The Old Latin book of Esther: An English translation. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bellmann, Simon; Portier-Young, Anathea
• Is Part Of: Journal for the study of the Pseudepigrapha. Volume 28:Number 4(2019:Jun.)
• Page Start: 267
• Page End: 289
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Esther -- Old Latin -- translation -- Vetus Latina; Apocryphal books -- Periodicals; Apocryphal books (Old Testament) -- Criticism, interpretation, etc -- Periodicals; 229.9106
• DOI: 10.1177/0951820719860628
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-8207

Abstract

In recent decades, a lively debate on the Hebrew and Greek versions of Esther story has developed, focusing on their text-historical and theological relationship. The discussion is enriched further by taking into account the Old Latin Esther, fully edited some 10 years ago by Jean-Claude Haelewyck as part of the Beuron Vetus Latina series. The extant Latin text likely dates back to 330–50 CE and represents an older, now-lost Greek Vorlage . Its numerous peculiarities substantially widen our understanding of ancient Esther traditions. The English translation presented here aims to elicit a broader interest in the Old Latin Esther and to facilitate a fresh discussion of its significance.