The Lexham English Septuagint: A Fresh Translation of the Greek Old Testament by Lexham Press

Introduction

Long before most modern English Bibles existed, early Christians and the writers of the New Testament relied heavily on the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Lexham English Septuagint brings this historically vital text to modern readers through a fresh, careful English translation, opening a window into how Scripture was read and understood in the ancient world.

Book Overview

The Lexham English Septuagint (LES) is a new translation of the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Old Testament writings used during New Testament times and in the early church. Beautifully typeset in a comfortable, single-column format, the LES provides a literal, readable, and transparent English edition of the Septuagint for modern readers. Translated directly from Swete's edition of the Septuagint, this translation maintains the meaning of the original text while making it genuinely accessible to contemporary English readers, whether they are approaching the material for the first time or returning to it as part of ongoing scholarly work.

Key Highlights

• A fresh, literal translation of the ancient Greek Septuagint text
• Translated directly from the respected Swete edition of the Septuagint
• Retains familiar personal names and places for easy comparison with other Bibles
• Presented in a clean, comfortable single-column typeset format
• Reflects the Scripture most widely used by early Christians and New Testament writers
• Published by Lexham Press, a trusted name in scholarly biblical resources

Inside the Book

Readers exploring this edition will find that the Septuagint frequently differs in meaningful ways from Hebrew-based Old Testament translations, whether in wording, verse numbering, or even the inclusion of certain texts. These differences are not simply academic curiosities; they reflect the actual Scripture that shaped early Christian theology and worship. By retaining the familiar forms of personal names and places found in Hebrew-based translations, this edition makes it far easier for readers to place the Septuagint alongside their usual Bible and study the two side by side.

Key Topics

• The historical role of the Septuagint in the early church
• Textual differences between Greek and Hebrew Old Testament traditions
• The translation methodology behind Swete's edition of the Septuagint
• How New Testament writers quoted and referenced Septuagint texts
• The value of comparative Scripture reading for deeper study

Reader Benefits

For readers pursuing serious biblical study, access to a clear, literal English Septuagint translation is a genuine asset that is often difficult to find in accessible form. This edition allows readers to engage directly with the textual tradition that shaped so much of early Christian thought, rather than relying solely on secondhand summaries or academic commentary. Its readable single-column layout also makes sustained reading far more comfortable than many scholarly editions typically allow.

Learning Outcomes

• A clearer understanding of the Septuagint's historical role in early Christianity
• Practical ability to compare Greek and Hebrew Old Testament textual traditions
• Insight into how New Testament authors engaged with Old Testament Scripture
• Familiarity with the scholarly translation approach reflected in Swete's edition
• A stronger foundation for advanced biblical studies and seminary coursework

Who Should Read This Book

• Biblical scholars and seminary students studying Old Testament textual history
• Pastors and clergy interested in the Scripture used by the early church
• Serious Bible students who want to compare Greek and Hebrew traditions
• Readers curious about the historical development of the biblical canon
• Anyone building a comprehensive theological or academic reference library

About the Author

This translation was produced through the scholarly efforts of the Lexham Press editorial and translation team, working directly from Swete's edition of the Septuagint to create a translation that is both faithful to the original Greek and accessible to modern English readers. The project reflects a broader commitment to making significant but often overlooked biblical texts available to a wider audience.

About the Publisher

Lexham Press is recognized for producing rigorous, scholarly resources in biblical studies, theology, and religious reference. The publisher has built a strong reputation among pastors, students, and academics for combining careful scholarship with thoughtful, readable presentation, making its titles valuable additions to both personal and institutional theological libraries.

Conclusion

The Lexham English Septuagint offers a rare and valuable opportunity to engage directly with the Greek Old Testament tradition that shaped early Christianity and the New Testament itself. For scholars, pastors, and serious students of Scripture, this translation is a worthwhile addition to any biblical studies collection, opening up textual and historical insights that a standard English Bible alone cannot provide.