The reference pertains to a specific English rendering of the writings of Flavius Josephus, a first-century Romano-Jewish historian. This version is attributed to William Whiston, an English theologian and mathematician active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It encompasses Josephus’s major works, including The Antiquities of the Jews and The Jewish War.
This particular translation is significant due to its historical context and enduring accessibility. Whiston’s rendition, though predating modern scholarly conventions, has remained a widely available and relatively inexpensive means of accessing Josephus’s accounts. It provided, and continues to provide, a foundational resource for understanding Jewish history and the backdrop to early Christianity. Its influence stems from its availability during periods when other translations were less accessible or more costly, solidifying its place in theological and historical studies.
