Jewish Exegesis and Homeric Scholarship in Alexandria

This book provides a systematic analysis of how Alexandrian Jews interpreted the Bible in light of contemporary Homeric scholarship.

Maren R. Niehoff (Author)

9781107414846, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 10 July 2014

238 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.3 cm, 0.33 kg

'This learned volume defines a challenging and important topic and investigates it from a fresh and original angle. … this energetic volume drives home effectively and emphatically a number of points that we would do well to keep in mind. … a fine achievement and a significant contribution to our understanding.' Tessa Rajak, Journal of Jewish Studies

Systematically reading Jewish exegesis in light of Homeric scholarship, this book argues that more than 2000 years ago Alexandrian Jews developed critical and literary methods of Bible interpretation which are still extremely relevant today. Maren R. Niehoff provides a detailed analysis of Alexandrian Bible interpretation, from the second century BCE through newly discovered fragments to the exegetical work done by Philo. Niehoff shows that Alexandrian Jews responded in a great variety of ways to the Homeric scholarship developed at the Museum. Some Jewish scholars used the methods of their Greek colleagues to investigate whether their Scripture contained myths shared by other nations, while others insisted that significant differences existed between Judaism and other cultures. This book is vital for any student of ancient Judaism, early Christianity and Hellenistic culture.

1. Setting the stage
Part I. Early Jewish Responses to Homeric Scholarship: 2. A conservative reaction to critical scholarship in the letter of Aristeas
3. Questions and answers in Aristotelian style: Demetrius' anonymous colleagues
4. Aristobulus' questions and answers as a tool for philosophical instruction
Part II. Critical Homeric Methods in the Fragments of Philo's Anonymous Colleagues: 5. Comparative mythology
6. Historical perspectives on Scripture
7. Traces of text criticism among Alexandrian Jews
Part III. The Inversion of Homeric Scholarship by Philo: 8. Literal methods of Homeric scholarship in Philo's allegorical commentary
9. Philo's questions and answers as a manual of instruction
10. Philo's exposition of the law at a significant distance from Alexandrian scholarship
Epilogue
Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Philosophy of science [PDA], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], Philosophy: epistemology & theory of knowledge [HPK], Philosophy: metaphysics & ontology [HPJ], History of Western philosophy [HPC]