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>A Commentary on the Book of Genesis
More details
Publisher:
Year:
1961
Catalog number :
45-005777
ISBN:
978-965-7759-62-2
Pages:
341
Language:

A Commentary on the Book of Genesis

Part 1: From Adam to Noah ( I–VI )

Translation:
Synopsis
The aim of this commentary is to explain, with the help of an historico-philological method of interpretation, the simple meaning of the Biblical text, and to arrive, as nearly as possible, at the sense that the words of the Torah were intended to have for the reader at the time when they were written. I investigated the history and principles of the literary tradition with no less care than the development of the thematic tradition. The study of the history of the traditional themes is bound up with the study of the sources… In my opinion the sources are very different from the documents J (Jahwist), E (Elohist), P (Priestly Code), postulated by the commonly-held theory. I made every effort to note accurately all the linguistic details of the text, its grammatical niceties, its allusions, even its play upon words. It was not my object to defend any particular viewpoint or any particular exegetical method, but only to arrive at a thorough understanding of the Torah’s meaning, whatever that might be.
Reviews

This is one of the great masterpieces of Jewish Bible scholarship. Cassuto is thoroughly original and always illuminating. The opening part of Genesis is among the most difficult and misinterpreted sections of the Bible; Cassuto is a sure guide, explaining difficulties and resolving apparent discrepancies. He is a firm opponent of the Documentary Hypothesis, rebutting its arguments comprehensively. On the other hand, he never falls into the trap of slavish fundamentalist interpretation. It is a tragedy that Cassuto's commentaries only cover Exodus and part of Genesis, but for the limited area they cover they are essential reading.