When was lxx written

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The Septuagint (LXX) was translated from Hebrew to Greek between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, beginning around 280 BCE and continuing into the 100s BCE. It was primarily completed by Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, to serve Greek-speaking Jews.

Key Facts

The LXX translation began around 280 BCE in Alexandria, Egypt
It was completed over a period of 200 years, extending into the 100s BCE
The translation was done by 72 Jewish scholars, according to tradition
The LXX includes additional books not found in the Hebrew Bible, such as Wisdom, Maccabees, and Tobit
It became the standard scriptural text for early Christians and influenced the New Testament

Overview

The Septuagint, often abbreviated as LXX, is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It holds a foundational role in both Jewish and Christian religious traditions, particularly for early Christian theology and biblical interpretation.

Developed for Greek-speaking Jews in the Hellenistic world, the LXX enabled access to sacred texts in a widely understood language. Its creation marked a significant moment in the spread of biblical literature beyond Hebrew-literate communities.

Translation began around 280 BCE: Jewish scholars in Alexandria initiated the project under Ptolemy II Philadelphus to translate the Torah into Greek.
Completed over two centuries: While the Torah was finished by the mid-3rd century BCE, other books were translated into the 2nd century BCE.
72 translators are traditionally credited: According to the Letter of Aristeas, six scholars from each of the twelve tribes collaborated on the translation.
Produced in Alexandria, Egypt: As a major center of Hellenistic Jewish culture, the city provided the intellectual environment for such a project.
Named 'Septuagint' meaning 'seventy': The term LXX (Roman numeral for 70) refers to the legendary group of seventy or seventy-two translators.

How It Works

The Septuagint functions as a bridge between Hebrew scripture and Greek-speaking audiences, enabling theological and liturgical use across the Mediterranean world.

Translation Method: Scholars used a combination of literal and interpretive techniques, sometimes reflecting theological perspectives distinct from the Hebrew text.
Language: Written in Koine Greek, the common dialect of the Eastern Mediterranean, making it accessible to a broad population.
Textual Scope: Includes all books of the Hebrew Bible plus additional texts known as the Deuterocanonical books or Apocrypha.
Manuscript Tradition: Preserved in major codices like the Vaticanus and Sinaiticus, dating from the 4th century CE.
Influence on Christianity: Quoted extensively in the New Testament, shaping early Christian doctrine and scriptural understanding.
Canonical Status: Considered authoritative by Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions, though not by Rabbinic Judaism.

Comparison at a Glance

Key differences between the Septuagint and other biblical versions are evident in language, content, and religious acceptance.

Feature	Septuagint (LXX)	Hebrew Bible	Vulgate
Language	Greek	Hebrew	Latin
Origin Date	3rd–2nd century BCE	12th–2nd century BCE	4th century CE
Translation Basis	Hebrew texts available in 3rd century BCE	Original Hebrew manuscripts	Hebrew and LXX
Additional Books	Yes (e.g., Wisdom, Tobit)	No	Yes (from LXX)
Religious Use	Orthodox, Catholic, early Church	Rabbinic Judaism	Roman Catholic Church

The table highlights how the LXX served as a crucial intermediary text. Its broader canon influenced later Christian Bibles, while differences in wording sometimes led to theological developments distinct from Jewish interpretations.

Why It Matters

The Septuagint's impact extends far beyond its original purpose, shaping theology, language, and religious practice for centuries.

Foundation for New Testament writers: Over 300 quotations in the New Testament align more closely with the LXX than the Hebrew text.
Enabled early Christian evangelism: Greek-speaking converts could access scripture without knowing Hebrew.
Influenced Bible translation methods: Set a precedent for translating sacred texts into vernacular languages.
Preserved lost Hebrew variants: Some LXX readings reflect older Hebrew versions no longer extant.
Shaped doctrinal concepts: Passages like Isaiah 7:14 (using parthenos for 'virgin') impacted Christological interpretations.
Remains liturgically vital: Still used in Eastern Orthodox Church services today.

Understanding when and how the LXX was written reveals its enduring significance in religious history and biblical scholarship.