Nerses of Lambron. Commentary on the Revelation of Saint John: Translation of the Armenian Text, Notes and Introduction (Hebrew University Armenian Studies)

Nerses of Lambron (1153-1198) is one of the most significant figures in Armenian literature and ecclesiastical history. As author of numerous biblical commentaries and translator of legal and other texts he is noted as a prolific scholar, and as Archbishop of Tarsus he played a major role in the religious life of Cilician Armenia. In 1179 he made a new translation of the Book of Revelation, not unknown earlier in Armenia but not yet integrated into the Armenian canon of scripture. In the same year he adapted the Greek Commentary on Revelation by Andreas of Caesarea with appropriate additions and changes to reflect Armenian tradition. In this first translation of the Armenian text (based on the 1855 edition with a comparison of the copy made in 1284 by the noted Esayi Nc'ec'i), R.W. Thomson emphasizes the differences between Nerses' adaptation and the original Greek, and places this reworking in the context of the Armenian-Byzantine discussions on possible reunion of the churches. In the Introduction he studies the use of the Book of Revelation in Armenia prior to Nerses, reviews Nerses' career, and highlights the theological characteristics of the adaptation.