Invitation to the Septuagint (2nd Edition)

“The approach taken by Karen Jobes and Moiss Silva is quite different than what is found in much of the literature currently available on the Septuagint... Starting from the premise that the reader may not be aware of the importance of the Septuagint, this book seeks to provide an introduction to the complex world of Septuagint studies. The audience of this book is students in the field of biblical studies, but scholars in the field will also benefit through a reading... The reader will find the 'To Continue Your Study' section in each chapter of the first two major sections especially helpful. These provide bibliographic information for the most up to date Septuagint resources... Jobes and Silva provide a sound introduction to the Septuagint. This book offers the beginning student a wealth of resources to help him or her dive into Septuagint studies. This text supplies a solid foundation from which further investigation can be undertaken.”

“Professors Jobes and Silva's expertise in Septuagintal studies... uniquely equips them to offer English-speaking readers a first-ever, major introduction to the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible... Despite the complexity of this field of study, the authors are to be commended for their very readable writing style, thus making the Invitation to the Septuagint even more inviting.”

“This well-organized book fills the need for an up-to-date and accessible introduction to the making, transmission, and significance of the Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible. It is very fitting as a textbook for students of the Bible and as a source of reference for theologians, philologists, and historians.”

“We commend this authoritative and helpful guide, written as it has been by two seasoned practitioners in the delights, dangers, and pitfalls of establishing and using the text of the Greek Old Testament and of plotting its history and significance... [The authors] have an encyclopedic knowledge of the subject and an international perspective on current developments as well as a good pedagogical approach to the subject. We are in sure and experienced hands.”

“Jobes and Silva are to be congratulated and thanked for their excellent work. Invitation to the Septuagint will quickly become a dog-eared volume on the desk of many a student and scholar of the Bible. Though the book is intended especially to help beginners in the field find their way, even seasoned scholars will turn to Jobes and Silva, both for the convenience its well organized format affords and for its articulate treatment of advanced topics.”

“Waiting for an up-to-date, accurate, and understandable guide for the study of he Greek Septuagint is over... Invitation to the Septuagint undoubtedly will become the textbook of choice for any institution offering an introductory course in Septuagintal studies.”

“The volume by Jobes and Silva, representatives of two different generations of Septuagint scholars, has appeared at an opportune time... The structure of the book is well-planned and organized, it is logical and makes for easy reading... In the final analysis the authors must be thanked for this thorough, encompassing, and balanced venture; in Pietersma's words, 'the first genuine introduction to the Septuagint.' I am certain that it will constructively be used by newcomer and specialist and that it will become a standard work in the near future!”

“A serviceable introduction to the academic discipline of Septuagint studies... A useful framework for exploring some of the more difficult issues related to the text of the Old Testament.”

“Jobes and Silva write for people who have no previous knowledge of this famous Greek translation of the Old Testament, begun in the third century B.C.E... Four appendixes describe major scholarly organizations and research projects, reference works, a glossary of technical terms, and differences in versification between the LXX and English versions. I'll make it required reading.”

“Both advanced students and scholars who wish to refresh their understanding of the Septuagint will appreciate this carefully researched and well-written book.”

“The volume is attractively produced and was proofread with exceptional care. Beginner and specialist alike will find much of value in these pages.”

“This volume supplies a long-felt need for a user-friendly introduction to the LXX for the student who has no prior knowledge of the field... Even seasoned biblical scholars may find it worthwhile to consult this work, for they may learn a thing or two about the arcana of LXX studies.”

“This is a commendably accessible and well-conceived introduction to the LXX, especially useful for students gearing up for serious work in NT/Christian Origins.”

“What is given here is remarkably clear and evenhandedly presented, and all will appreciate the extensive bibliographical listings.”

“This book is exactly what the authors claim it to be. It is a concise introduction to the history and scholarship associated with the Septuagint that allows the reader to probe those topics with increasing depth. Having recently completed a dissertation and monograph associated with the Septuagint, I can honestly say that these authors have left no stone unturned. All the key issues are noted and the tensions that exist within the study of this text are laid bare. The uninitiated readers who are seeking an introduction to the Septuagint will feel they have their money's worth by the close of Part One. The reader seeking a more advanced survey of Septuagint studies will be rewarded throughout. And the doctoral student seeking a dissertation topic within this area of research will find this the perfect starting place to survey the field of study. Given the up-to-date, clear and complete nature of this survey, it will quickly find its way to the desk of every thinker who is serious about the study of the Septuagint.”

“If you want a basic introduction to the Septuagint then look no further. This book is unique in seeking to introduce students to the maze of Septuagint studies without assuming prior knowledge of, or even (to begin with) acquaintance with Greek. Yet despite this its final chapters contain enough depth to allure scholars who have already traced the Septuagint's labyrinthine paths.”

“This is a good all-round introduction to the Septuagint... This volume provides a good entry point into Septuagint studies and would be a suitable text for a course on this subject.”

“This work is an excellent introduction to the LXX that is both theoretically sound and practically conceived. It will be of great use to students entering the world of LXX studies as well as to biblical scholars desiring a clear presentation of the status quaestionis.”

“Both Jobes and Silva have experience as students, instructors, and researchers in the Septuagint. They have seamlessly combined their individual insights and interests to produce a pedagogically sound volume that is accessible to those with little prior knowledge of the Septuagint... In the 2,300 or so years of its existence, the Septuagint has never before been the subject of such an attractive introduction. It is sincerely hoped that at least a few young scholars, accepting this invitation, will in due course join the ranks of Septuagint specialists.”

“This book by academics Jobes and Silva admirably delivers what it promises: it is a clearly written and organized introduction to the Greek-language Hebrew Scriptures commonly called the Septuagint, or LXX. The authors address, with great effectiveness, the history of the Septuagint itself, its transmission over time, the establishment of its text, its interpretation, its relationship to Judaism and Christianity both ancient and modern, and the current state of scholarship on the subject. Sustaining interest in this text, still too little known to the non-specialist, is a fine achievement, especially when done with the grace and intelligence the authors display. Highly recommended.”

“Jobes and Silva have produced the first genuine introduction to the Septuagint. The timing of its appearance is fortuitous, since at least half a dozen translations of the Greek into modern languages are currently in progress—a clear testimony to wide-spread interest. Step-by-step the reader is coached into the field, helped along by clear description, relatively simple language, and numerous apt illustrations. A map and brief chronology of the Hellenistic period further lend a helping hand. Each chapter begins with an anticipatory summary and ends with suggestions for further study. Several indices permit easy locating. The book is well organized, its scholarship is very informed and even handed. There is no doubt that the authors have discovered a need in biblical studies and have superbly filled it.”

“Invitation to the Septuagint answers the crying need for an up-to-date, well-informed introduction to the Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible. The authors have pitched the work just right for students tenderfooting their way into biblical scholarship. I dare say, though, that many a seasoned scholar who often uses the Septuagint will learn much to improve that use and prevent misuse. Here is a volume not to be missed, good for use as a textbook and good for continuing use as a reference.”

“This modern manual on the Greek Bible has three main qualities: (a) the exposition of every subject is very clear and can be followed by a wide spectrum of readers; (b) it is fluently written and is capable of raising the interest of readers with frequent references to the situations of our modern world; and (c) the authors are acquainted with modern linguistics. Consequently this book makes a very complex subject understandable and is very fitting for students of the Bible, theologians, philologists, and historians.”

“This book provides up-to-date information concerning the making, transmission, and significance of the Greek Septuagint, the first translation of the Hebrew Bible. Students and pastors alike will profit from the research of Jobes and Silva, presented in clear and understandable form.”

“This is a very inviting book for anyone wanting to learn about the Septuagint, not only those for whom this is a first introduction but also those who know their way in this area.”

“It is up-to-date with the most significant contributions in the field, offering the reader a good presentation and a fair analysis of the most crucial sources in Septuagint research. I think the authors have succeeded in doing justice to one of the most complex subjects in biblical studies.”

“For years I have been using and recommending Invitation to the Septuagint as an excellent, reader-friendly introduction to an often complex field of study. It orients the novice and nonspecialist to the discipline by means of clear explanations of key terms and concepts, liberal use of examples and illustrations, and up-to-date discussions of the spectrum of issues and perspectives within the world of Septuagint scholarship. Its usefulness as a resource for the Septuagintalist should also not be underestimated. The second edition judiciously augments the content in light of the many developments in the world of Septuagint and cognate studies during the past fifteen years. Regardless of whether one agrees on every point with the authors' perspectives, in terms of its clarity, conciseness, and coverage of the field, Invitation to the Septuagint is an admirable achievement.”

“Invitation to the Septuagint is a well-established standard work for students and specialists alike and one of the most valuable resources on Septuagint studies today. This second, expanded edition takes an already invaluable tool to its highest level as a comprehensive primer and a compendium of existing information. Marked by substantial revisions and valuable additions, it incorporates a large number of the most important developments since the first edition, making it not only an excellent tool for newcomers but also a prominent reference work for seasoned scholars on the history of Septuagint studies and on the current state of research in a rapidly expanding field of study.”

“Invitation is the best entry-level introduction to the burgeoning and complex field of Septuagint studies, bar none. In this second edition, the authors have clarified misunderstandings, responded to criticisms, thoroughly revised and updated the work, and added helpful material for using the Gttingen editions. It is a must for every student and scholar of the Septuagint.”

“Since the first edition of Jobes and Silva's groundbreaking introduction, research on and interest in the Septuagint has increased dramatically. This new edition has incorporated the most up-to-date scholarship in the same informed and accessible style as the first. Kudos to the authors for so lucidly guiding their readers through the most recent developments in Septuagint studies. This volume should be on the shelf of all who are interested in this corpus, whether they are general readers or specialists.”

“Jobes and Silva's Invitation proposes a full tour of Septuagint studies. All aspects of the ancient Greek version are explored, with extensive examples and discussion of scholarly approaches. The first edition, whose excellent reputation is entirely deserved, will be superseded by this second edition. Completely reworked and admirably up to date, it relates constructively to some criticisms expressed about the first edition. This book merits a place in the library of anyone seriously interested in the study of the Bible.”