At the Direction of Ptolemy II, The Hebrew Bible Is Translated Into Greek
As part of archiving literature from around the world for the Great Library of Alexandria, Ptolemy II ordered that the Torah, or five books of Moses, be translated into Greek around 260 BCE. The liberation of the Jews that were sold into slavery by his father, was part of Ptolemy’s strategy to secure the cooperation of Eleazar, the Jewish high priest in Jerusalem, in sending him the best scholars for the task.
The Letter of Aristaeus:
"I have determined that your law shall be translated from the Hebrew tongue…into the Greek language, that these books may be added to…my library.”
Overview
At the Direction of Ptolemy II, The Hebrew Bible Is Translated Into Greek, c. 260 BCE
Around 260 BCE, Ptolemy II ordered that the Hebrew Bible be translated into Greek for the Great Library of Alexandria for both the Jewish population of Egypt and those in vassal states abroad. This translation is known as the Septuagint.
The Letter of Aristeas
“Now since I (Ptolemy II) am anxious to show my gratitude to these men and to the Jews throughout the world: …
I have determined that your law shall be translated from the Hebrew tongue…into the Greek language, that these books may be added to…my library (The Great Library of Alexandria).”
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