Topical Encyclopedia The Greek Versions of the Bible refer primarily to the translations of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, most notably the Septuagint (LXX), as well as other Greek translations and revisions that followed. These versions played a crucial role in the transmission and understanding of the biblical text, especially among Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians.Septuagint (LXX): The Septuagint is the earliest and most significant Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. Tradition holds that it was translated by seventy (or seventy-two) Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The name "Septuagint" itself is derived from the Latin word for seventy. The translation was undertaken to meet the needs of the Hellenistic Jewish community, who were more familiar with Greek than Hebrew. The Septuagint includes not only the books of the Hebrew Bible but also several deuterocanonical books, which are considered canonical by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches but are not part of the Hebrew Masoretic Text. The Septuagint was widely used in the early Christian Church and is frequently quoted in the New Testament. For example, in Matthew 1:23, the prophecy of the virgin birth is cited from the Septuagint: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel" . Other Greek Versions: In addition to the Septuagint, several other Greek translations and revisions emerged, particularly in the early centuries AD. These include the works of Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion. Each of these translators approached the Hebrew text with different methodologies and theological perspectives. · Aquila of Sinope produced a very literal translation around AD 130, which was favored by Jewish communities for its adherence to the Hebrew text. · Symmachus offered a more idiomatic translation in the late 2nd century, aiming for clarity and readability in Greek. · Theodotion revised the Septuagint in the 2nd century, and his version of the Book of Daniel was so influential that it replaced the original Septuagint version in many Christian Bibles. Influence on Christianity: The Greek Versions, particularly the Septuagint, had a profound impact on early Christianity. The New Testament writers, who wrote in Greek, often quoted from the Septuagint, which shaped the theological understanding of the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. For instance, Hebrews 1:6 cites the Septuagint version of Deuteronomy 32:43: "Let all God’s angels worship Him" . The Septuagint also influenced the development of Christian liturgy, theology, and biblical interpretation. Church Fathers such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Augustine frequently referenced the Septuagint in their writings, further cementing its authority in the early Church. Textual Criticism and Modern Scholarship: The Greek Versions are invaluable for textual criticism, providing insights into the textual history of the Hebrew Bible. They offer evidence of variant readings and help scholars reconstruct the original text. The differences between the Septuagint and the Masoretic Text have been a subject of scholarly study, revealing the dynamic nature of the biblical text's transmission. In summary, the Greek Versions, especially the Septuagint, are essential for understanding the history and development of the biblical text. They bridge the gap between the Hebrew Scriptures and the Greek-speaking world, playing a pivotal role in the spread of the biblical message throughout the Hellenistic and Roman empires. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Greek VersionsGREEK VERSIONS See SEPTUAGINT; VERSIONS. Library Later Greek Versions. The Greek Versions as Aids to Biblical Study. Ancient Versions of the Old Testament. Preface to the Second Edition. An Introduction to the Old Testament in Greek. Additional Notes Among Versions a Preference is Given to the Septuagint and the ... The Early Versions Examined, and Found to Yield Unfaltering ... Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures Editions and Versions. Language and Style. Resources How has Greek philosophy influenced Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Greek Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of the Greek Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.org Greek: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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