LXX Jeremiah 25 and 36 in the light of Jewish literature of the time: On the word usage related to exile and diaspora

Abstract

This article is not meant to contribute to the debate on the textual history of the book of Jeremiah but intends to examine specific data in the Old Greek version (Septuagint [LXX] Jeremiah) in the light of Jewish literature at the time of the translator. The angle of approach concerns the word usage related to exile and diaspora in LXX Jeremiah 25 and 36, on the one hand, and 2 Maccabees 1–2 and Tobit 14, on the other hand. I shall argue that the latter two texts display a usage of the terminology involved that at the same time is related to a particular view of the post-exilic age. After a brief discussion of the terminology involved from a broader perspective, LXX Jeremiah 25 and 36 are looked at from a perspective obtained from the analysis of the two contemporary texts.

Contribution: This article fits within the scope of HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies since it contributes to research regarding historical thought (source interpretation, reception of and traditions about Jeremiah) and hermeneutics.