Septuagint Comparisons
Until just a few years ago, there was only one version of the Septuagint available in English - the Brenton translation made in the 1800's. However, the Christian world is finally waking up to the importance of the Septuagint. As a result, as of January 1, 2008 there are now four English versions of the Septuagint available. Each edition has its relative strengths and weaknesses. Here is how they compare:
The Brenton Translation For over a century, the Brenton translation was the standard English edition of the Septuagint. In fact, it is still the most popular edition.
Strengths: ¡ñ Hardback ¡ñ Contains the Greek text in the center column ¡ñ Uses King James English (for those used to reading the King James Bible) ¡ñ Contains the entire canon of the Septuagint, including those works sometimes referred to as the Apocrypha
Weaknesses: ¡ñ Text is relatively small ¡ñ Uses Roman numerals for chapter numbers, making it a bit more difficult to use
The Apostles BibleThe Apostles Bible was first published a few years ago. It is simply the Brenton edition rendered into 21st century English.
Strengths: ¡ñ Uses 21st century English, for those not used to King James English ¡ñ Uses arabic numbers for chapters, making it easier to use than the original Brenton edition ¡ñ Typeface is easier to read than is the original Brenton edition
Weaknesses: ¡ñ Paperback. ¡ñ Large, oversized edition ¡ñ Contains only the Protestant Old Testament canon
The New English Translation This translation was sponsored by Oxford University, whose publication has been eagerly waited by readers of the Septuagint.
Strengths: ¡ñ The most scholarly edition of the Septuagint presently available ¡ñ Hardback ¡ñ Handy size ¡ñ Uses 21st century English ¡ñ Contains the entire canon of the Septuagint, including those works sometimes referred to as the Apocrypha
Weaknesses: ¡ñ The Bible books are in the order found in the Septuagintal canon, which differs slightly from the order found in most Protestant Bibles ¡ñ Uses Greek spelling for proper names. For example, Moses is rendered as Moises. This is more faithful to the Septuagintal text, but will be unfamiliar to most readers.
The Thomson Translation This was the very first English translation of the Septuagint. It was published in 1808 by the Greek scholar Charles Thomson, who spent twenty years preparing this translation. Prior to working on this translation, Charles Thomson served as the secretary of the Continental Congress.
Strengths: ¡ñ Hardback ¡ñ Handy size ¡ñ Uses King James English, for those used to reading the King James Bible ¡ñ Translated by a scholar who had enormous appreciation and respect for the Septuagint
Weaknesses: ¡ñ Uses Roman numerals for chapter numbers ¡ñ Contains only the Protestant Old Testament canon