Customer Reviews

A New English Translation of the Septuagint: Psalms

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.