The Brenton Septuagint is an English translation of the Greek Old Testament, produced by Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton and published in the 1850s. Its reading level is considerably higher than most modern Bibles because it keeps close to older English sentence patterns and uses vocabulary from the nineteenth century. It suits readers who want to study the Septuagint closely, read older devotional literature, or compare the Greek text line by line. Readers who want an easy daily Bible for personal devotions or new believers will usually find a modern translation more approachable.
Background
Brenton worked from the Greek Septuagint, the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures made by Jewish scholars in Alexandria over several centuries before the Christian era. He was an Anglican clergyman and scholar who wanted English readers to have access to that Greek text in their own language. His work was published in London and has been reprinted many times since, which is why it is often found in older church libraries and online as a public-domain resource.
Because it appeared in the middle of the nineteenth century, Brenton’s English reflects the style of that era. It was never revised in the way that modern translations are updated for contemporary usage, so its vocabulary and sentence rhythm remain fixed in the Victorian period. That history explains much of its difficulty for today’s reader.
Translation Method
Brenton aimed for a fairly literal rendering of the Greek. He kept the order of words and the structure of sentences close to the original wherever English allowed, so the translation often follows the Greek more than it follows natural English. Readers who know Greek will recognize the underlying forms, and that is the point of the method.
The trade-off is that close rendering can make passages feel stiff. Long chains of clauses, repeated conjunctions and unfamiliar word choices slow the reader down. Compared with a thought-for-thought translation, which restates each idea in ordinary modern sentences, Brenton asks more patience and more effort from the reader in exchange for a closer view of the source text.
Reading Level and Style
Most readers would place the Brenton Septuagint well above the reading level of contemporary English Bibles. Its archaic verb forms, formal diction and dense sentence structure demand slower reading, and some passages need a second reading to make sense. Teenagers and adults with strong reading skills can work through it, but it is not a typical starting point for someone new to Scripture.
The style is dignified and consistent, and many readers find a rhythm in it once they settle in. Its formality can suit liturgical reading or private study where slowness is an advantage. For quick reference or casual reading, the same qualities that give it character can become obstacles.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
(WEB)
This opening line of the Psalm shows the difference in approach clearly. Brenton’s rendering keeps the older phrasing and structure that stays near the Greek wording, so the sentence reads formally and may need a moment to parse. A modern translation of the same line would restate the idea in simpler contemporary English, which many readers will absorb at once. Comparing the two side by side is a good way to see what each method gains and what it gives up.
Who Should Use It
The Brenton Septuagint is most valuable for students of the Greek Old Testament, scholars tracing how Jewish scripture was read in the early church, and readers who enjoy older English prose. It gives a window into the Greek tradition that many modern Bibles do not offer. Its main limit is readability, so it works best as a companion text rather than a primary daily Bible.
For personal devotions, Bible reading plans, and group study with newer believers, a contemporary translation usually serves better. Many readers use Brenton alongside a modern Bible, reading the same passage in both to deepen understanding. That pairing lets you enjoy the clarity of modern English while still benefiting from the closer look at the Greek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brenton Bible hard to read?
Yes, for most modern readers it is noticeably harder than current English Bibles. Its vocabulary and sentence structure reflect nineteenth-century English and a close rendering of the Greek. Readers comfortable with older literature usually adapt after a few chapters.
Is the Brenton Septuagint the same as the Greek Old Testament?
It is an English translation of the Septuagint, the Greek version of the Hebrew Scriptures. It is not the Greek text itself. Readers who want the Greek can use it as a companion to the original.
Should a new Christian start with the Brenton Bible?
Most pastors and teachers would suggest starting with a modern translation that reads smoothly. The Brenton is better as a second text for study once you are comfortable with Scripture. It rewards patience but can discourage a beginner.
