Alegoryczny komentarz Filona Aleksandryjskiego do perykopy Rdz 6,1–4

Abstract

Philo of Alexandria interpreted Genesis 6:1–4 by means of his chosen method, the allegory. In this way, the passage takes on a significantly different meaning from the literal one, one rather closer to the overall thought of the philosopher. The interpretation concerns ethics more than angelology, stressing the benefits of choosing the logos and the damages of rejecting it. Angels then, in accordance with the Stoic demonology, denote souls, daughters of men ‒ various low passions, and giants ‒ those who are immersed in the pleasures of the flesh. Such a reading of this difficult Genesis passage is absolutely unique in the history of exegesis.