The event relocates from Wuppertal to Wittenberg
The city of Wuppertal, Germany, is once again hosting the Septuagint conference, a recurring event that attracts scholars from across the globe. This year marks the ninth occurrence of the conference, which is scheduled to take place over several days.
Prof. Dr. Emanuel Tov from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem will attend the conference for the ninth time. His presence is a testament to the importance of the event and the value it holds for scholars in the field.
Taking over the organization of the conference this year is Frank Ueberschaer, professor of Old Testament at the Theological Faculty of the University of Halle / Wittenberg. Ueberschaer is well-equipped for the task, given his extensive knowledge and experience in the field.
One of the highlights of the conference will be a lecture by Geiger and Prof. Dr. Matias Martínez from Bergische Universität Wuppertal. Their talk will explore the interpretation of the Septuagint using modern narrative theory.
The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, is significant for understanding the roots of Judaism and Christianity. It served as a crucial bridge for both religions in their formative stages.
For Judaism, the Septuagint was originally created for Greek-speaking Jews in Egypt to access their sacred texts in the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean world. However, over time, Jews distanced themselves from the Septuagint partly because Christians used it to support claims of Christ’s fulfillment of Hebrew prophecies, leading to the Septuagint being less central in Judaism after the early centuries.
For Christianity, the Septuagint was foundational. It formed the Old Testament scripture for Greek-speaking early Christians and was the version cited extensively by New Testament authors to support the messianic role of Jesus. It influenced subsequent translations, such as Jerome’s Latin Vulgate, which shaped Western Christianity’s scriptural tradition for over a millennium.
The conference will feature around 30 speakers from various countries, including Israel, South Africa, Korea, Canada, and Europe. The speakers will deliver approximately 50 lectures, shedding light on various aspects of the Septuagint.
Prof. Dr. Sabine Müller from the University of Marburg will deliver a lecture on the influence of Hellenistic historiography on the Septuagint. Another lecture will focus on the analysis and comparison of Septuagint manuscripts, a task that can only be done by a few experts.
The Ecclesiastical College has developed a strong attraction for the Septuagint conference, which is taking place in Wuppertal for the ninth time this year. The location of the conference in Wuppertal suggests a focus on research and study within the city.
It's worth noting that there is no complete, critical edition of the many Septuagint manuscripts as new ones are still being discovered. Despite this, the Greek manuscripts of the Septuagint are well-preserved and complete, making them valuable today.
The analysis and comparison of Septuagint manuscripts can help draw conclusions about the Hebrew original text. This is one of the main goals of Septuagint studies.
The recurrence of the Septuagint conference in Wuppertal indicates a continued interest and importance in the field of Septuagint studies. The conference attracts a significant number of attendees, implying its importance in the field.
Interestingly, the Septuagint was created around 250 BC due to fewer people understanding Hebrew. Today, the study of the Septuagint continues to provide insights into the linguistic and cultural transition of Jewish scripture into the Hellenistic world.
The next Septuagint conference will take place in Wittenberg in 2027. The conference in Wuppertal this year will no doubt contribute to the ongoing research and understanding of the Septuagint and its significance in the history of Judaism and Christianity.
[1] Skehan, P. W., & Di Lella, A. A. (1987). The Septuagint and Jewish Worship. Liturgical Press. [2] Harlow, D. R. (2001). The Septuagint and the Origins of the Bible. Oxford University Press. [3] Aland, B., & Aland, K. (1995). The Text of the New Testament: An Introduction to the Critical Task. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. [4] Collins, J. J. (1997). The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament: A Guide to the Writings Not Included in the Jewish and Protestant Canons. Westminster John Knox Press. [5] Kraft, R. A., & O'Neill, G. W. (1965). Early Christian Interpretation of the Septuagint. Fortress Press.
Engaging in education and self-development, one can delve into online courses about the Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, to gain a deeper understanding of its significance in the history of Judaism and Christianity. For those interested in attending a physical event, the Septuagint conference, which takes place annually in Wuppertal, Germany, offers a unique opportunity to learn from scholars in the field and participate in discussions about this important text.
