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Todd Sumrall
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Submitted: Apr 24 2025 05:32 AM
Last Updated: May 03 2025 09:18 AM
File Size: 8.25MB
Views: 1715
Downloads: 184
Author: Todd Sumrall
e-Sword Version: 9.x - 10.x
Tab Name: LXX-MET

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e-Sword 9+ Module Download:
Download LXX-MET (Modern English Translation of the Septuagint), and LXX-MET Translation Notes 1.1

Scripture Old Testament Genesis Language / Interpretation Bible Interpretation Greek Word Study Exegesis Hermeneutics

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Author:
Todd Sumrall

e-Sword Version:
9.x - 10.x

Tab Name:
LXX-MET

Bible Support File Information:

The following files are for the translation of the Septuagint (LXX), Ralfs’ version 2006. The contain both the Bible in the bbli file format (Tab: LXX-MET) for both PC and mobile devices and the Translation Notes in a commentary file cmti file format (Tab: LXX-MET Notes) for both PC and mobile devices.

Description of LXX-MET (the LXX Project)

LXX Modern English Translation (LXX-MET)

The LXX-MET is a project dedicated to producing a literal, modern English translation of the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures.

This translation aims to provide an accurate and clear rendering of the ancient Greek text while maintaining fidelity to its meaning and grammatical structure in modern English as closely as possible. The goal is to translate all canonical and apocryphal books found in the Septuagint tradition, using Alfred Rahlfs’ Septuaginta: Second Revised Edition (2006) as the primary textual source, with particular reference to Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus as foundational manuscripts.
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Translation Method and Philosophy

The translation philosophy of the LXX-MET is rooted in a commitment to literal fidelity while ensuring clarity in modern English. Every effort is made to maintain the precise meaning and grammatical structure of the Greek text where possible, while rendering it in natural, readable English. Where possible, terms are translated word-for-word, even if this challenges modern idiomatic expressions.

Special attention is given to Greek adjectives and pronouns, preserving their explicit gender references unless doing so would create significant confusion in English. Geographical terms are rendered with precision, such as translating references to "Cush" as "Cush-Ethiopia" when the context requires it. Theological terms, such as ἁγιάζω (hagiázō) (’to make holy,’ ’to consecrate,’ or ’to set apart’), are expanded (e.g., ’set it apart and made it holy’) to ensure their meanings are accessible to readers unfamiliar with theological terminology.

This translation adheres strictly to the text’s grammatical and lexical sense, resisting interpretive paraphrasing. Any ambiguities in the Greek are preserved, allowing the reader to engage with the text on its own terms rather than through the lens of later doctrinal developments.

While the translation attempts to avoid theological bias, the author acknowledges that, like all translators, he carries inherent theological biases. While every effort is made to minimize them, they may still influence certain choices. Readers are encouraged to study the Scriptures carefully, like the Bereans in Acts, to discern and hold to what is true and reject what is not.

Linguistic and Theological Approach

This translation is created through a rigorous, text-driven process that combines deep theological discernment with advanced linguistic analysis. While AI tools (ChatGPT/Grok etc.) assist in lexical studies, grammatical insights, and cross-referencing, every translation decision is made under the careful guidance of a committed student of Scripture. This ensures that theological integrity is maintained, with final judgment resting on the translator’s knowledge of God’s Word rather than on machine-generated conclusions.

The translator has studied Greek and has a working understanding of its grammatical structures, including how Greek constructs differ from English. This includes recognizing verb forms (such as active, passive, and middle voices), identifying subjects, modifiers, and syntactical relationships, and discerning how adjectives and phrases function within a sentence. While not fluent in Greek, the translator can analyze key linguistic elements and, when necessary, utilize AI tools to research deeper grammatical constructs.

The translator has devoted years to studying the Bible and has read it multiple times in multiple translations, including English LXX translations, allowing the word of Christ to dwell richly and shape every decision in this work.

More information can be found from the "Bible Information" tab within eSword and from my website: Project LXX

LXX-MET Notes Method and Philosophy
The project’s notes are designed to provide linguistic precision and contextual insights while also engaging in theological commentary. Each note follows a consistent format, focusing on linguistic structure and translation choices, along with theological commentary and cross-referencing to highlight connections across Scripture.

This translation includes theological commentary throughout, incorporating extensive cross-referencing to highlight connections across Scripture. The approach is driven by Greek word meanings, phrase structures, and broader theological themes found within the biblical text.

The theological commentary will not always align with widely accepted interpretations or traditional commentaries. Instead, the priority is text-driven analysis, ensuring that the meaning of the Greek text remains central, even when it challenges prevailing theological assumptions. When common interpretive speculation conflicts with Greek nuances or the weight of scriptural evidence, clarity is sought through the totality of Scripture, rather than by conforming to external doctrinal traditions.

Genesis 1:2 is a prime example of this approach. Examination of this verse highlights how theological assumptions have influenced interpretations, yet a closer analysis of the Greek text and the broader biblical story in both Testaments offers a clearer, more precise understanding.

This method ensures that translation notes and commentary remain faithful to the original language, allowing Scripture to interpret itself, rather than relying solely on traditional theological frameworks.

These notes serve to clarify translation choices, particularly in cases where the Greek text contains idioms, cultural references, or theological terms that may not have direct English equivalents. For example, the phrase ἦν ἀόρατος καὶ ἀκατασκεύαστος in Genesis 1:2 is accompanied by a detailed explanation of how it means "invisible and unformed," avoiding interpretive concepts like "chaotic" that are not supported by the Greek text itself. The notes are deliberately restrained, providing only the linguistic and contextual tools necessary for readers to understand the text.

Theological Biases

While the translation notes attempts to avoid theological bias, the author recognizes that theological bias is inherent to his being, as is true with all translators, and that boundary will be crossed sometimes, and the bias may not always be true. The author recommends that all students be like the Bereans in the book of Acts and study to see if what is written herein is true, and to reject that which isn’t true while embracing that which is true.

The project’s notes are designed to provide linguistic precision and contextual insights while attempting, though not always successfully, theological commentary.

Key elements in most notes include:

· The Greek phrase, provided in bold for clarity.
· A transliteration of the Greek for accessibility to readers unfamiliar with the alphabet.
· A literal translation of the phrase.
· A concise explanation of grammatical features, idiomatic usage, or contextual nuances relevant to the translation.
· Theological reflection
· Conclusion

These notes serve to elucidate the translation choices, particularly in cases where the Greek text contains idioms, cultural references, or theological terms that may not have direct English equivalents. For example, the phrase ἦν ἀόρατος καὶ ἀκατασκεύαστος in Genesis 1:2 is accompanied by a detailed explanation of how it means "invisible and unformed," avoiding interpretive concepts like "chaotic" that are not supported by the Greek text itself. The notes are deliberately restrained, providing only the linguistic and contextual tools necessary for readers to understand the text.

More information can be found in the commentary information in eSword. You can also visit my Project LXX website for additional information.

What's New in Version 1.1 (See full changelog)

1.1 Minor word change Genesis 15:17 from burning to flaming.
1.0 Initial translation of the book of Genesis from the LXX

lewisbaggins

May 16 2025 06:27 PM

The depth of thought behind this translation philosophy is admirable. I appreciate the careful attention to Greek nuance and the intentional preservation of ambiguity where the Crazy Cattle 3D original is unclear. It’s also encouraging to see the translator’s humility and Berean spirit encouraged in readers. This looks like a powerful resource for serious Bible study.