LXX Esther : "more" God "less" theology

Abstract

This article argues that the Greek translators of the Hebrew version of the Esther narrative did not take its theology seriously. The explicit theological insertions such as “call upon the lord” and “to fear god”, as well as the additions, for example the apocalyptic vision in addition A and the prayers in addition C, are testimonies to this. The Greek translators’ theological reworking of the Hebrew version of Esther is explicit and certain. This article will discuss some of these insertions, while referring to the additions, in an attempt to show that the Greek translators disregarded the narrative, open-ended theology of the Hebrew version of Esther. In conclusion a call will be made for a re-evaluation and appreciation of the Esther narrative in its Hebrew form.