A New English Translation of the Septuagint: Psalms [Paperback]

Albert Pietersma (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 16, 2000

Only two English translations of the Septuagint have ever been published, both more than 150 years ago. Since that time, significant advances have been made in Greek lexicography, numerous ancient manuscripts have come to light, and important steps have been taken in recovering the pristine text of each Septuagint book. Therefore, a new translation of the Septuagint into English is not only much needed, but long overdue.
The goal of A New English Translation of the Septuagint (NETS) is to provide readers with an Old Testament freshly translated from the ancient Greek text. This volume of the Psalms of the Septuagint (the first part of the project) includes footnotes calling attention to relevant textual issues. In addition, the committee of translators has provided an extensive introduction to the project as a whole and to the particular issues involved in the rendering of the Psalms into English.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 16, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195297539
• ISBN-13: 978-0195297539
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,729,452 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for everyday use, sure: but valuable to students, August 1, 2006

By 

M. SCOTT (Durham, UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A New English Translation of the Septuagint: Psalms (Paperback)

A previous review has slated this volume for being unsuited to liturgical or everyday use. That may be: but Septuagint studies is not kindergarten, and the textual issues hanging over any translation of Septuagint psalms are unavoidably complex. Pietersma is an old hand at this sort of thing, and a reliable, if sometimes prosaic, guide. He's attempting a difficult task: to make this rich tradition accessible, while adjudicating the issues which will decide the merits of his translation. In doing this, elegance must sometimes be abandoned in favour of greater precision. The result isn't perfect, but it is a seminal contribution to the wider project which it serves. 5 stars for effort; 4 for attainment.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Valuable, Not For Everyone, December 21, 2006

By 

Lowell Prescott (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A New English Translation of the Septuagint: Psalms (Paperback)

Do not buy this book if you are looking for devotional or liturgical material. That is not its purpose, nor is that something for which it should (or could) be used.

The value here is for those who wish to study the texts, perhaps reading this next to a favorite (or even multiple) poetic translations.

The attempt was not to create a new poetic translation, but get as close to literal from the Greek as possible. Those who need this sort of thing will find this book fascinating and invaluable.

11 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Totally unsuited for either liturgical use, or for everyday reading, July 4, 2005

By 

William M. Smith - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A New English Translation of the Septuagint: Psalms (Paperback)

I was quite disappointed by this translation of the Septuagint Psalter. After scanning the introduction, it was clear that this translation was not meant for liturgical use, or for the everyday reader. The introduction uses much jargon that is totally unintelligible to someone without a degree in Septuagint studies.

Also, the text of the translation itself is lacking in literary quality. Psalm one begins, "Happy the man who did not walk by the counsel of the impious, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit down in the seat of pestiferous people..." - Pestiferous? Also, the verse numbering is annoying. There are usually two different numbering schemes, the second in parentheses. Not only is this annoying, but also confusing. Also, names are not translated according to what is accustomed in English. David is rendered Dauid. While this may be closer to the Greek (and possibly the Hebrew), it isn't what readers are used to. Overall, I can't say this translation has anything to offer to anyone, unless you are a student of Septuagint studies that cares more about the tedious details of ancient Greek and Hebrew grammar rather than the message the text is trying to convey.