The Bible and Jews in Medieval Spain

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This work examines the grammatical, exegetical, philosophical, and mystical interpretations of the Bible in medieval Spain, where it served as the foundation of Jewish culture. The scientific analysis of Hebrew grammar that emerged in al-Andalus during the ninth and tenth centuries allowed biblical exegesis to evolve beyond homiletic interpretation, focusing instead on grammatical and contextual analysis. While early commentaries were often in Arabic, scholars increasingly utilized Hebrew. Abraham Ibn 'Ezra produced the first complete biblical commentaries in Hebrew, setting a standard for future generations. The book analyzes these early contributions and those from later Christian Spain, including the Qimhi family and Nahmanides, as well as the esoteric-mystical tradition. It compares major topics across various commentaries, creating a cohesive understanding of Hebrew commentary in medieval Spain. Additionally, it details the surviving Spanish Jewish biblical manuscripts and the history of printed editions and translations by medieval Spanish Jews. This work will attract scholars and students of medieval Spain and those interested in the history of religion and cultural history.