A Commentary on the Book of Genesis, Part 1: From Adam to Noah

by U. Cassuto

Publisher:

Magnes Press

, 1998

Overview

The aim of A Commentary on the Book of Genesis, Part 1: From Adam to Noah is to explain, with the help of a historico-philological method of interpretation, the simple meaning of the biblical text, and to arrive, as nearly as possible, at the meaning of the words of the Torah as first written.

A Commentary on the Book of Genesis, Part 1: From Adam to Noah is rich in original insights and scholarly illuminations that make it an invaluable guide to the Bible student—whether an erudite scholar or a well-read lay inquirer—irrespective of the opinions held with regard to the higher critical doctrines.

In the Logos edition of A Commentary on the Book of Genesis, Part 1: From Adam to Noah, you get easy access to Scripture texts and to a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Hovering over Scripture references links you instantly to the verse you’re looking for, and Passage Guides, Word Studies, and a wealth of other tools, make this important work more available than ever for Hebrew study.

Key Features

• Analytical comments from the author
• Key to the transliteration
• Bibliographical references and indexes

Contents

Top Highlights

“This numerical symmetry is, as it were, the golden thread that binds together all the parts of the section and serves as a convincing proof of its unity against the view of those—and they comprise the majority of modern commentators—who consider that our section is not a unity but was formed by the fusion of two different accounts, or as the result of the adaptation and elaboration of a shorter earlier version.” (Page 15)

“intention. Our passage reflects the view that sacrifices are acceptable only if an acceptable spirit inspires them.” (Page 207)

“Apparently the Bible wished to convey that whilst Abel was concerned to choose the finest thing in his possession, Cain was indifferent. In other words: Abel endeavoured to perform his religious duty ideally, whereas Cain was content merely to discharge this duty.” (Page 205)

“The aim of this commentary is to explain, with the help of an historico-philological method of interpretation, the simple meaning of the Biblical text, and to arrive, as nearly as possible, at the sense that the words of the Torah were intended to have for the reader at the time when they were written.” (Page 1)

“The existence of light even before the creation of the luminaries does not, of course, present any difficulty, for we are all familiar with light that does not emanate from the heavenly bodies, e.g. lightning. The real problem is how there could be a day when there was no sun. On this question see the notes to verses 14–15.” (Page 26)

Product Details

• Title: A Commentary on the Book of Genesis, Part 1: From Adam to Noah
• Author: Umberto Cassuto
• Translator: Israel Abrahams
• Publisher: Magnes Press
• Publication Date: 1961
• Pages: 341

About U. Cassuto

Umberto Cassuto (1883–1951) was an Italian historian, a biblical and Semitic scholar, and professor of Bible at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He began to make a name in the world of scholarship by virtue of a series of articles mainly on the history of Jews in Italy. In 1912, he began to publish important papers and books on Bible studies. All his works are of great significance to this day.