Invitation to the Septuagint, 2nd Edition

"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."

"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 Göttingen editions. It is a must for every student and scholar of the Septuagint."

"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."

"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."

"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."

Praise for the First Edition

"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."

"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 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."

"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."

"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."