Egzegeza biblijna w komentarzach syryjskich Afrahata, Efrema, Iszodada z Merw i Teodora Bar Koni. Zarys problematyki

Abstract

The Syriac commentaries analysed in the article are characterised by an original method, rarely appearing in the Latin or Greek exegesis. Both Aphrahat the Persian and Ephraim the Syrian, as well as Ishodad of Merv and Theodore bar Koni juxtaposed various propositions and interpretations of one Biblical event. In the view of these exegetes, the affirmation of diversity was the evidence of the knowledge of the essence of Holy Scripture. Such a mosaic of interpretations constitutes a primary feature proving the originality of the Syrians’ Biblical commentaries. Most significantly, it was the astute observation of the work of creation that provided them with the material for their interpretations. It is also possible that the knowledge of Judaism and exegetical techniques of rabbis played a crucial role in the adopted hermeneutical methodology. The analyses of Ishodad of Merv’s and Theodore bar Koni’s commentaries led to the discovery of the evolution in Nestorian exegesis, dominated by Antiochian tradition. East Syrians from the 8th and 9th centuries widely employed the interpretative method of diversity, previously used by Aphrahat and Ephraim the Syrian in the 4th century.