The Hebrew Old Testament: Reader's Edition (Crossway, 2020).
This is an elegant and impressive reader's edition of the Hebrew Bible.
The page size and layout is similar to the large print edition of the BHS (Biblia Hebraica Stugartensia). The Hebrew text is from the Westminster Leningrad Codex and includes the full contents of the Old Testament.
This edition has several strategic paratextual features that are designed to assist readers as they make their way through these biblical books.
For example, in lieu of a text-critical apparatus, each page has a running list of the lexical forms of unfamiliar words (words occurring 75 times or less), parsing information for each entry, and relevant syntactical data that will help those with an intermediate grasp of the language. There is a simplified lexicon that includes glosses of more frequent words that are not noted within the main running lists.
Proper names are also highlighted in a different color than the main text. This is particularly helpful in sections of the text where narrative prose is juxtaposed with lengthy lists of names (e.g., 1 Chron 1–9!). One slight drawback in this vein is that poetic sections are not distinguished from prose. However, this is certainly to keep the volume as a whole to a manageable size.
The Smyth-sewn binding and the high-quality paper enhance the overall feel of the book as well. Even on pages with more space given to the textual information, the typography and spacing of the running lexicon maintains an uncluttered appearance. The volume also comes in a slipcase that can provide protection for the Bible on a shelf or in transit.
The purpose of a reader's edition is to enable someone to read as much as possible at a steady pace and without constant use of aids that short-circuit reading comprehension.
This volume accomplishes this and would be worthwhile investment for any reader of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Some Notes:
- For more information about this volume, see the extended introduction to this project. Cf. my review of the UBS Reader's Greek NT. Thanks to Crossway for the review copy.
