Philo of Alexandria - Books and Journals

34 part two
does not have a relational meaning. In Spec. 1.8 and 3.178 εσπέσιι νδρες are
authoritative interpreters of the Law. In other places (Virt. 8, 177—not related to
Moses) the adjectives have an ethical denotation and are parallel to ερς, σις,
ειλής.(DZ)
9719. L. H. Feldman, ‘Philo,’ in W. W. Briggs (ed.), Ancient Greek
Authors, Dictionary of Literary Biography (Detroit 1997) 271–277.
Attractive brief general presentation of Philo in his historical context, both as
an Alexandrian and as a Jew. Feldman retains the view of Wolfson that Philo’s
thought is a crucial turning point in the history of philosophy. He is important
for an understanding of the spiritual crisis of the first century. It is concluded
that he emerges as a truly enigmatic character. Though strongly influenced by
Greek thought, in his Jewish context he was realistic enough to see the dangers
of extremism. (DTR)
9720. S. de Francesco, ‘Filone maestro di esegesi nelle Quaestiones.
Interpretare domandando e coordinando,’ Ricerche Teologiche 8 (1997)
253–269.
The article, based on a detailed analysis (applying 17 parameters) of 92 Quaestiones
(QG 1.88–2.78), focuses on the role of the quaestio (as distinct from
the solutio) in the exegetical act, and on the ‘coordination’ of textual data performed
by the exegete in order to achieve a literal or allegorical interpretation.
A study of the formulation of the quaestio, and how the biblical lemma in it
has been ‘cut out’, leads to the conclusion that in the quaestio the exegetical act
is already in progress, and that there are often indications in it of the exegete’s
‘pre-understanding’ of the text. The exegetical ‘coordination’ on the level of literal
interpretation aims at establishing the coherence of textual data through
explanation of extraordinary facts and possible contradictions, and through references
to the (wider) context of the lemma and to interpretations by other
exegetes. On the allegorical level, the interpretation obtains its coherence from
the exegete’s ‘guiding idea’: in Philo’s case the idea that a dramatic, existential
trial purges the soul from its passions. The literal and allegorical interpretation
of a single lemma may be either completely unrelated, or run parallel, or be in
contrast, or be unequal (allegory dominating the letter). QG 2.52 (on Gen 9.22)
presents an interesting case of both the letter (speaking of rituals) and the allegory
having an equally spiritual significance. As for Philo’s ‘pre-understanding’
of the text, decisive here is his conviction that God is absolutely transcendent,
immutable, benevolent, and acting according to the principles of harmony and
order. It is concluded that Philo’s Quaestiones are above all exegetical in nature;
that they constantly aim at an equilibrium between letter and allegory; and that
they display a profound conviction and awareness of the unity of Scripture. Further
study of the aspects of unity, internal connections and coordination in the
Quaestiones may deepen our understanding of Philo’s approach to the Bible and
on the enduring value of his exegetical teaching. (HMK)