textual witnesses, Dead Sea Scrolls, reception history
Languages	English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Romanian, Spanish

This exhaustive resource highlights the Septuagint’s continued relevance in the field of Ancient Greek Texts research, affirming its lasting impact on biblical scholarship⁴.

Origins of the Septuagint

The Septuagint, a pivotal Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, is entwined with the historical tapestry of ancient Alexandria. This translation’s genesis coincides with a period of profound cultural exchange between the Greek and Jewish communities.

Legend of the Seventy-Two Translators

The term “Septuagint” is derived from a narrative of its creation, chronicling the efforts of 72 Jewish scholars. These translators, representing six from each of the 12 tribes of Israel, were entrusted with the task of rendering the Torah into Greek⁵. This narrative, though possibly embellished, underscores the significance attributed to this monumental undertaking.

Dating and Location

Historical consensus situates the Septuagint’s inception in Egypt, specifically Alexandria, within the Hellenistic era. The translation of the Torah commenced in the mid-3rd century BCE, with the remainder of the Old Testament following in the subsequent 2nd century BCE⁵. This timeline is contemporaneous with the vibrant Alexandrian Scribal Tradition of the epoch.

Translation Process and Methods

The translation process entailed a multifaceted approach, necessitating diverse methodologies for each book. Translators confronted the challenge of conveying Hebrew concepts into Greek, often resorting to innovative vocabulary and syntax. The Septuagint’s textual legacy is preserved in ancient manuscripts such as the Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus from the 4th century CE⁵. These manuscripts offer invaluable insights into the Septuagint’s origins and its development over the centuries.

Contemporary scholarship continues to dissect the complexities of the Septuagint’s creation. Handbooks and specialized studies provide exhaustive analyses of the translation techniques and textual variations, acting as indispensable resources for scholars of the Hebrew Bible, textual criticism, and Jewish Hellenism⁶. These resources facilitate a deeper understanding of the ancient translation efforts and their relevance to modern biblical scholarship.

Textual Criticism of the Greek Septuagint

The Centre for Septuagint Studies and Textual Criticism (CSSTC) is at the forefront of Septuagint textual criticism. Established in 1988 by Prof. Dr. Johan Lust, the CSSTC has undergone leadership transitions, with Prof. Dr. Bénédicte Lemmelijn assuming the role in 2010⁷. The institution’s primary focus lies in the linguistic and text-critical analysis of the Old Testament, with a dual emphasis on Hebrew and Greek texts.

The Septuagint, commonly referred to as G*, is paramount in biblical studies due to its distinctiveness from other textual variants. It underpins early exegesis and is integral to the composition of the New Testament⁸. Scholars affiliated with the CSSTC engage in a comprehensive examination of Greek Old Testament variants, scrutinizing translation methodologies and lexicographical nuances.

An in-depth analysis of biblical manuscripts unveils the intricate nature of the Septuagint. This corpus encompasses two distinct categories: Greek renderings of canonical texts and the Apocrypha⁸. The translation endeavour commenced with the Torah in third-century BCE Egypt, subsequently extending to other textual segments.

Aspect	Details
Direct Witnesses	Early papyrus and leather texts (2nd century BCE), uncial manuscripts (4th-10th century CE), minuscule manuscripts (medieval times)
Translation Techniques	Varied in formality and style across different books
Research Focus	Linguistic analysis, text-critical study, translation techniques

Septuagint textual criticism necessitates a thorough examination of individual texts to discern their distinctive translation peculiarities⁹. Scholars leverage specialized tools, such as Takamitsu Muraoka’s Hebrew/Aramaic Index to the Septuagint, to identify Greek-Hebrew lexical correspondences. This meticulous scrutiny underpins the formulation of accurate retroversions, a pivotal element in Old Testament textual criticism.

Comparison with the Masoretic Text

The Septuagint and Masoretic Text present a nuanced exploration of Old Testament textual variations. These two renditions of the Hebrew Bible reveal substantial differences, which significantly influence the interpretation of biblical texts. Such disparities underscore the complexity inherent in the textual transmission process.

Major Differences and Similarities

The Septuagint, translated circa the 3rd century BCE, stands several centuries before the Masoretic Text. This temporal disparity contributes to the notable discrepancies observed between the texts. In Daniel’s book, chapters 2-7, the Septuagint and Masoretic versions exhibit considerable variation¹⁰. The former is characterized by a more explicit delineation of character motivations, whereas the latter employs a more subtle narrative approach¹⁰.

Implications for Biblical Interpretation

The textual variations between the Septuagint and Masoretic Text have profound implications for biblical interpretation. The Septuagint’s focus is predominantly on the Israelite nation and its cultic practices, whereas the Masoretic Text espouses a more universalist viewpoint¹⁰. Orthodox tradition posits that the Septuagint was the text utilized by Christ and the Apostles, thereby influencing the interpretation of the Old Testament within Christian traditions¹¹.

Textual Variants and Their Significance

Comparative analysis of the Septuagint and Masoretic Texts unveils valuable insights into the evolution of biblical texts. The Septuagint’s depiction of wisdom contrasts with the Masoretic Text, depicting Daniel as a leader of the Jewish community rather than a prophetic figure¹⁰. These variations underscore the intricate nature of biblical transmission and the critical role of comparative analysis in biblical scholarship¹⁰¹¹.

The Septuagint’s Influence on New Testament Writers

The Greek Old Testament exerted a profound impact on the authors of the New Testament. Their exposure to Greek translations significantly influenced their literary style and interpretative approaches to scripture. This impact is manifest in the abundant Septuagint quotations found within New Testament texts, underscoring the intricate intertextual connections between the two testaments.

R. Timothy McLay’s seminal work, “The Use of the Septuagint in New Testament Research,” meticulously examines this subject. Released in 2003, this 221-page tome underscores the profound influence of the Greek Jewish Scriptures, particularly the Septuagint, on New Testament writers¹².

The Septuagint’s influence on New Testament authors transcends mere textual references. Even when translating Old Testament passages directly, their linguistic choices reflect the influence of prior Greek translations. This phenomenon elucidates the entrenched Greek Old Testament influence on early Christian writings.

A 2013 study further elucidates this connection, delving into the Septuagint’s impact on diverse New Testament texts, including Paul’s epistles, the Gospels, and Hebrews¹³. This research delineates the complex network of biblical intertextuality that binds the Jewish Scriptures to early Christian narratives.

The New Testament’s Greek lexicon is significantly indebted to the Greek Old Testament. This linguistic nexus between the testaments evidences the Septuagint’s profound role in shaping the language and thought of early Christian writers. It establishes a rich tapestry of biblical intertextuality that continues to captivate scholars across disciplines.

Linguistic Features of the Septuagint

The Septuagint, a Greek rendition of the Hebrew Bible, has captivated scholars for centuries with its unique linguistic attributes. This ancient text amalgamates elements of Koine Greek with Hebraic influences, forging a distinctive Septuagint Greek¹⁴. Such a blend of languages and styles has rendered the Septuagint a cornerstone in the study of biblical translation and linguistic evolution.

Hebraic Greek vs. Koine Greek debate

Academic discourse revolves around the classification of the Septuagint’s language as either Hebraic Greek or standard Koine Greek. The translation process, extending over two to three centuries, yielded a spectrum of styles from the literal to the interpretative¹⁴. This variability complicates the linguistic categorization of the Septuagint, underscoring the complexity of its translation history.

Unique vocabulary and syntax

The Septuagint’s linguistic profile is characterized by a confluence of Semitic idioms and Greek-influenced sections. This synthesis yields a distinctive vocabulary and syntax, diverging from the typical Koine Greek texts of its era¹⁴. Such linguistic diversity enriches our comprehension of the Septuagint’s historical and cultural context.

Translation techniques employed

Translators of the Septuagint utilized a variety of techniques to render the Hebrew text into Greek. These methods spanned from literal word-for-word translations to more interpretative renderings. The Historical and Theological Lexicon of the Septuagint elucidates these nuances, highlighting neologisms and complex linguistic constructions¹⁵. This lexicon serves as a seminal work in deciphering the intricacies of the Septuagint’s translation techniques.

Research into the Septuagint’s linguistic features remains a fertile ground for scholarly inquiry. Scholars delve into the usage of interrogatives in the Greek Pentateuch and the subtleties of the Kaige Revision, thereby enhancing our comprehension of this pivotal text in biblical and linguistic studies¹⁵. Such research not only deepens our understanding of the Septuagint but also contributes to the broader field of biblical translation and linguistic analysis.

Major Manuscripts and Editions of the Septuagint

The exploration of Septuagint manuscripts has precipitated the creation of several pivotal Greek Old Testament editions. The Göttingen Septuagint, inaugurated in 1931, epitomizes the essence of Septuagint textual analysis. This monumental project encompasses 20 volumes, meticulously editing foundational texts such as Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms¹⁶.

Over the annals of time, scholars have endeavored to compile numerous editions of ancient biblical texts. Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton’s “The Septuagint Version of the Old Testament with an English Translation” emerged in 1879, while Lambert Bos’ “Vetus Testamentum Ex Versione Septuaginta Interpretum” dates its inception to 1709¹⁷.

The Rahlfs-Göttingen edition represents a landmark achievement in Septuagint scholarship. Diverging from the diplomatic methodology of the Swete-Cambridge edition, it delivers a thoroughly critical text¹⁶. Noteworthy contributions also include F. W. Mozley’s “The Psalter of the Church” (1905) and the collective endeavor on “The New Testament in Greek According to the Text of Codex Vaticanus” (1906)¹⁷.

Contemporary Septuagint research heavily relies on these critical editions. The International Organization for Septuagint and Cognate Studies underscores the necessity of employing established critical texts as foundational for rigorous research¹⁶. This methodology guarantees that scholars engage with the most precise reconstructions of original translations or compositions.

Electronic tools have significantly transformed the study of Septuagint manuscripts. These digital resources, drawing inspiration from the finest critical editions, such as the Göttingen Septuagint, facilitate scholarly advancement¹⁶. The synergy between technology and traditional scholarship continues to refine our comprehension of these ancient biblical texts.

The Role of the Septuagint in Early Christianity

The Septuagint, the oldest translation of the Old Testament, was instrumental in the formation of early Christian thought and practice¹⁸. This Greek rendition of the Hebrew scriptures emerged as the primary textual authority for the early Christian community, significantly impacting its theological and interpretative frameworks.

Use by Church Fathers

Church Fathers extensively utilized the Septuagint in their literary and pedagogical endeavors. They frequently referenced it, a practice mirrored by the authors of the New Testament. Approximately 75% of Old Testament citations within the New Testament derive from the Septuagint, underscoring its pivotal role in early Christian discourse¹⁸.

Influence on Christian Theology

The Septuagint’s impact on Christian theological development was immense. Its translation nuances often dictated the contours of theological understanding. For instance, its rendition of Isaiah 53:10 diverges significantly from the original Hebrew, thereby influencing messianic prophecy interpretations¹⁸. Such discrepancies, prevalent throughout the Old Testament, fostered distinct theological viewpoints.

Controversies Surrounding Its Authority

Despite its extensive adoption, the Septuagint’s authoritative status was subject to debate. Discrepancies between the Septuagint and the original Hebrew texts precipitated scholarly discussions. The Septuagint’s version of Jeremiah is notably abridged relative to its Hebrew counterpart, and it includes an additional psalm absent from the Hebrew Bible¹⁸. These discrepancies necessitated early Christians to navigate the complexities of textual variations and ensure accurate scriptural interpretation.

The Septuagint’s influence on early Christianity was both multifaceted and profound. It acted as a conduit between the Hebrew scriptures and the Greek-speaking Christian populace, influencing the Church Fathers’ comprehension and the evolution of Christian doctrine. Its legacy continues to resonate within biblical scholarship and theological debates to this day.

Septuagint Studies in Modern Scholarship

The domain of Modern Septuagint Research has witnessed substantial advancements in recent times. The Oxford Handbook of the Septuagint, a seminal publication from 2021, underscores the burgeoning interest in Greek Old Testament Scholarship¹⁹. Edited by Alison Salvesen and T. Michael Law, this exhaustive compendium delves into a plethora of subjects, including textual criticism and reception history¹⁹.

Contemporary Biblical Studies have been augmented by novel methodologies in Septuagint analysis. Scholars now acknowledge the LXX’s pivotal role in the development of literary editions of the Hebrew Bible, and they examine legal passages within the framework of Hellenistic Egypt¹⁹. The Göttingen Unternehmen’s ongoing endeavors on critical editions of Septuagint texts are paramount¹⁹.

Karen Jobes, a luminary in Septuagint scholarship, has significantly contributed to the field. Her seminal work, “Invitation to the Septuagint,” has been revised for a second edition, mirroring the swift progress within the discipline²⁰. The updated version boasts enhancements throughout and an enlarged bibliography, expanding from 352 to 408 pages²¹²⁰.

Emerging trends in Septuagint studies encompass discussions on hermeneutical issues, the interlinear paradigm, and theological implications²⁰. Contemporary translation theories, such as Descriptive Translation Studies, furnish novel insights into LXX renderings, albeit challenges arise from ambiguities regarding translators’ Hebrew Vorlagen¹⁹.

As Greek Old Testament Scholarship continues to evolve, resources like “Discovering the Septuagint: A Guided Reader” strive to demystify the subject for students proficient in New Testament Greek²⁰. This collaborative venture between academics and graduate students epitomizes the unwavering dedication to the advancement of Septuagint studies in the contemporary era.

Textual Families and Recensions of the Septuagint

The Septuagint, a pivotal Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, has undergone numerous revisions throughout its historical trajectory. These revisions, collectively known as Septuagint Recensions, are integral to comprehending the evolution of the Greek Old Testament’s textual families.

Alexandrian, Lucianic, and Hexaplaric Recensions

Experts concur that the Pentateuch’s translation into Greek commenced around the mid-second century BC in Egypt²². This foundational translation was subsequently refined by scholars such as Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotian²². These revisions embody distinct methodologies for translating and interpreting the original Hebrew text.

Relationship to Other Ancient Versions

The Greek Old Testament exhibits distinctiveness from the Masoretic Text, particularly in its shorter renditions of Exodus 35–40, 1 Samuel 16–18, and Jeremiah²². This disparity underscores the intricate nature of reconstructing the original biblical text and underscores the significance of examining diverse textual traditions.

Importance for Reconstructing the Original Text

The Septuagint’s value in reconstructing the original biblical text is profound. It diverges from the Masoretic text, hinting at an earlier Hebrew original²³. The oldest manuscripts of the Septuagint, including Vaticanus, Sinaiticus, and Alexandrinus, from the mid-fourth and fifth centuries, offer invaluable insights into the text’s development²³.

However, scholars like Lanier and Ross contend that the Septuagint is a translation of the Hebrew Old Testament and does not possess the same level of inspiration as the original Hebrew text²². They posit that the Hebrew Old Testament retains normative authority, while the Septuagint’s authority is derivative²².

The Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls

The excavation of the Dead Sea Scrolls has significantly transformed our comprehension of ancient biblical manuscripts. These scrolls, retrieved from the Qumran Caves, provide profound insights into the textual evolution of the Old Testament. A comparative analysis between the Septuagint and Qumran texts uncovers intriguing details about the textual development of biblical narratives²⁴.

Archaeological explorations in the Cave of Horror, designated as Cave 8, have revealed new fragments of the Greek versions of Zechariah and Nahum. These findings are crucial for comprehending the Septuagint’s relationship to other ancient literary works²⁵.

Comparative analysis between the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Masoretic Text reveals a remarkable degree of textual congruence. Many Qumran manuscripts exhibit a high level of alignment with the Masoretic tradition, which predates the earliest known Masoretic copies by nearly a millennium²⁴.

Researchers, including Tanya Bitler and Oren Ableman, are delving into these recently discovered fragments. Their investigations aim to illuminate the textual criticism of the Septuagint. This work is informed by the foundational studies of Dominique Barthélemy, whose research on the Greek Minor Prophets scroll (8ḤevXIIgr) has profoundly shaped our understanding of textual history²⁵.

The Septuagint’s Greek translation commenced circa 280-270 BC in Alexandria, Egypt. By 130-120 BC, all Old Testament books had been translated into Greek, with certain texts featuring multiple renditions. This collection, known as the LXX, underwent revisions in Palestine between 50 BC and AD 50²⁴.

As scholarly research advances, new resources become accessible to scholars. The forthcoming third edition of “Text-Critical Use of the Septuagint in Biblical Research” is anticipated to be an invaluable resource for scholars examining the intricate relationships between these ancient biblical manuscripts²⁶.

Challenges in Septuagint Textual Criticism

Septuagint textual problems pose formidable challenges for scholars engaged in the intricate analysis of the Greek Old Testament. The field of Biblical manuscript analysis confronts complex issues that significantly influence our comprehension of ancient texts. These challenges underscore the complexities inherent in deciphering the Septuagint’s historical significance.

Fragmentary Nature of Manuscripts

The incomplete state of many manuscripts represents a primary difficulty in Septuagint studies. Scholars are compelled to reconstruct texts from fragmented remnants, often encountering missing sections or damaged portions. This inherent fragmentation complicates the establishment of a unified narrative and the determination of accurate readings, thereby presenting a significant obstacle to scholarly endeavors.

Determining Original Readings

Identifying the original text constitutes a major challenge within Septuagint textual criticism. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls challenged the dominance of the Masoretic Text, revealing agreements with the Septuagint tradition²⁷. This revelation has increased the complexity of reconstructing the original text, necessitating consideration of multiple textual traditions.

Impact of Translation Choices

The translation process from Hebrew to Greek introduced variations that significantly impact interpretation. Scholars have noted frequent divergences between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text, underscoring the importance of these discrepancies in biblical interpretation²⁷. These variations can significantly alter the meaning of passages, thereby influencing theological understanding.

Challenge	Impact	Solution Approach
Fragmentary Manuscripts	Incomplete textual reconstruction	Cross-referencing multiple sources
Original Reading Determination	Uncertain textual accuracy	Comparative analysis with other traditions
Translation Variations	Altered interpretations	In-depth linguistic and contextual study

The evolution of biblical philology into a sophisticated academic discipline necessitates a comprehensive understanding of Greek-Roman culture, ancient Oriental languages, and specialized emendation techniques²⁸. This multifaceted approach is essential for addressing the challenges in Septuagint textual criticism and enhancing our comprehension of these ancient texts.

Tools and Resources for Studying the Septuagint

Scholars and students engaged in Septuagint studies benefit from an extensive array of resources. The textbook “Discovering the Septuagint: A Guided Reader” presents selections from Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Ruth, Esther, Psalms, Hosea, Jonah, Malachi, and Isaiah. This educational tool aids in enhancing Greek proficiency and facilitating interaction with the Septuagint²⁹. It showcases intriguing variations between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text, exemplified by Esther, where the Greek additions mention God 26 times, absent in the Hebrew version²⁹.

For those concentrating on particular texts, Seth Ehorn’s “2 Maccabees 1-7” offers an in-depth examination of grammar and syntax. Released in 2020, this 357-page paperback is a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in Greek Old Testament tools³⁰. Ehorn, an instructor of Greek at Wheaton College, has garnered acclaim from peers for his meticulous analysis of the complex Greek text of 2 Maccabees³⁰.

Jellicoe’s seminal work on the Septuagint, available for 25 years, stands as a thorough introduction to the field. It delves into the origins, transmission history, manuscripts, versions, and critical editions of the Septuagint³¹. The text scrutinizes various Septuagint manuscripts, including Uncials, Cursives, and Papyri, and discusses modern editions of the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Psalms, Prophets, Maccabees, and Wisdom Literature³¹. These resources are indispensable for scholars navigating the intricate landscape of Septuagint textual criticism.

FAQ

What is the Septuagint?

The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, emerged circa the mid-second century BC. It stands as a pivotal work in Greek literature, serving as the canonical text for early Christianity and the nascent Christian church. This version of the Old Testament played a crucial role until the advent of the second century.

What is the significance of the Septuagint in biblical scholarship?

As a cornerstone of Old Testament textual analysis, the Septuagint offers invaluable insights. It frequently retains original readings absent in the Hebrew Masoretic Text, thereby enriching our understanding of biblical antiquity. Moreover, its linguistic influence is evident in the New Testament, underscoring its pivotal role in biblical scholarship.

What is the legend surrounding the origin of the Septuagint?

The Septuagint’s creation is shrouded in a captivating legend, suggesting 72 Jewish scholars, working independently, produced identical translations. While this narrative captivates, scholarly consensus posits a more nuanced genesis, with the Pentateuch initially translated, followed by subsequent texts over time.

How does the Septuagint compare to the Masoretic Text?

The Septuagint and the Masoretic Text exhibit distinct differences, including the former’s abridged versions of certain texts. Nevertheless, their overall congruence underscores the Septuagint’s reliability as a textual witness. It also offers unique insights into variant readings and textual evolution.

What is the debate surrounding the language of the Septuagint?

Scholars are divided on the Septuagint’s linguistic character, with some positing it as Hebraic Greek, reflecting its Hebrew antecedents, while others advocate for its alignment with Koine Greek. This debate continues to shape our understanding of its linguistic identity.

What role did the Septuagint play in early Christianity?

The Septuagint was instrumental as the Old Testament for early Christianity and the early Christian church, a position it held until the second century. Its influence extended through the writings of Church Fathers, shaping Christian theological discourse.

What are the major textual families and recensions of the Septuagint?

The Septuagint’s textual diversity is represented by the Alexandrian, Lucianic, and Hexaplaric recensions, among others. Analyzing these recensions and their interrelations is essential for deciphering the original text’s complexity.

How has the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls impacted Septuagint studies?

The juxtaposition of the Septuagint with the Dead Sea Scrolls has yielded profound insights into the textual evolution of the Old Testament. This comparison has also shed light on the reliability of various textual traditions.

What challenges exist in Septuagint textual criticism?

The challenges in Septuagint textual criticism include the fragmentary nature of extant manuscripts, the intricacies of discerning original readings, and the complexities introduced by translation choices, which significantly influence interpretation.