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I have heard that this new version with a modern translation of the LXX (Septuagint) might be available as soon as late 2004. Does anyone have any inside information on this?

I can hardly wait to finally have the Septuagint coupled with the New Testament in one Bible. This, combined with the notes from an Orthodox perspective, is something I truly to rejoice in. For those unfamiliar with the project, here's the link:

http://www.lxx.org/

I also rejoice in having a Bible not muddied up with all the hyper Biblical Criticism mumbo-jumbo but one which aproaches the Breath of God (as we Armenians refer to it = 'Asdvadzashunch') from the perspective of the Church's Holy Tradition.

Trusting in Christ's Light,
Wm. DerGhazarian
Looys Kreesdosee
www.geocities.com/derghazar [geocities.com]

Ghazar,

I use the OSB quite frequently, it is very useful for me coming from a RC background, though it has its Orthodox critics.

From what I read on another forum somewhere it will be spring 2005 for the complete Bible, and I plan to purchase one.

james

Dear Jakub,

Thanks for the info. but I've heard that they've moved up this date. I know of plenty of criticisms of this monumental book but they are always by those who can not offer a better alternative. The OSB is the best Orthodox Study Bible and the only Orthodox Study Bible. Until someone makes a better one (which is what the OSB writers are actually doing) the criticisms are nothing but curses of darkness. I prefer those who light the candle. Heck, with this Bible's unusual approach (i.e. from Church Tradition) I used to say it was the best Catholic Bible as well. It has room for improvement for sure, this is why I welcome the new edition coming soon. Thanks again for your reply.

your brother in Christ's Light,
Ghazar

Ghazar,

There also is a 2 volume Orthodox New Testament with extensive notes from Church Fathers and black & white Icon pics.

Its @ www.light-n-life.com [light-n-life.com]

james

Yes, now that you mention it, I seem to remember hearing something about this too. I stand corrected, the OSB is not the only Orthodox Study Bible, just the most affordable one. Am I reading this right, its $38 each or is that for the set?

How do you like it? Is it worth all that money? Is there an Old Testament available with it? I'm wondering if the language is going to be very archaic being its based on the KJV. Thanks for the information and for bringing this to my attention.

Trusting in Christ's Light,
Ghazar

Ghazar,

I don't have the ONT 2 volume set but it is on my wish list. I've read good comments about it, I'll try to find a review.

james

Ghazar,

Try these:

http://omna.nettinker.com/biblenews.html

http://www.orthodoxbooksanditems.com/biblesandcommentaries.html

james

Ghazar,
"Curses of darkness" come on!
No there are people who seriously consider that the OSB is far too influenced by Protestantism.
And I happen to be one of them.
I also have the other Orthodox NT published by the Holy Apostles Convent and the Dormition Skete in Buena Vista CO.
It too has its serious defects. Guess we all just have to bone up on the Koine Greek of the NT and the Greek of the Septuagint if we want an accurate view of the Scriptures (and of course we have to know the semetic inferences Hebrew and Aramaic) to fully understand them.
As far as the quotes go from the Fathers they are great.

Just one thing greatly troubles me. Why do all translations miserably fail in there translation of Luke 1:28? For me it has become a standard text to judge the homesty and worthness of the translation.

Stephanos I

Dear Stephanos,

Tell me about the translation of Luke 1:28.

I've seen the DR and the NAB. What about the RSV?
What about the original Greek text?

In your opinion what is the best translation of Luke 1:28?

I've wondered about this for a long time.

Peace and true joy in Christ,

Paul

Paul,

My trusty RSV Luke 1:28> "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you ".

My Jerusalem Bible > " Rejoice so highly favoured! The Lord is with you ".


james

Sir Jakub,

NAB reads: "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you."

Pretty close to the RSV.

I think the question is how did we get from "Hail Mary FULL OF GRACE (emphathis mine) from the DR and the traditional rosary to the modern translations.

Let's see what Stephanos and others have to say about this.

Paul

My mistake. The DR omits "Mary".

Paul

I forgot the JB footnote for Luke 1:28 :

"The translation "Rejoice" may be preferred to "Hail" and regarded as containing a messianic reference,cf Zc 9.9. "so highly favoured" i.e. as to become the Mother of the Messiah. Add. "Of all women you are most blessed", cf.1:42.

james

This is something I've been curious about, too.

It seems to be a Vulgate versus LXX* difference.

Anyway, the Vulgate says:

The DR translation is a right-on translation of this (as far as my poor Latin skills tell me), and actually the Latin text to the prayer "Hail Mary" is exactly the same form "Ave" on.

The difference with the King James version always troubled me, given that I assumed the KJV to be a 100% accurate translation of the LXX*. Is this really a point where the Vulgate and LXX have different words?

This has been something that some extreme Protestants have used to charge that the Vulgate is a "Roman distortion", and I hope this isn't something that causes controversy between East and West.

*BTW I use LXX in a way that assumes that the word refers to the standard Greek text of the NT that the Eastern Churches use. Please correct me if this usage is wrong.

Actually Brethren
the vulgate is the only accurate translation of the Greek text
chaire kecharitomene = gratia plena = full of grace.
And this translation is pivital in our understanding of doctrine concerning the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The whole question of the Immaculate Conception is affected in how we translate and understand this text.
It is interesting to note that only one other person in the NT is full of grace. Yep! You guessed it Jesus. We see this in John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and tuth;" plenes charitos kai aletheias = plenum gratiae = full of grace.

Of course it must be noted that Jesus "alone" was by nature full of grace and Mary was full of grace by God's favor.
Stephanos I