Introduction to the LXX ed. by Siegfried Kreuzer

Abstract

Reviewed by: Introduction to the LXX ed. by Siegfried Kreuzer Bradley C. Gregory siegfried kreuzer (ed.), Introduction to the LXX (trans. David A. Brenner and Peter Altmann; Waco, TX: Baylor University Press, 2019). Pp. xxx + 671. Paper $69.95. Although titled Introduction to the LXX, this volume is actually somewhat of a hybrid of a traditional introduction to the Septuagint and a handbook for use as a reference work. The choice of this title makes sense because this volume represents the first installment in a new series entitled Handbook of the Septuagint, and so that title could not have been used. Future volumes in this series plan to delve into particular aspects of LXX studies such as the textual history, the theology, the language, and the reception history of the LXX (p. xi). The introductory section of the work (pp. 3–62) contains two essays covering the usual topics found in introductory textbooks such as those by Jennifer Dines (The Septuagint [Understanding the Bible and Its World; London: T&T Clark, 2004]) and Karen Jobes and Moisés Silva (Invitation to the Septuagint [2nd ed.; Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2015]). In “The Origins and Transmission of the Septuagint,” Siegfried Kreuzer gives a balanced and able discussion of the historical, cultural, and political background, the emergence of the LXX, and important terminological issues. He then discusses the early Hebraizing revisions, the later Jewish translations, Christian revisions, and the transmission and influence of the LXX in late antiquity. His navigation of the debate over whether the LXX originated as a Ptolemaic or Jewish initiative is representative of the nuanced character of this essay. He argues that the primary initiative arose from the Jewish cultural context and educational needs but the indirect role played by the positive reception of the project among the Ptolemies helps to account for literary traditions that presented it as a Ptolemaic initiative (p. 19). In the second introductory essay, “Overview of Textual Witnesses to the Septuagint,” Kreuzer and Marcus Sigismund present in table form a chronological listing of the most important [End Page 529] textual witnesses from the third century b.c.e. to the third century c.e. Importantly, this list also includes other relevant witnesses such as Hebrew manuscripts from Qumran, as well as quotations of the LXX and daughter translations. Sections 1–6 of the book present introductions to the individual books of the LXX: Pentateuch, Historical Books, Later Historical Books and Narratives, Psalms and Odes, Wisdom Books, and Prophetic Books. Most of the individual chapters are between seven and fifteen pages in length and follow the same format. Chapters begin with a substantial bibliography, then discuss “Texts and Editions,” “Translation Technique: Time and Place” (or general matters of provenance for works composed in Greek), “Linguistic, Textual, and Theological Profile,” before concluding with “Prospects for Research.” Section 1, on the Pentateuch, includes the following contributions: “From the Torah to Nomos: Perspectives of Research on the Greek Pentateuch,” by Martin Rösel; “Genesis,” by Martina Kepper; “Exodos/Exodus,” by Peter Schwagmeier; “Levitikon/Leviticus,” by Martin Vahrenhorst; “Arithmoi/Numeri/Numbers,” by Gilles Dorival; and “Deuteronomion/Deuteronomium/Deuteronomy,” by Melvin K. H. Peters. Section 2, on the Historical Books, contains “Jesus/Josue/Joshua,” by Cornelius G. den Hertog; “Kritai/Iudices/Judges,” by Natalio Fernández Marcos; “Ruth,” by Eberhard Bons; “Basileion I and II/1–2 Kingdoms/1–2 Samuel,” by Philippe Hugo; “Basileion III/3 Kingdoms, 1 Kings,” by Martin Meiser; “Basileion IV/4 Kingdoms/2 Kings,” by Julio Trebolle Barrera; “Paraleipomenon I and II/1–2 Chronica/1–2 Chronicles,” by Adrian Schenker; “Esdras I/1 Esdras/3 Ezra,” by Dieter Böhler; and “Esdras II/2 Esdras/Ezra-Nehemiah,” by Dieter Böhler. Section 3, on the Later Historical Books and Narratives, comprises “Esther/The Book of Esther,” by Kristin De Troyer; “Judith/The Book of Judith,” by Helmut Engel; “Tobit/The Book of Tobit/Tobias,” by Katrin Hauspie; “Makkabaion I/1 Maccabees,” by Michael Tilly; “Makkabaion II/2 Maccabees,” by Tobias Nicklas; “Makkabaion III/3 Maccabees,” by Wolfgang Orth; and “Makkabaion IV/4 Maccabees,” by Robert J. V. Hiebert. Section 4, on Psalms and Odes, contains the following contributions: “Psalmoi/The Book of Psalms...