Philo Recounts the Translation of the Septuagint
Philo
First Half of 1st Century
In ancient times the laws were written in the Chaldean tongue, and remained in that form for many years, without any change of language, so long as they had not yet revealed their beauty to the rest of mankind. But, in course of time, the daily, unbroken regularity of practice exercised by those who observed them brought them to the knowledge of…
Related Guide
The Greek Translation of the Hebrew Bible: The Septuagint
Related Guide
Early Translations of the Torah
Related Guide
The Torah and Its Transmission in Ancient Judaism
Creator Bio
Philo
Philo of Alexandria was one of the most important figures in Hellenistic Judaism and a significant influence on early Christianity. Raised in a wealthy Jewish family and educated in Greek rhetoric and logic, Philo served as a delegate to Rome on behalf of the Jewish community of Alexandria. Most innovative among his writings are his commentaries on the Pentateuch, which approach the text allegorically and employ various Platonic perspectives in their interpretations. Philo appears to have had only minimal exposure to the Hebrew and likely relied on the Septuagint and synagogue orations on the biblical texts.
You may also like
The Circumstances of the Septuagint’s Translation
The Rabbis Discuss the Septuagint
The Biblical Origin of Live Translation
Nehemiah 8:5–8