The Commentary of Abraham ibn Ezra on the Book of Job

Translated with commentary by Jason Kalman

Book cover: The Commentary of Abraham ibn Ezra on the Book of Job

Extent: 390 pages

Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications

Subjects: Biblical Studies, Jewish Studies, Medieval Studies

Series: TEAMS Commentary Series

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(February 2025)

ISBN: 9781580447010

6.14 x 9.21 inches

Price: $54.95

In stock

An annotated translation of the foremost Jewish biblical scholar of the Middle Ages on the Book of Job.


The book of Job was among the most popular books of study for Jewish scholars in the Middle Ages. With its themes of suffering, providence, and theodicy it attracted much attention despite the difficulty of its language. Abraham ibn Ezra (1089-1164) was born in Muslim Spain, but composed his commentaries while residing in Christian Europe. His commentaries meld what was the most advanced thinking of his day to identify the distinction between biblical genres, to show sensitivity to rhetoric and poetry, to establish a model for defining hapax legomena, and to bring scientific and astrological knowledge to the reading of the Bible. By innovatively composing the commentary in Hebrew, rather than Arabic, he also transmitted the intellectual life of the Jews of the Muslim world North, making it available to new audiences.

Acknowledgments
Introduction
Ibn Ezra’s Introduction
The Commentary of Abraham ibn Ezra on the Book of Job
Explanation of Words
Explanation of Ideas
Bibliography
Index of Scripture and Ancient Sources

  • Translated with commentary by Jason Kalman