LXX definitions
| Word backwards | XXL |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | LXX is an abbreviation for Septuagint, which is a proper noun. |
| Syllabic division | LX-X |
| Plural | The plural of LXX is LXX. It stands for the number 70 in Roman numerals. |
| Total letters | 3 |
| Vogais (0) | |
| Consonants (2) | l,x |
The Septuagint, often referred to as LXX, is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, dating back to the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. This translation is significant because it was one of the earliest translations of the Hebrew scriptures and played a crucial role in the transmission of the Old Testament.
Origin and History
The name "Septuagint" comes from the Latin word for "seventy," referencing the tradition that 70 Jewish scholars worked on the translation. The exact origins of the LXX are somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have been commissioned by Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the Greek king of Egypt. The translation was likely completed in Alexandria, a city known for its diverse population and scholarly pursuits.
Importance and Influence
The Septuagint became the Bible of the early Christian church, as many of the New Testament authors quoted directly from it. It also played a crucial role in the spread of Judaism throughout the Hellenistic world, as it made the Hebrew scriptures accessible to Greek-speaking Jews and non-Jews alike. Additionally, the LXX includes several books not found in the Hebrew Bible, known as the Apocrypha, which are considered canonical by some Christian traditions.
Textual Variants and Differences
Despite its significance, the Septuagint differs in places from the Hebrew Masoretic Text, which is the basis for most modern translations of the Old Testament. These variations can range from subtle linguistic differences to significant additions or omissions of entire passages. Scholars continue to study these differences to gain insights into the early transmission and interpretation of the biblical text.
In conclusion, the Septuagint remains a critical text in biblical studies, providing valuable insights into the ancient world, the development of the Hebrew scriptures, and the early Christian church. Its influence continues to be felt today, both in academic circles and in religious traditions that trace their roots back to the ancient Mediterranean world.
LXX Examples
- The Septuagint (LXX) is an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible.
- Many scholars believe that the LXX was translated by 72 Jewish scholars in Alexandria.
- The LXX includes additional books not found in the Hebrew Bible, known as the Apocrypha.
- Some early Christians used the LXX as their primary version of the Old Testament.
- The LXX was an important source for early Christian writers in their interpretation of Scripture.
- LXX is also used as an abbreviation for the number 70 in Roman numerals.
- The LXX version of a text is sometimes used to refer to the version in Greek.
- In textual criticism, scholars compare different versions of a text, such as the MT and LXX.
- The LXX remains a valuable resource for scholars studying the history of the biblical text.
- The LXX translation of the Bible helped make the Scriptures accessible to Greek-speaking Jews.