Odes of Solomon

Translator:   James Hamilton Charlesworth
Editor:   James Hamilton Charlesworth
Publisher:   Oxford University Press

The translator contends that these writings constitute the earliest Christian hymnbook, and, therefore, is one of the most important early Christian documents. Yet, theories about the origin and nature of this document have risen and fallen in such rapid succession as to reduce it to an enigma. One of the main hindrances to understanding the Odes has been the lack of a critical text. The purpose of this edition is to present such a text, along with translation, notes, and bibliography. Both Syriac and English texts are included for the forty-two odes.