Reading the entire Septuagint and Greek New Testament in a year offers a deeper understanding of the biblical text and reveals connections between different passages.
Reading the Septuagint allows for a broader comprehension of word usage, interpretations, overall context, and literary qualities, aiding in the discovery of allusions and references made in the New Testament.
Anyone interested in reading the Septuagint can start with a structured Bible plan, join a reading group for support and accountability, and gain a unique perspective on biblical texts by exploring specific Greek words and phrases in parallel with the New Testament.
Deep dives
Reading Through the Septuagint in a Year
The podcast episode discusses the experience of reading through the Septuagint in a year. The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament and is often referenced in the New Testament. Reading through the entire Septuagint provides a deeper understanding of the biblical text and allows for the discovery of connections between different passages. While it may seem daunting, reading the Septuagint is an achievable goal and can be a rewarding experience in gaining insights into the biblical languages and texts.
Benefits of Reading Through the Septuagint
Reading through the entire Septuagint offers several advantages. It allows for a broader understanding of the different uses of words and phrases, as well as the range of interpretations within the text. Reading at a faster pace helps to grasp the overall context, themes, and connections within the Septuagint. It also presents an opportunity to appreciate the literary qualities of the text and notice allusions and references made in the New Testament. Despite the potential challenges, the rewards of reading through the Septuagint make the endeavor worthwhile.
Getting Started and Joining Reading Groups
Anyone interested in reading through the Septuagint can get started with a one-year Bible plan, which provides a structured reading schedule. While some knowledge of New Testament Greek is beneficial, it is not a requirement to begin reading the Septuagint. Joining or forming a reading group, either online or locally, can provide support, accountability, and opportunities for discussion. While there may be an existing Facebook group available, anyone interested can form their own group or seek out existing communities dedicated to reading the Septuagint. Embarking on this journey offers a unique way to engage with the biblical text and enhance one's understanding of the Scriptures.
Discovering Connections and Insights in the Septuagint
Reading the Septuagint in its original language offers a unique perspective on biblical texts. One main insight is the use of specific Greek words and phrases that help establish connections and parallels across the Old and New Testaments. For example, reading Joshua in the Septuagint reveals the use of the verb 'perloin' or 'nipids' in relation to Achan's sin, which sheds light on the consequences of disobedience. Similarly, reading Isaiah in the Septuagint reveals its close affinity to the Gospels, with numerous shared language and themes. This deeper understanding enhances our comprehension of the biblical texts and how they relate to each other.
Uncovering Meaningful Details in Genesis and the New Testament
Reading Genesis in Greek unveils intriguing details that may go unnoticed in translation. For instance, the use of the word 'Calos' to describe God's creation as 'good' implies a sense of aesthetic beauty rather than mere functionality. Additionally, the parallelism between the ruling authority of the sun and moon in Genesis mirrors humanity's role in ruling over creation. These insights provide a richer understanding of God's creative work and our role in it. Moreover, reading the New Testament alongside the Septuagint highlights the careful attention to specific phrases, illuminating connections between Adam and Eve and the relationship between Christ and the Church. Exploring these connections enhances our understanding of Paul's teachings and the theological depth of the biblical texts.
Matthew Thomas read through the entire Septuagint and New Testament in 2022. In this episode of the Biblical Languages Podcast, Kevin Grasso interviews Matthew about his experience and why others should consider doing it.
*Note: in the episode, we repeatedly reference reading through the Septuagint, when in fact, Thomas' experience was reading through the Septuagint AND the Greek New Testament.
If you're looking for ways to advance your Greek or Hebrew in 2023, join one of our free reading groups. For Hebrew, we're reading through the entire Hebrew Bible. For Greek, we're reading through the whole Greek New Testament and the whole Septuagint. Join us at community.biblingo.org.
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