The Priestly Ideology of the Septuagint Translator of Numbers 16—17

Abstract

Although the narrative of Numbers 16–17 has long drawn the attention of biblical interpreters due to its apparently composite character, this article approaches that material using text-critical rather than redaction-critical methods. A comparison of the LXX and Masoretic texts of these chapters reveals a number of differences between the versions which indicate an apparent attempt by the Septuagint translator to accentuate the role of Aaron in the narrative, and to denigrate the role of Korah and the rebels who follow him. This evidence leads to the conclusion that tensions between Levitical and Aaronide groups were present at the time the Septuagint translation was being produced, and that the translator exhibits a distinctly pro-Aaronide ideology in the rendering of Numbers 16–17.