The Septuagint

“It is good to have Lanier and Ross as reliable guides to the tricky but fascinating domain of the Greek Old Testament. Their short introduction is a rare achievement: introducing the complexities behind the term ‘Septuagint’ in a simple way without compromising accuracy. An excellent book.”

—Peter J. Williams, Principal, Tyndale House, Cambridge

“Pastors and seminary students regularly ask me about the Septuagint and its significance for a modern, English-speaking Christian. The Septuagint: What It Is and Why It Matters is my new number-one recommended resource for these inquiries. The book is informed by a scholarly knowledge of the subject, yet it remains accessible and a pleasure to read.”

—Robert L. Plummer, Collin and Evelyn Aikman Professor of Biblical Studies, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Founder and Host, Daily Dose of Greek

“Interested in the Septuagint? Start here. This accessible introduction carefully navigates the what and the so what of the Septuagint, charting a steady course through a quagmire of complex issues. Tricky matters are treated with scholarly precision and theological sensitivity, and readers will find a corrective both to an overemphasis and to an underemphasis on the Septuagint. This book will be useful to the beginning student, the graduate student, the pastor, and anyone interested in learning more about how we got the Bible.”

—Brandon D. Crowe, Professor of New Testament, Westminster Theological Seminary

“In class I’m regularly asked how much value and authority we should attribute to the Septuagint. The answer is complex, but students are looking for clear answers. As a teacher, I had yet to come across a clear yet precise resource explaining the origins and role of the Septuagint—until now. Lanier and Ross have produced a book I will be recommending each time this question is posed. I highly recommend it.”

—Patrick Schreiner, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

“The Septuagint is unfamiliar and intimidating to most Bible students. I don’t know of a more accessible introduction than this book.”

—Andrew David Naselli, Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament, Bethlehem College & Seminary; Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church

“The Septuagint is a minefield of quandaries for both Bible scholar and devoted layperson: Why is the Septuagint in my Bible’s footnotes, offering a different reading from the main text or the source for the reading in the main text? Why do the New Testament authors quote from the Septuagint and not the Hebrew? In this book, Lanier and Ross know the minefield and ably guide readers through the potential dangers related to terminology, the task of ancient translation, textual and translational histories, canonical formation, and biblical authority and lead them safely to the other side. I happily recommend this book!”

—John D. Meade, Associate Professor of Old Testament; Codirector, Text & Canon Institute, Phoenix Seminary; coauthor, The Biblical Canon Lists from Early Christianity