Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the theological meaning of LXX Psalm 18:8−10 based on the work of David J. A. Clines. By comparing MT Psalm 19 with Genesis 2–3, Clines explores the relationship between the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the tree of life, and the Word of God. This thesis explores the theological perspective embedded within the Septuagint translators' rendering of the Hebrew text, with a particular focus on how the LXX translation of Psalm 18 interacts with and informs the theological framework of the Genesis 2–3 narrative. This study investigates the parallelism in LXX Psalm 18:8–10, exploring the theological interconnections and significance of the six synonymous terms that characterize the Word of God in the text. Through this analysis, the study elucidates the structural features of the text and highlights the theological intent of the Septuagint translator, as revealed through a comparative examination of the Hebrew original. It also examines the connection with LXX Genesis 2–3, identifying the relationship between the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the tree of life, and the Word of God, and in doing so, revealing the interconnections with the Hebrew text. In addition to discussing the theological features of the Septuagint translation, this study contributes to our understanding of the interpretive currents of early Judaism.