Genesis 1-11: A New Old Translation For Readers, Scholars, and Translators
This scholarly translation of Genesis 1-11 by Samuel L. Bray and John F. Hobbins offers a distinctive approach to the opening chapters of the Hebrew Bible. Unlike conventional translations that smooth over textual complexities, this work follows the Hebrew text closely and preserves elements that many modern translations omit.
Translation Philosophy
The translation retains the physicality, ambiguity, repetition, and even wordplay present in the original Hebrew. This approach allows readers to experience the text as it was written, without editorial sanitization. The result is a translation that challenges readers to engage directly with the literary and theological richness of the primeval history.
Drawing from Interpretive Tradition
Bray and Hobbins draw deeply from the long history of Jewish and Christian interpretation of Genesis. Their extensive notes provide context from centuries of biblical scholarship, offering readers access to traditional wisdom alongside contemporary insights. This combination makes the work valuable for both academic study and personal reflection.
Audience and Purpose
This Genesis translation serves three distinct audiences: general readers seeking a more literal rendering of the creation account and flood narrative, scholars requiring precise Hebrew translation for academic research, and translators looking for a model of faithful biblical translation methodology. The dual focus on accuracy and accessibility makes this work suitable for classroom use in biblical studies programs.
Features and Content
The paperback edition from Glossahouse includes detailed translation notes that explain textual decisions and highlight interpretive options. The commentary addresses key passages in the Pentateuch's opening chapters, from creation through the Tower of Babel narrative. Readers gain insight into Hebrew language nuances, literary structure, and theological themes that shaped both Jewish Torah studies and Christian Old Testament interpretation.
Product Details
Published in May 2017, this academic Bible study resource provides a fresh perspective on familiar biblical material. The translation and notes offer wisdom and delight to those willing to engage with the complexities of the Hebrew text.
Binding Material: Paper
