What Is The Significance Of The Variant Readings In The Masoretic Text And The Septuagint Of Isaiah 7:14, Particularly In Relation To The Translation Of The Hebrew Word Almah As Virgin Or Young Woman, And How Might This Impact Our Understanding Of The Development Of Messianic Expectations In Second Temple Judaism?

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The variant readings of Isaiah 7:14 in the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX) significantly impact the interpretation of the prophecy and its influence on messianic expectations in Second Temple Judaism.

  1. Textual Analysis:

    • The MT uses "almah," which means "young woman" without necessarily implying virginity. The Hebrew term for virgin is "bethulah," which is not used here.
    • The LXX translates "almah" as "parthenos," a Greek word specifically meaning "virgin," emphasizing a miraculous birth.

  2. Theological Implications:

    • The LXX's "parthenos" introduces the idea of a virgin birth, aligning with later Christian theology about Jesus' birth. This translation likely influenced early Christian interpretations, as seen in Matthew 1:22-23, where the verse is linked to Jesus, highlighting his divine nature.

  3. Impact on Messianic Expectations:

    • In Second Temple Judaism, the LXX's influence, especially among Greek-speaking Jews, may have shaped expectations of a Messiah with a miraculous origin. This could have contributed to diverse messianic views, with some emphasizing a divine, miraculously born Messiah.
    • The MT's "young woman" maintained a natural sign, possibly focusing on God's providence without the miraculous element.

  4. Historical Context and Development:

    • The original passage in Isaiah was likely a sign for King Ahaz, but the LXX's translation shifted its interpretation to a future Messiah. This eschatological shift influenced Jewish thought, particularly in the Diaspora, where the LXX was widely used.

  5. Early Christian Influence:

    • The use of the LXX by early Christians provided a theological foundation for Jesus' virgin birth, enhancing his divine credentials and distinguishing Christian messianic views from some Jewish interpretations.

In conclusion, the variant readings of Isaiah 7:14 contributed to differing messianic expectations. The LXX's "virgin" emphasized a miraculous birth, influencing Christian theology, while the MT's "young woman" kept the sign more grounded. This divergence likely shaped the development of messianic ideas in Second Temple Judaism, with the LXX's influence fostering a more divine and miraculous understanding of the Messiah.