Reading David and Goliath in Greek and Hebrew

A Literary Approach

by Benjamin J. M. Johnson

Book cover: Reading David and Goliath in Greek and Hebrew

Extent: 270 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Biblical Studies

Series: Forschungen zum Alten Testament 2.Reihe

Series volume number: 82

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(October 2015)

ISBN: 9783161540462

6.06 x 9.06 inches

Price: $130.00

In stock

The story of David and Goliath existed in antiquity in two variant literary editions, a short version found in the Greek tradition of Codex Vaticanus (LXXB) and a longer version found in the Hebrew tradition of the MT. Benjamin J. M. Johnson proposes that each version is worthy of study in its own right and offers a close literary reading of the narrative of David and Goliath in the Greek text of 1 Reigns 16-18. The author explores a method for reading the Septuagint that recognizes it is both a document in its own right and a translation of a Hebrew original. In offering a reading of the septuagintal version of the David and Goliath narrative, the literary difference between the two versions of the story and the literary significance of the Greek translation are highlighted.


The story of David and Goliath existed in antiquity in two variant literary editions, a short version found in the Greek tradition of Codex Vaticanus (LXXB) and a longer version found in the Hebrew tradition of the MT. Benjamin J. M. Johnson proposes that each version is worthy of study in its own right and offers a close literary reading of the narrative of David and Goliath in the Greek text of 1 Reigns 16-18. The author explores a method for reading the Septuagint that recognizes it is both a document in its own right and a translation of a Hebrew original. In offering a reading of the septuagintal version of the David and Goliath narrative, the literary difference between the two versions of the story and the literary significance of the Greek translation are highlighted.

  • By (author) Benjamin J M Johnson

"This study provides a good resource for those engaged in text- or narrative-critical examinations of these narratives." --Joseph McDonald, Texas Christian University, Review of Biblical Literature 5.25.17