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  • The Hebrew Bible

  • A Translation with Commentary
  • By: Robert Alter
  • Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
  • Length: 64 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (176 ratings)

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The Hebrew Bible

By: Robert Alter
Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini
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Publisher's summary

A landmark event: the complete Hebrew Bible in the award-winning translation that delivers the stunning literary power of the original.

A masterpiece of deep learning and fine sensibility, Robert Alter's translation of the Hebrew Bible, now complete, reanimates one of the formative works of our culture. Capturing its brilliantly compact poetry and finely wrought, purposeful prose, Alter renews the Old Testament as a source of literary power and spiritual inspiration. From the family frictions of Genesis and King David's flawed humanity to the serene wisdom of Psalms and Job's incendiary questioning of God's ways, these magnificent works of world literature resonate with a startling immediacy. Featuring Alter's generous commentary, which quietly alerts listeners to the literary and historical dimensions of the text, this is the definitive edition of the Hebrew Bible

©2019 Robert Alter (P)2019 Recorded Books

What listeners say about The Hebrew Bible

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amazing voice work

the narrator did a wonderful job. his emphasis stress of words had me rethinking familiar stories

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Scholarly Excellence 👌.

my experience of existence feels extremely grateful for being able to listen to and know of this excellent and scholarly translation of the Holy Bible. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you 🙏🏻.

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Excellent Commentary

History surrounding the text with many helpful and informative cross references. Understanding of the differences in language used in the text versus language used during the time of origin. Many opportunities to check and compare with current translations to add greater understanding of overall meaning.

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2 people found this helpful

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Excellent narration, lively translation

This translation of the Bible is lively, and the forward to each chapter is complete and informative. The narrator is excellent. If you want to listen to the Old Testament, look no further! I'm not sure why another reviewer asked where the commentary is, he might have skipped the fascinating introductions.

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1 person found this helpful

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Great reading of beautiful translation

It is so nice to listen to these stories, so much part of our culture, but that I’ve never actually read. The narrator is excellent. The translation is poetic and easy to follow and not stilted like traditional translations.

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A SUPERB READING OF THE ANCIENT BOOKS

A wonderful combination of the latest translations and a sonorous reading. i own the print version so I was delighted to just sit and listen to these pillars of our literature and religious tradition. I would have bought only the Ketuvim if it was offered on Audible,,. but I really enjoyed the Nevi'im as well, which Alter presents clearly and Ballerini reads as if it is all a song of praise. Torah is excellent, but I haven't heard it all yet, as I'm familiar with it from the print version. Enjoy!

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15 people found this helpful

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Monumental

Alter’s translation is beautiful beyond saying. The poetics never overpower the depth and majesty of the story. And the narration is absolutely perfect.

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Excellent

Good translation with a great reader. Doesn't have his commentary, but I'm not sure how they could've included that without ruining the point of his translation.

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LOVE!!!!!

I love everything about this version of the Old Testament. The commentaries at the beginning and then before each book are incredibly insightful for a more beautiful picture of the way the OT was written.

Edoardo Ballerini, to me, is the perfect narrator for this. His voice is totally pleasant - almost soothing.

This is my favorite version of Old Testament so far.

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5 people found this helpful

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You must read this book!

This is the most amazing translation of the Hebrew Bible into English I have seen in my 70 years of life. The commentary by the author is priceless in validating the authenticity of the translation, and the historical and contextual commentary is beyond value! This is one amazing book. I just finished it and the first thing I’m going to do is look for more works by this talented artist of an author/translator! James

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