The Hebrew Bible

A Translation with Commentary

By: Robert Alter

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 64 hrs and 4 mins

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

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 🙏🏻.

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.

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.

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.

amazing voice work

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

Updated Review: Useful Chapter Desingnations Added

I am updating my review of this book, based on the fact that I found that the Chapter Designations (Genesis Chapter 1, Genesis Chapter 2, etc.) have been added to the book. Kudos to the production team! This is a blessing.

The following is the original review that I posted:

Thanks to previous reviewers for pointing out the deficiency regarding the Chapter designations in the audiobook. I was aware of the situation before I purchased the audiobook. I have given only 2 stars under the "Performance" ratings, due mostly to this issue. Otherwise, the book and the audio quality was top notch. Robert Alter's translation of the Hebrew Bible was a blessing to listen to.
It's too bad that the Chapter designations are simply numbers: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc. (all the way to 962 Chapters).
I don't know what the excuse is: An oversight? laziness? inability to see the value in labeling the Chapters according to the Bible Book and Chapter designations?
At any rate, the error is unacceptable for a professional production such as this book. This is not the first Audible Audiobook in which I have found this issue. Audible (or the producers of the audiobooks) should put the extra effort in to provide "useful" Chapter designations/labels within the audiobooks.

Go to text

Best translation in audio form overall. Not much commentary included definitely not verse by verse commentary. wish there were more comprehensive books like this in audio form 5 stars 🌟

A perfectly beautiful book

This is a book that I found to be filled with incredible wisdom, knowledge, inspiration, and subtle intuition that is found no where else in any other faith! This is a book that is fundamental to the Jewish faith and one that is set to develop and maturate and young person coming of age such as myself. I found this book to be absolutely critical in importance to how I view the Jewish faith generally and further highly recommended this book.

Had some good points. Overall positive.

Didn't like the liberal intros, otherwise I liked it.

Generally positive . Liked this version of the Bible.

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.