The Septuagint - (Understanding the Bible and Its World) by Jennifer Dines (Paperback)

About the Book

Jennifer Dines provides an introductory survey of current scholarship on the Greek Bible - the Septuagint. She outlines its origins in the third to first centuries BCE, going on to trace its subsequent history to the fifth century CE. The Septuagint's relationship with the standard Hebrew text and its translational characteristics are examined, as is its value as a collection with its own literary and exegetical character.

Book Synopsis

Jennifer Dines provides an introductory survey of current scholarship on the Greek Bible - the Septuagint. She outlines its origins in the third to first centuries BCE, going on to trace its subsequent history to the fifth century CE. The Septuagint's relationship with the standard Hebrew text and its translational characteristics are examined, as is its value as a collection with its own literary and exegetical character.

The Septuagint is shown to be an important source for biblical studies (both Old and New Testament), to make a distinctive contribution to the history of biblical interpretation, and to be of considerable interest for understanding the early development of both Judaism and Christianity.

Review Quotes

'Dines is to be congratulated on producing a readable introduction to a complex field of study. Each chapter is followed by a page of further reading, which not only provides good advice on where to go next, it also acts as a guide to contemporary discussion. She is very even handed.' Steve Moyise, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 27.5--Sanford Lakoff "Journal for the Study of the New Testament "

'One of the primary benefits of Dine's book is that the arguments for each of the respective viewpoints are articulated fairly and objectively...Dine's book is especially useful in explaining difficulties arising in textual criticism of the LXX and understanding possible translation techniques...The Septuagint serves as a positive introduction to the issues of the LXX translation and origin, while being helpful in pointing towards area of further study.' Themelios, Vol 31, Issue 2, January 2006

--Sanford Lakoff "Themelios "

'This is a sure-footed, readable, user-friendly introduction to its subject.' John Goldingay, Theology--Sanford Lakoff "Theology "

'If you are looking for a comprehensive introduction to the Septuagint, this book is just that. It guides the reader around all of the basic issues of the formation and interpretation of that text...Dines guides the reader through the subjects with enormous clarity...layout also makes consultation the text on specific subjects a quick and painless exercise. Dines writing is very readable, making the process of understanding a fairly complicated subject relatively pleasureable...It is also concise, in that she explains a great deal quite clearly in little space...an excellent introduction to the Septuagint and guide to modern study of that text...For the serious student of biblical studies and for anyone involved in research on biblical texts at a postgraduate level, this book is a must-have. Reading it will give a good grounding in the area, and it is a great little volume to have on the shelves to consult.'--Andy Angel, ANVIL, Volume 22, Number 4 "Anvil "

The Septuagint or early Greek translation of the Old Testament has lacked a good, current introduction until recently. The strength of Dr. Dines s introduction is its thoroughness, compactness, and readability. The user-friendly layout, with sub-headings and sections clearly indicated, and the detailed table of contents and indexes all make this an easy volume to read and also to consult and refer to for the answer to specific questions. It has one of the most comprehensive discussions on Septuagint origins that I have seen. The treatment of topics, even the controversial ones, is balanced and judicious. I do not believe the student can do better for a guide to the Septuagint, and working biblical scholars and even Septuagint specialists will also want it on their bookshelf. Lester L. Grabbe, Professor of Hebrew Bible and Early Judaism, University of Hull--Lester L. Grabbe

'An accessible but scholarly handbook on the Greek translation of the Bible, complete with a chapter on the use of the LXX in exegesis, bibliography and indexes. Bery informative and up to date.' Taken from review in International Review of Biblical Studies, Vol. 51:2004/05

"The Septuagint or early Greek translation of the Old Testament has lacked a good, current introduction until recently. The strength of Dr. Dines's introduction is its thoroughness, compactness, and readability. The user-friendly layout, with sub-headings and sections clearly indicated, and the detailed table of contents and indexes all make this an easy volume to read and also to consult and refer to for the answer to specific questions. It has one of the most comprehensive discussions on Septuagint origins that I have seen. The treatment of topics, even the controversial ones, is balanced and judicious. I do not believe the student can do better for a guide to the Septuagint, and working biblical scholars and even Septuagint specialists will also want it on their bookshelf."

About the Author

Jennifer Dines is Research Associate in the AHRB Parkes Centre Project, "The Greek Bible in the Graeco-Roman World." She is also a member of the Strasburg-based team preparing the Amos volume of the 'Bible d'Alexandrie'.