The Septuagint, a pivotal work in the history of biblical texts, holds a unique place in religious studies. As the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, it has been an essential bridge between Jewish scriptures and early Christian communities. One of the intriguing questions that arise when studying the Septuagint is whether it includes the Apocrypha. Understanding this connection sheds light on the development of biblical canons and the diverse traditions within Judaism and Christianity.
What is the Septuagint?
The Septuagint, often abbreviated as LXX, is the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It was translated between the 3rd and 1st centuries BCE by Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt. The name “Septuagint” comes from the Latin word for seventy, reflecting the tradition that seventy (or seventy-two) Jewish scholars completed the translation.
What is the Apocrypha?
The term “Apocrypha” refers to a collection of ancient books with religious significance that are included in some versions of the Old Testament but not in the Hebrew Bible. These books were written in the intertestamental period, the time between the Old and New Testaments, and include texts like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and 1 and 2 Maccabees, among others.
The Inclusion of the Apocrypha in the Septuagint
The Septuagint indeed includes books that are considered Apocryphal in many Christian traditions. These texts were part of the wider corpus of Jewish literature during the Second Temple period and were included in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Historical Context
The inclusion of these books in the Septuagint can be attributed to the diverse nature of Jewish religious thought during the Second Temple period. Different Jewish communities had varying views on the canonicity of certain texts. In Alexandria, where the Septuagint was translated, Jewish scholars included these additional books that were influential in their religious and cultural context.
Canonical Differences
The inclusion of the Apocrypha in the Septuagint led to significant differences in the canonical books recognized by different religious traditions:
- Judaism: The Hebrew Bible, known as the Tanakh, does not include the Apocryphal books. The Jewish canon was solidified in the Rabbinic period, emphasizing texts written in Hebrew and Aramaic.
- Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy: These Christian traditions include the Apocryphal books (often referred to as Deuterocanonical books) in their Old Testament canon. The Septuagint’s inclusion of these texts influenced the early Christian Church’s acceptance of them.
- Protestantism: During the Reformation, Protestant leaders decided to follow the Jewish canon for the Old Testament, excluding the Apocryphal books from their primary biblical canon. However, these books are often included in a separate section called the Apocrypha in many Protestant Bibles.
The Significance of the Apocrypha
The Apocryphal books hold significant historical, theological, and literary value. They provide insights into Jewish thought and practice during the intertestamental period and offer context for understanding the New Testament.
Historical Value
Books like 1 and 2 Maccabees are crucial for understanding the history of the Jewish people during the Hellenistic period. They recount the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire and the rededication of the Second Temple, events that are commemorated during Hanukkah.
Theological Insights
The Apocryphal books also contribute to theological discussions. For example, the Book of Wisdom explores themes of divine wisdom and justice, while Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) offers practical advice on living a righteous life, similar to the Proverbs in the Hebrew Bible.
Literary Contribution
These texts enrich the literary tapestry of the biblical tradition. Their inclusion in the Septuagint and subsequent Christian Bibles highlights the diversity of Jewish literature and its influence on early Christian thought.
The Role of the Septuagint in Christianity
The Septuagint’s influence on early Christianity cannot be overstated. As the early Christians were predominantly Greek-speaking, the Septuagint became their primary version of the Old Testament. This adoption had several implications:
- Scriptural Foundation: Early Christian writers and theologians extensively quoted from the Septuagint, shaping the theological foundation of Christianity. The New Testament itself contains numerous quotations from the Septuagint.
- Canon Formation: The inclusion of the Apocryphal books in the Septuagint influenced the formation of the Christian Old Testament canon, particularly in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions.
The Septuagint’s inclusion of the Apocrypha reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of Jewish and Christian scriptural traditions. While these books are not part of the Hebrew Bible, their presence in the Septuagint underscores the diversity of ancient Jewish literature and its enduring impact on Christian theology and biblical canon formation. Understanding this relationship enhances our appreciation of the historical and theological development of the biblical texts and the rich tapestry of religious traditions they represent.