Grammar of Septuagint Greek

This grammar is a great resource for anyone who is reading the LXX for the first time. It explains the unusual elements in LXX Greek concisely and insightfully. The introduction is a great way for new readers to become familiar with the Aristaeus tradition and the readings at the end of the grammar represent a solid selection that will help those intimidated by the size and variety of the LXX. There are really only two downsides to this volume. First, it is rather dated. Few grammars are consistantly used beyond 100 years and this one has passed that benchmark. However, since no grammar has recently been written that matches Conybeare's clarity and concision, this volume's age is only a minor setback. It would be nice to see a newer grammar though, especially since LXX research has grown considerably these last few decades. The other small downside is that this grammar was really written primarily for readers who are familiar with Classical Greek. Many of the sections will resonate only with those who know something of Classical syntax and grammar. However, New Testament students will still find a great deal of helpful information here (particularly the readings). Overall, a great work and well worth the cost to any Greek student.

Most Theological students learn New Testament (Koine) Greek. Those who major in Old Testament studies learn Hebrew. This book is for those of us who want to go further. The translation of the OT known as the Septuagint uses a Greek somewhat different to that of the New Testament. This book is a manual of this older form of Greek. Like most Grammers it goes through nouns, verbs, syntax, and so on. About half the book is made up of selections from the OT with grammatical notes, and a vocabulary is included. This book presumes some knowledge of the OT and of Greek, so it is not for the beginner. Although a reprint of an older book, this is still a useful reference for scholars.

This is an attractive and well organized grammar of the Greek of the LXX. The introduction is a 24-page essay on the history of the LXX in which they show the Letter of Aristeas to be the principle evidence for the early dating and standard conception of the origin of the LXX and then they subsequently show the Letter to be a forgery. Aside from this idiocy the book is a flawless presentation of LXX Greek TO THOSE WHO ALREADY KNOW KOINE GREEK. There is a 74-page grammar section in which the syntax of the LXX is covered and the unusual aspects of LXX morphology are given attention. It is not a full grammar for those who do not know the Greek language, so Old Testament scholars-to-be still have to learn to read the New Testament first. I recommend Mounce's Basics of Biblical Greek as a true starter. The remaining 207 pages are basically a graded reader. Several of the more famous OT stories are rendered here with extensive explanatory footnotes at the bottom of every page. The method is really excellent. The syntax section is in a reference format and is not intended to introduce Greek grammar to those who do not know it. If you can already read the New Testament and want some good insight into the quirks of the LXX, then this book is for you.