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.
BellmannS., “The Theological Character of the Old Latin Version of Esther,” JSP, 27, 2017, pp. 3–24.
2.
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3.
BogaertP.M., “Les formes anciennes du livre d’Esther: Réflexions sur les livres bibliques à traditions multiples à l’occasion de la publication du texte de l’ancienne version latine,” RTL, 40, 2009, pp. 66–77.
4.
CavalierC., “Le ‘Colophon’ d’Esther,” RB, 110, 2003, pp. 167–77.
5.
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11.
MöhleA., “Review of Motzo 1928,” GN, 5, 1929, pp. 565–9.
12.
MooreC.A., “The Greek Text of Esther” (PhD dissertation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 1965).
13.
MooreC.A., Esther: Introduction, Translation, and Notes (AB, 7B; New York: Doubleday, 1971).
14.
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15.
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16.
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17.
SchildenbergerJ., Das Buch Esther (Die Heilige Schrift des Alten Testamentes, 4/3; Bonn: Hanstein, 1941).
18.
ZeitlinS., “Introduction: The Books of Esther and Judith: A Parallel,” in ZeitlinS. (ed.), The Book of Judith (JAL, VII; Leiden: Brill, 1972), pp. 1–37.
