What is the Septuagint translation, in what language was it written, and for whom?

The Septuagint (LXX) is the earliest major translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew and partly Aramaic into ancient Greek. It originated for Jewish people living outside Palestine who already spoke predominantly Greek, and it later became especially important for the early Christian church.

What does the name “Septuagint” mean?

The word “Septuagint” comes from the Latin word for “seventy,” which is why this translation is often designated by the Roman numerals LXX. An ancient tradition, recorded in the “Letter of Aristeas,” recounts that 72 Jewish scholars—six from each tribe of Israel—were invited to Alexandria in Egypt. They were tasked with translating the Law of Moses for the royal library and for Greek-speaking Jews.

Historians believe that initially, around the 3rd century BC, the Pentateuch was translated: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The other books of the Old Testament were translated gradually over the next century or two. Thus, the Septuagint was not the work of a single day or a single translator, but rather a collection of translations of biblical books produced at different times.

In what language is the LXX written?

The Septuagint is written in Koine Greek, a widespread dialect of ancient Greek. Following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Koine Greek became the common language of trade, education, civic life, and international communication throughout the eastern Mediterranean.

It was in this very language that the New Testament was later written. Therefore, for the first Christians living in the Roman Empire, the Greek translation of Scripture was natural and easily understood. God revealed His truth not merely through one culture or language. On the day of Pentecost, people from many nations heard the message of God's mighty works in languages they could understand.

“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:4

For whom was this translation made?

First and foremost, the Septuagint was needed by the Jews of the Diaspora—that is, Jews living far from Jerusalem. The community in Alexandria was particularly prominent, but Jewish people also resided in Syria, Asia Minor, Greece, Rome, and other cities. For many of them, Greek had become their everyday language, while they could no longer freely read the biblical Hebrew text.

The translation allowed them to hear the Torah, read the Psalms, know the history of Israel, and preserve their faith in the midst of a different culture. This was not an abandonment of God’s Word, but a way to make it accessible. We see the very principle of understandable reading of Scripture as far back as the time of Ezra, when the Law of God was explained to the people so that they could comprehend what they heard.

“So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.” Neh 8:8

What books does the Septuagint contain?

The LXX includes all the books known from the Hebrew Old Testament: the Law, the historical books, the Psalms, the wisdom literature, and the prophets. At the same time, many manuscripts of the Septuagint also contain additional writings: Tobit, Judith, the Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, the Maccabees, as well as additions to the books of Esther and Daniel.

The collection of these additional books varies somewhat across different manuscripts. Seventh-day Adventists, sharing the Protestant approach, recognize the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament as the inspired biblical canon. Additional ancient writings can be valuable for understanding the history, culture, and religious life of the intertestamental period, but they do not serve as a foundation for establishing doctrine.

Why is the Septuagint important for Christians?

The New Testament was written in Greek, and many of its Old Testament quotations are closer to the wording of the Septuagint than to the later Masoretic Hebrew text. This does not mean the apostles disregarded the Hebrew Scriptures. On the contrary, they proclaimed its message in the language their listeners could understand.

A particularly well-known example is the messianic prophecy from the book of Isaiah. The Greek translation uses a word that specifically means “virgin,” and that is precisely how the Gospel of Matthew quotes this passage when speaking of the birth of Jesus Christ.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Isa 7:14

“‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” Matt 1:23

The Septuagint also helps scholars better understand how ancient Jews read certain difficult Old Testament passages before the time of Christ. It serves as an important witness to the ancient biblical tradition, although for serious study it is always beneficial to compare translations and consider the context.

Conclusion and Practical Application

The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Old Testament created primarily for Greek-speaking Jews of the Diaspora. It served as a bridge between Hebrew revelation and the Greco-Roman world, and therefore exerted a profound influence on the language and mission of early Christianity.

The practical lesson is simple: God’s Word must not only be preserved, but also understood. Read the Bible in a translation you understand well, compare several reliable versions in challenging passages, and test every teaching against the fullness of Holy Scripture. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, it is Scripture that leads a person to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

“and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim 3:15