The Language and the Law of God

The Language and the Law of God Synopsis

Calabi analyzes Philo's exegetical work related to interpreting and explaining the revelation given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Given that in the Hebrew Bible every single letter is basic to the expression of reality and cannot be modified, what is the relation between the Hebrew text, the Greek text utilized by Philo, and reality? Has the translation the same sacred character and authority as the original? Can both texts equally constitute a valid basis for every interpretation? The first two chapters of the book examine the relation between interpretation of the Law and its application, while the third focuses on the type of exegesis conducted by Philo, on its hermeneutic principles, and on the interpretative modes, which are also found in the Greek commentaries and/or in rabbinical literature.