What do Bible scholars mean when they talk about “Greek Ezra”?
The book of Ezra is traditionally believed to have been written in Hebrew, but there exists an ancient Greek translation of the text known as "Greek Ezra." The Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures was known as the Septuagint, which was produced around the third century BCE.
In the world of Biblical scholarship, one term that may spark curiosity and confusion among readers is "Greek Ezra." This term refers to a specific remnant of ancient texts that contain the book of Ezra written in Greek. So, what do Bible scholars mean when they talk about "Greek Ezra"?
Ezra is a book found in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It tells the story of a Jewish priest and scribe named Ezra who plays a significant role in the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. The book of Ezra is traditionally believed to have been written in Hebrew, but there exists an ancient Greek translation of the text known as "Greek Ezra."
The Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures was known as the Septuagint, which was produced around the third century BCE. The Septuagint served as the Bible for the Hellenistic Jewish community and became an important text for the early Christian church. The Septuagint version of Ezra includes some differences from the Hebrew version, leading scholars to refer to it as "Greek Ezra."
When Bible scholars talk about "Greek Ezra," they are referring to the variations and unique characteristics found in the Septuagint version of the book of Ezra. These differences can shed light on the transmission and interpretation of the text in ancient times and provide insights into the historical and cultural context of the Hellenistic Jewish community.
One of the key differences between the Hebrew and Greek versions of Ezra is the inclusion of additional material in the Septuagint text. For example, the Greek Ezra includes a few extra verses at the end of the book that are not found in the Hebrew version. These additional verses provide insight into the Persian king Artaxerxes and his role in the restoration of Jerusalem.
In addition to additional material, the Greek Ezra also contains variations in wording and phrasing compared to the Hebrew version. These differences can help scholars understand how the text was interpreted and transmitted in the ancient world. For example, linguistic differences between the two versions can reveal how the text was adapted to the Greek language and cultural context.
Studying "Greek Ezra" can also provide valuable insights into the influence of Hellenistic culture on Jewish thought and literature. The Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Scriptures was a product of the cultural exchange between the Jewish and Greek communities, and the differences in the Greek Ezra reflect this cross-cultural interaction.