Jewish Exegesis and Homeric Scholarship in Alexandria

Description

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.

Maren R. Niehoff is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Jewish Thought at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is the author of Philo on Jewish Identity and Culture (2001).

'Niehoff's work clearly and carefully situates the work of Philo in its broader Alexandrian context. Her consistent use of sources largely unavailable to many scholars, particularly for those concerned with the history of Jewish biblical interpretation, makes her work an invaluable touchstone for future studies of Philo.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review '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