The Mystery of the Septuagint: Whose Bible Was It?

The question of who wrote the Septuagint Bible remains a matter of great debate and intrigue. To date, no one can definitively say, as some scholars and historians have expressed strong doubts about the traditional narrative. Many believe that the idea of a core group of 70 Jewish scholars translating it for Ptolemy II is more of a myth rather than a historical fact. As such, discussions on the origins of the Septuagint often highlight its religious and political significance as much as its linguistic and cultural impact.

The Origins of the Septuagint: A Contested Myth

The origin story of the Septuagint is an enigma cloaked in legends. According to lore, around 287 BCE, Ptolemy II requested 72 Jewish scholars to translate the Hebrew Scriptures into Ancient Greek for the Library of Alexandria. However, the authenticity of this tale is highly questionable, and many within the community of scholars and faith-based organizations remain dubious about its accuracy.

Evidence and Contemporary Findings

The earliest and most reliable evidence of the Septuagint comes from the Dead Sea Scrolls, which date from 150 BCE to 100 CE. At this time, there is no known Hebrew or Greek text of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) or any other language that could be considered the original source of the Septuagint. The first complete volumes of the Christian LXX, such as the Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, and Codex Alexandrinus, date to the 4th and 5th centuries CE. Before this, we have only fragments and partial texts, such as the Isaiah scroll and the Chester Beatty Biblical Papyri.

Language Markings and Evidence

Despite the vast existence of fragments and partial texts, the first instances of the Septuagint being recognized as such are marked with nomen sacrum (holy names), where the Hebrew word for “messiah,” mashiach, is transcribed as XS. This practice is not seen in earlier Greek texts, implying that the first versions of the Septuagint were indeed produced by Christian scholars. The absence of these markings in earlier Greek texts would be solid evidence of a non-Christian Greek "Old Testament." However, even these early fragments and papyri are scarce, and the first complete volume is the Codex Sinaiticus, which was heavily damaged during its journey.

The Significance of the Septuagint: Cultural and Religious Impact

Beyond its disputed origins, the Septuagint holds significant cultural and religious importance. It served as a bridge between the Hebrew and Greek-speaking worlds, allowing Jews in the Roman Empire, who spoke only Greek, or those in Alexandria, influenced by Hellenistic culture, to access Jewish sacred texts. This translation played a crucial role in shaping the religious, literary, and philosophical landscape of the ancient world.

Contributions to the Divine Text

The Septuagint not only preserved the Hebrew texts but also introduced them to a wider audience. Its significance lies not just in its translations but in how it influenced interpretations and commentaries. Many scholars believe that the Septuagint significantly contributed to the development of early Christianity, providing a foundation for the New Testament and shaping early Christian theology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Septuagint remains a pivotal text in the history of religion and translation, the story of its origin is complex and often debated. Modern scholars favor a more nuanced understanding, recognizing the cultural and religious significance of the text while questioning traditional narratives. Whether it was the work of 72 scholars or a more gradual process, the Septuagint undeniably transformed Jewish and Christian beliefs and practices, contributing to the rich tapestry of religious and cultural history.