Detailed
Description |
|
Philological work on the Hebrew language in Latin by Johann Leusden. There are two title pages; the first, in red and black ink, states that it is, Compendivm V. Testamenti Hebraeo-Chaldaicum : continens Ex 23202 Versiculis totius Vet. Test. tantum 2289 non tamen integros, in quibus Omnes Hebraicae & Chaldaicae voces inveniuntur, vna cum Versione Latina, simplici dictionum Forma earumque Radicibus. A preface with an ornamental head-piece and a decorative initial letter by D. Joh. Henr. Michaelis follows, the second title page, referring to the work as the Compendium Biblicum, and the text. The text is organized by biblical book, beginning with Genesis and concluding with Chronicles.
Johann Leusden (1624–1699) was a Calvinist theologian and Hebraist. He was highly esteemed as an Orientalist, and as an academic teacher. Leusden studied philosophy and theology, and especially Oriental languages at Utrecht, and then went to Amsterdam to perfect his knowledge by intercourse with Jews. In 1650 he became professor extraordinary of Oriental languages at Utrecht, and in 1653 ordinary professor. In collaboration with the Amsterdam publisher Joseph Athias, Leusden published the first Hebrew Bible (Biblia Hebraica, 1661) in which the verses are numbered. The edition became well known for its exactness and beautiful print, and served as a model for almost all publications of the Bible up to the 19th century. Leusden was one of the foremost Bible scholars of his time and wrote several treatises on Bible research and Hebrew philology. He also translated (Utrecht, 1656) the catalog of 613 commandments that heads Maimonides’ halakhic code. His other works include Jonas illustratus (1656); Joël explicatus . . . adjunctus Obadja illustratus (1657); Philologus Hebræo-mixtus (1663); Psalterium Hebræum (Amsterdam, 1666); Clavis Græca Novi Testamenti (Leyden, 1672); Clavis Hebraica Veteris Testamenti (1673); and Korte Hebreusche en Chaldeusche taalkanst (Utrecht, 1686). His Novum Testamentum Græcum (Utrecht, 1675), however, is considered to have little scientific value. |
