Stone Choir The Septuagint — European History
May 7, 2025
The podcast dives into the rich and complex history of the Septuagint's role in European church history, highlighting key figures who could have defended its importance but largely did not. It examines the contentious translations of Jerome and their lasting impact on biblical interpretation. Listeners are introduced to the intricate relationship between Hebrew scholarship and Christian thought, showcasing figures like Nicholas of Lyra and the political tensions surrounding translations. The critical implications of rejecting the Septuagint, particularly in the context of the Reformation, are thoughtfully explored.
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Jerome's Choice Ignored Septuagint
- Jerome unilaterally switched the Old Testament basis from the Greek Septuagint to Hebrew without permission or discussion.
- This decision set the stage for centuries of neglect of the Septuagint in Western Christianity.
Gregory's Fourfold Interpretation Impact
- Pope Gregory I formalized fourfold scripture interpretation, increasing allegorical focus.
- This led later to a weakened emphasis on the literal interpretation foundational for true understanding.
Language Shift Lost Biblical Roots
- Latin became the dominant Bible language in the West as Greek was lost.
- Post-Jerome, no one learned Hebrew or Greek; Latin replaced the originals without source scrutiny.
