The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters
Overview
A Thorough, Accessible Introduction to the Greek Translation of the Old Testament.
Most people think that the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament—is only for scholars. But understanding even the basics about the Septuagint is helpful for academics and laypeople alike.
In this book, scholars Gregory R. Lanier and William A. Ross examine what the Septuagint is and why Christians should care about it. By distilling the complexity surrounding the origin (who and where), translation philosophy, and transmission (history), the authors address not only how the church throughout history has viewed this text, but also its continued value for the study of the Old Testament and New Testament. Here is a book that serves as a springboard for anyone interested in knowing more about the Septuagint and its relationship to the Bible.
- Provides a springboard for anyone interested in knowing more about the Septuagint and its relationship to the Bible
- Explores the origin, translation philosophy, and transmission
- Examines what the Septuagint is and why Christians should care about it
- Introduction
Part 1: What Is the Septuagint?
- What (If Anything) Is the So-Called Septuagint?
- Who and Where Did the Greek Old Testament Come From?
- How Was the Greek Old Testament Translated?
- How Did the Greek Old Testament Develop?
Part 2: Why Does It Matter?
- Why Does It Matter for Studying the OT?
- Why Does It Matter for Studying the NT?
- What Kind of Authority Does the Septuagint Have?
- The Septuagint: Ten Key Questions
Top Highlights
“What is certain is that the edition of the Greek Old Testament text that was produced from Origen’s fifth column, often called the ‘Hexaplaric recension,’ became extremely influential over the following centuries.” (Page 96)
“As far as we know, based on ancient writings, including the New Testament, there was no terminology used to refer specifically to Jewish Scriptures written in Greek.” (Page 31)
“First, quotations of the Greek Old Testament in the New Testament do not mean that the quoted textual form is itself inspired, nor that the textual form should necessarily replace the form of the Masoretic Text (if different), nor that the Greek Old Testament as a whole must be viewed as normative Scripture.” (Page 187)
“some like Luke and the author of Hebrews make near exclusive use of the Greek Old Testament” (Page 135)
“Whatever demand existed for it initially, among both Jewish and Christian writers, it was Aquila’s recension that ultimately became the primary Greek version within the late Roman and early Byzantine periods.” (Page 92)
- Title: The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Authors: William A. Ross, Gregory R. Lanier
- Publisher: Crossway
- Print Publication Date: 2021
- Logos Release Date: 2021
- Pages: 216
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Subject: Bible. O.T. Greek › Versions--Septuagint--Introductions
- ISBNs: 9781433570520, 9781433570551, 9781433570537, 9781433570544, 1433570521, 1433570556, 143357053X, 1433570548
- Resource ID: LLS:SPTGNTWHTTMTTRS
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:07:29Z
Reviews
1 rating
Doug Smith
11/14/2021
This is an extremely helpful and accessible introduction. If you have no knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, it will still prove useful (and understandable). It educates the reader about the nature of "the" Septuagint, corrects major misconceptions, and shows its proper use. The seasoned scholar may pick up on some important points and perspectives as well. I will be recommending it widely!
