The New Oxford Annotated Apocrypha: New Revised Standard Version

by Anonymous, Michael D. Coogan (Editor), Marc Z. Brettler (Editor)

The premier study Bible used by scholars, pastors, undergraduate and graduate students, The New Oxford Annotated Bible offers a vast range of information, including extensive notes by experts in their fields; in-text maps, charts, and diagrams; supplementary essays on translation, biblical interpretation, cultural and historical background, and other general topics.
Extensively revised--half of the material is brand new--featuring a new design to enhance readability, and brand-new color maps, the Annotated Fourth Edition adds to the established reputation of this essential biblical studies resource. Many new and revised maps, charts, and diagrams further clarify information found in the Scripture text. In addition, section introductions have been expanded and the book introductions present their information in a standard format so that students can find what they need to know. Of course, the Fourth Edition retains the features prized by students, including single column annotations at the foot of the pages, in-text charts, and maps, a page number-keyed index of all the study materials in the volume, and Oxford's renowned Bible maps. This timely edition maintains and extends the excellence the Annotated's users have come to expect, bringing still more insights, information, and perspectives to bear upon the understanding of the biblical text. The renowned New Revised Standard Version Bible translation, the scholarly standard for study of the Bible
Wholly revised, and greatly expanded book introductions and annotations.
Annotations in a single column across the page bottom, paragraphed according to their boldface topical headings.
In-text background essays on the major divisions of the biblical text.
Essays on the history of the formation of the biblical canon for Jews and various Christian churches.
More detailed explanations of the historical background of the text.
More in-depth treatment of the history and varieties of biblical criticism.
A timeline of major events in the ancient Near East.
A full index to all of the study materials, keyed to the page numbers on which they occur.
A full glossary of scholarly and critical terms.
36-page section of full color New Oxford Bible Maps, approximately 40 in-text line drawing maps and diagrams.
Classic but not stodgy, up-to-date but not trendy, The New Oxford Annotated Bible: 4th Edition is ready to serve new generations of students, teachers, and general readers.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Christianity, Nonfiction, Judaism, Biblical Studies

380 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 2010

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Comicfairy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended for a class regarding Judaism and Christianity in their Formative Period, I knew this Oxford classic would be good reading once it was recommended by my [Atheist] Professor from Princeton! Haha.

An excellent tool for any religious scholar, this tome (when not being used as a massive doorstop) includes everything a modern scholar could wish for: suggestions, charts and diagrams, essays, timelines, maps, numerous citations, etc. Loved the addition of the Apocrypha and the chapter/book introductions and extensive footnotes for clarification. Very helpful College Edition for students of any background!

[J Shu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it took me about ten months to complete this read, I found it to be an interesting (sometimes) history of the Jewish peoples in approximately the two hundred years before Christ to sometime in the Christian era. The writing is in book form, sometimes consisting of additional information to existing OT books and sometimes giving new advice not found in the traditional Protestant Bible. I particularly enjoyed the counsel given in the book of Sirach - often somewhat humorous as seen in modern times but wise. There are also accounts in other books showing God's hand at work saving his people from pagan societies. Worth the read.

[Leila Bowers · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am glad to have read parts of the Apocrypha, especially the Maccabees. I was also quite surprised at the marked difference in style, tone, and content between the books of the Apocrypha and the Old Testament books contained in the Protestant Bible....which makes me love my Protestant Bible all the more.

I rate this edition lower mainly because of the editors; the footnotes were pointed and academically dismissive in places - the smell of ivoried tower wafts through the pages like an Axed Junior High boy through a locker room.

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my introduction to the Apocrypha. The annotations were extremely helpful introducing me to the literature. The text of the Apocrypha is fascinating. Some of it feels so different from scripture (i.e. Tobit and Judith). But some (i.e. Wisdom of Solomon and Ben Sira) seem familiar. I read this on my Kindle app and it is not a great layout. All the comments were after the entire text of each book. I think a hard copy would have been better. The book said that the comments were supposed to be at the bottom of each page, like a study Bible. I had to do a lot of back and forth, but this has nothing to do with the content of this very helpful book.

[Matthew C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impeccable work. The introductions, textual variant information, footnotes, and the formatting leave nothing to be desired.

[Filip Sylwestrowicz]

It's a placeholder for the Polish translation of the Apocrypha (Biblia Ekumeniczna).

[Ethan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to give it 5 stars, truly. It is an incredible resource, but sometimes the annotations were a bit biased (from both directions, but undoubtedly more in favor of secularism).

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable translation of the traditional Apocrypha collection. Each book has an introduction with some background information, author, genre, and estimated date.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hesitated on reviewing this, but remembered that I'm a good Protestant and these books ain't canonical.

So, blow by blow...
Tobit: Very wacky, especially the fish scarring away the demons.
Judith: Very wacky, fun stuff, but anachronistic in the umph.
Wisdom and Sirach: Really good. I particularly loved how they both end with recaps of Israel's history. I wish we sang those bits in Church.
1 Maccabees: Really dense, but helpful and exciting. If I had to accept one of these as Scripture, it'd be this 'un.
2 Maccabees: more human, more zealous.
Additions: More Fan. Fic. This is exactly what Evangelicals would add if we were only clever enough to think of the dragon muck-cake. (Worth price of admission.)
Maccabees and Esdras: Woah! Something happened to somebody. It was dark. They were big.

[Mary Overton]

12/14/12 ... read "Ecclesiasticus, or the Wisdom of Jesus, Son of SIRACH", & particularly identified with the description of the headstrong daughter:

"Keep strict watch over a headstrong daughter,
or else, when she finds liberty, she will make use of it.
Be on guard against her impudent eye,
and do not be surprised if she sins against you.
As a thirsty traveler opens his mouth
and drinks from any water near him,
so she will sit in front of every tent peg
and open her quiver to the arrow."
-- Sirach 26:10-12

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to give an overall review. Parts were very good and seriously worth spending time on. For instance, the author of Ecclesiasticus clearly had Proverbs etched deep into his bones, and Judith made it onto my list of seriously BA women. Other parts were... atrocious. The extra parts of Esther do to it what Pride and Prejudice and Zombies did to Jane Austen. Overall, definitely worth dwelling on (parts of it).

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting. Many denominations of the church do not accept it as Scripture, yet many others do. Although I only read excerpts, I thought it was well-written and clear, but some of the terminology and language is quite different from a the canon of a Protestant Bible. Some of the stories were enjoyable and exciting, but this was simply not my favorite book.

[Matt Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone asked me what edition of the Apocrypha I would recommend, this would be it. Lucid translation, and very helpful and informative explanatory notes. I especially enjoyed and was challenged by the Wisdom of Solomon and 4 Maccabees.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first time I tried to read the Apocrypha, I only made it through Tobit. This time, I managed to read it all (slowly and painfully, at times). The Four books of Maccabees are incredibly violent, for example. Turns out I really only enjoyed Tobit, but I am glad that I read it.

[Martha Groeber · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are the "non-canonical" books, related to the Bible. While not Scripture, they are instructive. Of special interest to me were the accounts of the Maccabees, the Jewish rebellion against the Syrian rulers in the second century B.C.

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a highly readable version of the Apocrypha. The brief notes are helpful.

[Robbo · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. Some books definitely better than others. But overall the Old Testament is superior.

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: 229.91 C769

A donation from Betty JONES.

Available.

[Kisha Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite version of the apocrypha.