The Lexham English Septuagint: A New Translation

I've been waiting for a good edition of the septuagint for a while now, since the others available are somewhat disappointing in some way or another (separating out the 'apocrypha', archaic language, actual translation of the greek and not just a revised NRSV). I haven't been able to read the whole text though I did notice some minor typos, but this review is on the physical aspects of the book mostly (thought I do like the inclusion of the Book of Enoch as well as the book titled 'Odes' which is a compilation of poetic prayers and songs from the entire book as well as some new testament ones - useful for monastic-type prayer).The dark gray hardback feels sturdy and nicely done. The cover seems built to last and is NOT a rough or irritating tactile sensation; and I like the decorative gold on the spine and covers - a nice touch that adds a certain sanctity to it's presentation. The paper is good quality with minimal bleed through, but it is hard to tell if it is glued in or sewn (I'm guessing glued). Regardless the book opens flat and the spine is flexible and accommodating once it is broken in a little. The text feels like a manuscript in that it is page after page of block text only separated out by paragraphs, though the poetic sections are written in verse format. This book is straight-up just the text of the septuagint - no frills or commentary. On the margins is a brief topical note for a section or paragraph. If you are orthodox, you might be disappointed in that there is no iconography anywhere.Overall, very satisfied with my purchase and glad someone FINALLY put out a septuagint translated to modern english directly from the greek without separating the order of the text (and irrespective of theological denomination).

I purchased the Lexham English Septuagint, because I don't know Greek, and I wanted a good English version. I've been studying the Letter to the Hebrews for a while now, and I'm learning that the author relied upon the Septuagint as his text when he wrote the letter ( which is more of a sermon than a letter, lol). For this reason particularly, I thought it would be good to have a Septuagint on hand. But beyond that, as it is the text of the very early Church, I thought it would be good to read it. I purchased the hard cover. It isn't a glued binding, as someone else has said. It's a stitched binding, and it's solid. The print is on the larger side of small print, still very readable for my old eyes. There's a generous margin for notes and marks. I'm very happy with this purchase!

This LEB Septuagint is the only real translation from the actual Greek. I recommend it. Its not perfect, and for a good rundown, there are a couple YouTube videos that go through the edition and break it down, but the quality of the printing is well done, though the paper is tissue-paper thin. Not a problem, but if ghosting is a huge deal for you, you might have issues here - though I'd only say if you're over-the-top picky about it.The binding is well done - smyth sewed and ready for a lot of wear and tear. The other thing I like is that its not completely covered over with footnotes and cross references - that tires the eye after awhile. The absence of all that makes this edition much more enjoyable to read.

Perfect !! reference to to Bible . Glad we got

I am very pleased with this new edition of the Lexham English Septuagint! It is simple and well-made. It's a somewhat unique version with its additions (including portions of Enoch). The translation is very clear and flows very well for the modern reader -- despite its faithfulness to the Greek. Along with a digital copy of the Masoretic text, I plan to keep this Lexham English Septuagint next to me as I read through the Old Testament each day. It will prove quite helpful when considering why translators arrived to their word choices (or if a better set of words might have been possible).

Just one note, it embraces inclusive language and weirdly translates "sons of men" as "sons of humans," for example in psalm 13 (14), which sounds like something out of a dystopian sci fi novel. I also own the original LES along with the NETS and OSB translations, so compared them. All three keep the traditional "sons of men," as in some form do the vast majority of bible translations (KJV: "children of men," NIV: "all mankind," etc). Why would the LES 2nd edition embrace something so awkward? Nowhere in the entire English language is such a phrase used.As a woman, I dislike the forced manipulation of language to suit the modern feminist inability to realize the English word "man" means first of all "mankind." Especially when it ruins the flow of a passage as the disconcerting "sons of humans" does.But this might not bother others. I decided to return it as I have plenty of other resources, but others may still find the LES 2nd edition a helpful addition to their bible collection.

I was unnecessarily worried about it bc of some reviews. I'm reading it in parallel with NIV as a curiosity of differences. As long as you understand linguistics/communications are complex and to use a bit of EQ while reading this, don't freak if it says something a bit different than what you wanted it to (which is very very rare). It's a beautiful read and very simple. It feels like a normal book which is nice because the Bible seems so daunting.