The Evangelical Theological Society

Overview

The Septuagint Studies program unit seeks to sponsor invited and submitted papers, panels, reviews and submissions on any topic related to Septuagint scholarship. Topics on the Septuagint that relate to evangelical scholarship may include, but are not limited to, history, interpretation (and history of), linguistics (e.g. lexicography, semantics), textual criticism, Hexaplaric studies, translation technique, and the influence of the Septuagint to biblical and theological scholarship. Of particular interest is the NT use of the OT with respect to the Septuagint. The increase in interest and work in the field of Septuagint studies is growing rapidly. Scholars and students realise the importance the Septuagint plays in interpretation of the New Testament. For example, in the early church a version of the Septuagint was the only Bible they knew. It is estimated that between 70-80% of the quotations from the Old Testament in the New Testament are from a Greek base text. Thus, the Septuagint is very important for serious study of the Christian Bible. The Septuagint is also being studied as a text in its own right. There are at least three series of commentaries on the Septuagint, being backed by major publishers. ETS members are involved in these projects, and it is important to have the evangelical community carefully consider how the Septuagint relates to the work of the society.