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by Wayne Blank
There are differing opinions regarding the origin of the Septuagint, which was translated by Greek-speaking Jews in Alexandria, Egypt, sometime between 250 and 100 B.C., in the Between The Testaments era of Bible History. Septuagint means seventy, from the supposed number of translators, and the Roman numerals for seventy, LXX, are also used for it.
According to one tradition, it was began specifically at the request of Ptolemy Philadelphus (reigned 285-247 B.C. - see The Ptolemies) who wished to have a copy of the Bible for the great Alexandrian library. Seventy (or seventy-two) skilled Jewish language experts were brought to Egypt from Jerusalem, where they first translated The Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), and then the rest of what is commonly known as the Old Testament (see Old Testament Fact File), from the original Hebrew.
Another tradition says that it was produced merely to serve the needs of Hellenized (Greek-speaking) Jews, and others, who were unable to read Hebrew (see The Hebrew Alphabet and The Greek Alphabet)..
Greek was the language of the Middle East civilized world at the time of the translation of the Septuagint, and for long after. It was commonly spoken during the time of Jesus Christ. The New Testament (see New Testament Fact File) was also originally written in Greek.
Fact Finder: Did Jesus Christ attend the Jewish synagogue every Sabbath?
Luke 4:16
This Week's Bible Quiz
1. Of what Israelite tribe was the prophet Jeremiah?
2. Of what Israelite tribe was Moses?
3. Of what Israelite tribe was Ezekiel?
4. Of what Israelite tribe was Aaron?
5. Of what Israelite tribe was John The Baptist?
6. Which of Aaron's sons succeeded him as high priest?
7. What was the name of Moses' and Aaron's sister?
8. What are the names of Aaron's two sons who were put to death by The Lord? (see Rock Of Ages)
9. Why were Aaron's two sons put to death by The Lord?
10. On The Day Of Atonement, who was the only Israelite who entered the Most Holy Place inside the Tabernacle? (see The Tabernacle In The Wilderness)
For the answers to this August 1 2000 quiz, see the Bible Quiz Answers Page
