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Document Details : Title: The Septuagint and Alexandrian Scholarship Author(s): VAN DER KOOIJ, Arie Journal: Bibliotheca Orientalis Volume: 68 Issue: 5-6 Date: 2011 Pages: 492-509 DOI: 10.2143/BIOR.68.5.2152690 Abstract : The origins of the Septuagint of the Pentateuch is a disputed issue. Opinions about the Letter of Aristeas, representing the most ancient account of the matter, differ widely as for the historical value of this document. In a recent study, Sylvie Honigman has advanced a new theory about the original setting of the Greek version of the Pentateuch, the Law of the Jews, (a theory) which is based on an innovative analysis of the Letter of Aristeas. This review article offers a description and critical assessment of her ideas, particularly so regarding her focus on Homeric scholarship. It is argued that, instead of the ‘Homeric paradigm’ as proposed by Honigman, the idea of a ‘philosophical’ paradigm does more justice to the data in the Letter. The question is then dealt with in which way this alternative paradigm could serve as a window on the origins of the Greek Pentateuch. |
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