The earliest extant translation of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) into Koine Greek, traditionally attributed to seventy-two Jewish scholars in Alexandria. Abbreviated as LXX.

Historical Information

Translation began in the 3rd century BCE in Alexandria, Egypt, starting with the Torah, likely for the large Greek-speaking Jewish community. Other books were translated over the following centuries. It became the standard Old Testament for Greek-speaking Jews and the early Christian church.

Usage

Primary OT text for the early Church, frequently quoted in the New Testament. Source for Deuterocanonical books/Apocrypha in many traditions. Used as a source or reference for the Apocrypha/Deuterocanon in KJV, WEB, WEBC, and by Luther. Also a reference for OT translation.

Trustworthiness

Extremely important for textual criticism. It was translated from Hebrew texts predating the Masoretic Text by centuries and sometimes preserves older or alternative readings, occasionally supported by Dead Sea Scrolls. However, as a translation, it also reflects interpretive choices. Scholars use it alongside the MT and other witnesses to understand the textual history. It is the standard OT text for the Eastern Orthodox Church.