The Letter of Aristeas: Facing Greek – English Text

Book 6 in Early Jewish Writings

This is a parallel facing edition of The Letter of Aristeas. The Letter of Aristeas purports to recount the origin of the Greek Septuagint in the third century BCE. It suggests this translation of Jewish Law was instigated after the founding of the library of Alexandria by order of Ptolemy II (reigned 284-246 BCE) and miraculously accomplished by 72 translations (hence Septuagint, LXX). However, scholars now recognise that the letter was actually composed over a century later which calls into question the historical value of the entire work. Whatever the kernel of historicity behind it, the letter suggests a high level of integration between Jewish culture and the Hellenistic world.

This book is part of a unique series that contains early Jewish writings in ancient languages alongside English translations on facing pages. This series is designed as a useful cost-efficient tool for students, scholars, and lay persons interested in studying early Jewish writings. These works are important since they were considered authoritative by many early Jewish and Christian communities. Furthermore, they are saturated with examples of early Jewish biblical interpretation and correct false assumptions about early Judaism. Finally for Christians they are important since the New Testament quotes and alludes to these works.

Other features include:

• Introduction to this book and early Jewish literature
• Paradigm charts of noun and verbs
• Wide margins