The Enduring LXX

The oldest translation of the Hebrew Scriptures is called the Septuagint, usually identified as the LXX, Roman numerals that stand for 70.

In the 3rd century BC when the Greek Empire ruled the known world, 72 Jewish scholars (probably six from each tribe) translated the Hebrew Scriptures into Koine Greek, the common language of the day.

Because Jewish people found themselves in a Hellenistic world, few knew Hebrew and could read their own Scriptures. The Septuagint made the Bible understandable to the Greek-speaking masses and as accessible as the writings of the Greek philosophers.

Scholars say there are 300 Old Testament quotations in the New Testament, and approximately two-thirds come from the LXX. The Septuagint is still being printed today.

Photo: Adobe Stock