Entity · interpretive_method

Allegorical exegesis

A reference page linking a name, group, or concept to the materials that discuss it.

Reading narrative elements for further meanings; not inherently abolition of literal practice.

Modern diagram of Philo’s approach, not a rule for every Jewish reader. Migration of Abraham rejects neglecting laws because of symbolic interpretation. [11][12]
Modern diagram of Philo’s approach, not a rule for every Jewish reader. Migration of Abraham rejects neglecting laws because of symbolic interpretation. [11][12]IL Archive · original diagram · CC BYImage source

Text

A place, person or action may signify soul, virtue or knowledge. In the passages used here, PhiloPhilo of AlexandriaFirst-century CE Alexandrian Jewish author. In Life of Moses he presents Greek translation as inspired; the passage does not explicitly assign a separate room to each translator.Glossary · Click to read the explanation reinterprets passions and bodily organs in accordance with divine perfection, separating language that educates people from a literal description of divine essenceOusia — essenceGreek term for essence or nature, with meanings changing between authors.Glossary · Click to read the explanation. [1]

Allegorical interpretation is not one uniform doctrine and does not require dismissing every law’s surface meaning. Migration of Abraham calls for meaning and observance together, opposing ritualRitualAn organised or distinguished practice meaningful to a community; it may leave traces, but its form alone does not reveal an associated doctrine.Glossary · Click to read the explanation abandonment on the grounds of symbolism. The diagram summarizes this particular case rather than dating the origin of every metaphor or interpretive method. [2]

References and notes

  1. Philo, On the Unchangeableness of God, translated by C. D. Yonge 51–54 and 67–71; rejection of bodily passions and pedagogical interpretation. Return to the text ↑
  2. Philo, On the Migration of Abraham, translated by C. D. Yonge 89–93: observance alongside symbol; 180–187: transcendence, powers and providence. Return to the text ↑

Research history

Substantive changes are retained here. Minor copy edits remain in the internal operational log.

  1. Edition 2 · 11 October 2026 · editor:aladmin

    Substantive record update

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Cite this record

IL Archive, «Allegorical exegesis», Edition 2, https://ilarchive.com/en/entities/allegorical-exegesis