Philo of Alexandria

Collected Studies 1997-2021

By (author) David T. Runia

Book cover: Philo of Alexandria

Extent: 568 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Classical Studies, Jewish Studies, Philosophy

Series: Texts and Studies in Ancient Judaism

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(July 2023)

ISBN: 9783161618765

6.54 x 9.37 inches

Price: $254.00

In stock

This volume offers a collection of twenty-six studies by David T. Runia on the writings and thought of Philo of Alexandria. The author examines key areas of Philo’s thought and illuminates contemporary writings of the New Testament and Second Temple Judaism.


The Jewish exegete and philosopher Philo of Alexandria (ca. 15 BCE – ca. 50 CE) has left behind by far the largest surviving body of writings of Greek speaking Judaism. Deeply loyal to his own Jewish community, Philo nevertheless has an open stance towards Greek philosophy and uses its ideas to develop his own thought as he expounds the scriptural text. The present volume brings together a collection of essays by David T. Runia on Philonic thought published between 1997 to 2021. In the first section, two introductory studies show the breadth of relevant understanding that Philo has for seven sub-disciplines of ancient and patristic studies. The essays in the second section examine Philo’s knowledge of and use of Greek philosophy. One of these, Philo’s reception of Plato’s Phaedo , has not yet been published in English. Further studies focus on biblical interpretation in an Alexandrian context and explore theological themes relating to theodicy, divine power, and human hope. Finally, another seven studies give close readings of key Philonic texts.

A. Introductory essays
B. Philo and Ancient Philosophy
C. Biblical Interpretation in an Alexandrian Context
D. Further Theological Themes
E. Studies on Philonic texts

  • By (author) David T. Runia