The Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint (LXX)

The Hebrew Bible and the Septuagint (LXX) are both significant texts in the history of Judaism and Christianity. While they share much in common, there are several notable differences:

1. Language:

Hebrew Bible: Written primarily in Hebrew, with a few portions in Aramaic (e.g., parts of Daniel and Ezra).

Septuagint: A Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures, created for Greek-speaking Jews in Alexandria around the 3rd to 2nd century BCE.

2. Canonical Books:

Hebrew Bible: Consists of 24 books divided into three sections: the Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). This is also known as the Tanakh.

Septuagint: Includes books not found in the Hebrew Bible, known as the Deuterocanonical books (e.g., Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, and 1-2 Maccabees). These books are considered canonical by the Catholic and Orthodox churches but are not included in the Jewish canon or most Protestant Bibles.

3. Order and Division of Books:

Hebrew Bible: The books are arranged differently, with a particular focus on the tripartite division. For example, the Hebrew Bible ends with the Chronicles.

Septuagint: The books are arranged according to the genres found in the Greek tradition: Law, History, Wisdom, and Prophets, similar to the structure found in Christian Old Testaments.

4. Textual Variants:

Hebrew Bible: Based on the Masoretic Text, which was meticulously preserved and standardized by Jewish scholars known as the Masoretes around the 7th to 10th centuries CE.

Septuagint: Sometimes exhibits textual variants that differ from the Masoretic Text, which can lead to different readings and interpretations of certain passages.

5. Translation Differences:

Hebrew Bible: Maintains the original Hebrew wording and style.

Septuagint: As a translation, some nuances and idioms from Hebrew were adapted to fit the Greek language and culture, leading to differences in expression and sometimes in meaning.

6. Use in Early Christianity:

Hebrew Bible: Used primarily by the Jewish community.

Septuagint: Widely used by early Christians and frequently quoted in the New Testament. Many New Testament authors, including Paul, quoted the Septuagint rather than the Hebrew text.

7. Theological Emphasis:

Hebrew Bible: Reflects Jewish theological perspectives and traditions.

Septuagint: Sometimes reflects Hellenistic influences and interpretations, which can be seen in certain theological nuances.

Example Passages:

Isaiah 7:14

Hebrew Bible: "Behold, the young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

Septuagint: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

This translation difference highlights the impact of the Septuagint on Christian theology, particularly concerning the prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus.

Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the historical and theological contexts of these important scriptures.