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Leonard Greenspoon

Leonard Greenspoon holds the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. On the Creighton faculty since 1995, Greenspoon is also Professor of Classical & Near Eastern Studies and of Theology.

From his days at a graduate student at Harvard University (from which he received his Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations), Greenspoon has been interested in translations of the Bible. Many of his publications—he has edited or authored more than a dozen books, written more than two hundred articles and book chapters, and penned almost 500 book reviews—deal with aspects of this fascinating subject. He has written on topics ranging from the earliest translation of the Bible, called the Septuagint, to versions of the Bible composed as recently as last year. He is recognized internationally as an expert on the history of Jewish Bible translations, and he has been involved in two Bible translation projects as editor or consultant.

In recent years, Greenspoon has published in several areas of popular culture, including Jews (and, more generally, religion) in the comic strips and the use (or misuse) of the Bible in the daily press. He writes a column on the latter for Biblical Archaeology Review and incorporates all of these interests in his role as editor of The FORUM, published by the Society of Biblical Literature.

Presenter at

Bible & Archaeology Fest XIV, November 18-20, 2011
On the 400th Anniversary of the King James Version: Ten Common Misconceptions about Bible Translation
There are several commonly held perceptions of Bible translation: Committees produce the best translations of the Bible, versions of the Bible should aim to be theologically neutral and religiously inclusive, literal translations contain the most faithful renderings, the translators of the King James Version believed that they were divinely inspired and empowered, and finally, when all is said and done, all versions of the Bible are basically the same. Are these notions accurate? This lecture examines these and other propositions to discern how and why commonly held conceptions can become misconceptions. In the process we will observe—and celebrate—the fact that studying Bible translations can be a thoroughly rewarding and unexpectedly exciting experience.

Bible & Archaeology Fest XII, November 20-22, 2009
Ten Common Misconceptions about Bible Translation: How I Learned to Live with—and Even Love—Modern Versions of the Bible
Many people seek the “best” (if not the “perfect”) Bible translation. Such a quest is made all the more difficult because today’s Bible readers have more choices than ever. I will propose that these choices, which some see as an obstacle, are in fact a “blessing.” Furthermore, modern versions of the Bible can provide us—all of us, scholars included—with valuable insights. This presentation will include a number of illustrations and examples. Active audience participation is encouraged.