Hello All:
I wanted to start a thread on the Eastern Orthodox Bible (EOB) and try to dispell some misconceptions people have. First, the EOB is using Brenton's Greek Text, but not necessarily Brenton's translation. The English text, if I and the other contributors have anything to say about it, will conform to the underlying Greek of Codex Vaticanus, emendated with Codex Alexandrinus.
Second, the Holy Orthodox Church has no, and I repear NO established septuagint text, except for what is found in its various liturgical readings, and even here various LXX texts were used by various compiles and editors over the centuries. Therefore, if the EOB wants to use Codex Vaticanus/Alexandrinus as its LXX text that is fine. Further, if the Horthodox Study Bible wants to use Alfred Rahlfs Septuagint that is fine as well. Unlike the NT the Orthodox have no established or fixed text when it comes to the Septuagint outside of its liturgical readings.
Third, all divergences from the LXX liturgical text, I humbly believe, should be noted, and the EOB has allowed me to amend, at least, the Pentateuch with all variant readings between its underlying Greek text and the litugical LXX text.
Fourth, I have been comparing Brenton's English translation to the NETS translation and while Brenton's translation is somewhat outdated, it is also not that inaccuate. Are there inaccuracies, yes, they are few, and even then the translation is a judgment call. For example, in Esaias 60 Brenton has "Be enlightened, Be enlightened..." where as the NETS and OSB have "Shine, Shine.." however, the NETS translation stats in a footnote that Brenton's translation is equally as valid. I honestly believe Brenton may be criticized without a truly critical look at Brenton's translation being given by many on this topic. However, errors do exists, but are not as many or as grievious as people may suggest.
Fifth, The EOB is taking its time to harmonize its text with the underlying Greek. I have made suggested changes and so have others. This will truly be an Orthodox translation that, when it is done, I hope to recommend to all Orthodox Christians to purchase and enjoy.
Finally, one need to take his or her time in translating the Septuagint (LXX). Trust me when I tell you that my translation, The Holy Orthodox Bible, could have been release much sooner, but that the quality of its translation would have truly suffered. So I am taking my time and doing a faithful translation of the underlying Greek, which is what the EOB is in the process of doing. Lets give it a chance.
For now we have the OSB. Soon we will have the LXX OT from St. Vladimire's Seminary, Hopy Apostles Convent and Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Brookline, Mass. The future looks good for Orthodox English translations of the underlying Greek. Yet, I would still encourgae all Orthodox Christians to get a Copy of the Zoe Brotherhood Holy Bible that has the OT & NT in the original Greek and just use that. The internet and many Greek Interlinears will help you read it and understand it.
God Bless
Peter
