The Septuagint (LXX) is the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, created in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. It is one of the most important texts in Jewish and Christian history, influencing early Christian theology and the formation of the Old Testament in many Christian traditions.
Unlike the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), the Septuagint includes additional books, commonly known as the Deuterocanonical books or Apocrypha. This topic will explore the books of the Septuagint, its origins, and its significance in religious traditions.
1. What Is the Septuagint?
The Septuagint is the earliest known Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. The name “Septuagint” comes from the Latin word for seventy (LXX), based on the tradition that seventy-two Jewish scholars translated it in Alexandria, Egypt.
The Septuagint was widely used by Greek-speaking Jews and later adopted by early Christians. It includes all the books of the Hebrew Bible, along with several other writings that were not part of the Jewish Masoretic Text.
2. Books of the Septuagint
The Septuagint consists of all the books in the Hebrew Bible plus additional writings. Below is a breakdown of the books included.
A. Books of the Law (Torah or Pentateuch)
The first five books, also called the Pentateuch, are identical to the Hebrew Bible and form the foundation of both Judaism and Christianity.
- Genesis – The creation of the world, the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah’s Flood, and the Patriarchs.
- Exodus – The Israelites’ escape from Egypt, the Ten Commandments, and the Covenant at Mount Sinai.
- Leviticus – Laws concerning worship, sacrifice, and purity.
- Numbers – The Israelites’ journey through the wilderness.
- Deuteronomy – Moses’ final speeches and laws before entering the Promised Land.
B. Books of History
These books narrate the history of Israel and its leaders, from the conquest of Canaan to the exile in Babylon.
- Joshua – The Israelites enter and conquer Canaan.
- Judges – The time of Israel’s early leaders before kings ruled.
- Ruth – The story of Ruth, an ancestor of King David.
- 1 Samuel – The life of Samuel and the rise of King Saul and King David.
- 2 Samuel – The reign of King David.
- 1 Kings – The reign of Solomon and the division of Israel.
- 2 Kings – The fall of Israel and Judah into exile.
- 1 Chronicles – Genealogies and history from Adam to King David.
- 2 Chronicles – The history of Israel’s kings until exile.
- Ezra – The return of the Jewish people from exile.
- Nehemiah – The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
- Esther – The story of Jewish survival in Persia.
C. Books of Wisdom and Poetry
These books contain poetry, songs, proverbs, and philosophical reflections.
- Job – A story of suffering and faithfulness.
- Psalms – A collection of songs and prayers attributed to King David.
- Proverbs – Wise sayings about life and morality.
- Ecclesiastes – Reflections on the meaning of life.
- Song of Solomon – A poetic love song.
D. Major Prophets
These books contain the messages of Israel’s prophets, warning against sin and foretelling future events.
- Isaiah – Prophecies of judgment and the coming of the Messiah.
- Jeremiah – Warnings about Babylon’s conquest.
- Lamentations – Poems mourning Jerusalem’s destruction.
- Ezekiel – Visions of Israel’s restoration.
- Daniel – Prophecies and visions of future kingdoms.
E. Minor Prophets
These twelve shorter prophetic books address Israel’s sin, judgment, and restoration.
- Hosea
- Joel
- Amos
- Obadiah
- Jonah
- Micah
- Nahum
- Habakkuk
- Zephaniah
- Haggai
- Zechariah
- Malachi
F. Deuterocanonical Books (Apocrypha)
The Septuagint includes several books not found in the Hebrew Bible. These are considered Deuterocanonical (meaning ‘second canon’) by Catholics and Orthodox Christians, but Protestants classify them as Apocrypha (meaning ‘hidden books’).
- Tobit – A story of faith, marriage, and angelic guidance.
- Judith – A Jewish heroine saves her people from an enemy general.
- Wisdom of Solomon – Teachings on wisdom and righteousness.
- Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) – A book of moral and ethical teachings.
- Baruch – A reflection on exile and repentance.
- Letter of Jeremiah – A warning against idol worship.
- 1 Maccabees – The Jewish revolt against Greek rule.
- 2 Maccabees – Martyrs and miracles during the Maccabean struggle.
Some Orthodox traditions also include:
- 3 Maccabees – A story of persecution under Egyptian rule.
- 4 Maccabees – A philosophical reflection on faith and suffering.
- Psalm 151 – An extra psalm attributed to David.
3. Importance of the Septuagint
The Septuagint has played a crucial role in religion, history, and scholarship.
A. Influence on Early Christianity
- The New Testament frequently quotes the Septuagint, making it the primary Old Testament for early Christians.
- Many Church Fathers relied on the LXX rather than the Hebrew text.
B. Differences from the Hebrew Bible
- The Septuagint includes additional books, which some Jewish traditions did not accept.
- The wording and meaning of some passages differ from the Hebrew Masoretic Text.
C. Use in Different Christian Traditions
- Catholic and Orthodox Churches consider the Deuterocanonical books as Scripture.
- Protestants use the Hebrew Bible’s canon, placing the Apocrypha in a separate section or omitting them entirely.
The Septuagint is the Greek version of the Hebrew Bible, containing all the traditional Jewish books plus additional Deuterocanonical writings. It played a vital role in early Christianity, shaping how the Old Testament was understood.
The Septuagint’s books include the Pentateuch, historical books, wisdom literature, major and minor prophets, and extra writings like Tobit, Maccabees, and Sirach. Today, it remains a key biblical text in Catholic, Orthodox, and academic studies.
Understanding the Septuagint’s contents and significance helps readers appreciate the development of the Bible and its impact on religious traditions throughout history.