Tartarus According To Septuagint

Tartarus occurs in the Septuagint translation of Job (40:20 and 41:24) into Koine Greek, and in Hellenistic Jewish literature from the Greek text of the Book of Enoch, dated to 400–200 BC. This states that God placed the archangel Uriel “in charge of the world and of Tartarus” (20:2).

Septuagint

The Septuagint is a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, traditionally believed to have been translated by 70 (or 72) Jewish scholars in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. It played a significant role in the transmission of the Hebrew scriptures and had a lasting impact on both Judaism and Christianity.

Job 40:20

In Job 40:20, the verse mentions the mighty beast Behemoth, described as a creature with immense strength and power, residing in the marshes and rejoicing in its might. This depiction showcases Behemoth as a formidable and untameable force in the natural world.

Job 41:24

In Job 41:24, the text describes the mighty sea creature Leviathan, portraying it as fearsome and untameable. This depiction underscores the awe-inspiring power and sovereignty of Leviathan in the domain of the sea, emphasizing its dominance and unassailability in the natural world.

The reference to 20:2 appears to be a part of the pseudepigraphical Book of Enoch, where it states that God placed the archangel Uriel “in charge of the world and of Tartarus.” This highlights a unique perspective within Hellenistic Jewish literature regarding the authority and cosmic governance attributed to the archangel Uriel.

Pseudepigraphical Book of Enoch

The Pseudepigraphical Book of Enoch holds a distinctive position within Hellenistic Jewish literature, reflecting a unique perspective on the authority and cosmic governance ascribed to the archangel Uriel. This text, dated to 400–200 BC, portrays God placing the archangel Uriel “in charge of the world and of Tartarus” (20:2), offering an intriguing insight into the celestial hierarchy and divine administration present in ancient beliefs. The characterization of Uriel’s role and dominion over Tartarus contributes to the multifaceted nature of angelology and cosmology within this historical context.