Reviews
In the field of Septuagint studies that has been blossoming over the past decade or so, Lexham makes a very important contribution: an up-to-date and methodologically-sound English translation of the Greek Old Testament (and Apocrypha). The LES makes significant steps forward in translation philosophy, accuracy, and readability. Its layout is visually attractive, and it helpfully provides variant readings from the major critical editions of the Greek text without becoming cumbersome. It will prove tremendously valuable to those studying both Old and New Testaments (and the relationship between them), particularly by providing a clearer window on the specific wording of the Septuagint., This is a very welcome addition to the translations of the Septuagint. What makes the LES stand out is that it is based primarily on the Codex Vaticanus, while also noting the variants, so that the reader gets a genuine feel for how a fourth century Christian would have read the Scriptures as found in this received text. It is sure to be an indispensable resource for scholars and general readers alike. --Fr. John Behr, Dean of St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary and Professor of Patristics and Metropolitan Kallistos Chair in Orthodox Theology at Vrije Universiteit, In the field of Septuagint studies that has been blossoming over the past decade or so, Lexham makes a very important contribution: an up-to-date and methodologically-sound English translation of the Greek Old Testament (and Apocrypha). The LES makes significant steps forward in translation philosophy, accuracy, and readability. Its layout is visually attractive, and it helpfully provides variant readings from the major critical editions of the Greek text without becoming cumbersome. It will prove tremendously valuable to those studying both Old and New Testaments (and the relationship between them), particularly by providing a clearer window on the specific wording of the Septuagint. --Gregory R. Lanier, Associate Professor of New Testament, RTS-Orlando, Co-editor, Septuaginta: A Reader's Edition (2 vols; Hendrickson, 2018), Familiarity with the Septuagint is vital for any interaction with both the New Testament authors and the Ancient Church, for by and large this was their Old Testament. There is then a need to have a good translation of the Septuagint, and this one, the second edition of the Lexham English Septuagint, fits the bill to a T. It is by far the best on the market in terms of both its reliable textual basis and its faithful,consistent, readable translation. I am thrilled to see this new edition out and honored to endorse it. --Michael A.G. Haykin, FRHistS, Chair and professor of Church History The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, St. Jerome did not reject or disdain the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, and we should not either. Nonetheless, for students of Christian tradition who want to know what the Fathers read when they read their Old Testament, access to the Septuagint is essential. Orthodox Christians, for whom the Fathers occupy a special and authoritative role in their approach to the Scriptures, must be especially interested in the Septuagint. Fortunately for us all, Lexham Press has published a scholarly and readable English version of the Greek Septuagint. This is an indispensable tool for a broader and historical interpretation of the Old Testament Scriptures. --Archpriest Lawrence Farley, Pastor, St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church (OCA), Langley B.C., Canada, ***Please replace the previous endorsement by Behr with this one*** This is a very welcome addition to the translations of the Septuagint. It is sure to be an indispensable resource for scholars and general readers alike. --Fr. John Behr, Dean of St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary and Professor of Patristics and Metropolitan Kallistos Chair in Orthodox Theology at Vrije Universiteit
