Biblical Exegesis and Aristotelian Naturalism: Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, and the animals of the Book of Job
Stefano Perfetti
This essay examines the biblical discourse on animals in Job 38-41, as interpreted by Albert Great and Thomas Aquinas their 13th-century commentaries. In God’s first reply to (chapters 38 39) twelve species of are introduced realistically described, including accurate details behavior. Subsequently, chapters 40 41 introduce two more complex animals, Behemoth Leviathan, which realistic symbolic features intertwine. peculiarity book – long sequences dedicated descriptions allows investigate what extent how availability Aristotelian zoology, whose study was prescribed Dominican program promoted practiced himself, became an instrument for a renewed exegesis, different from allegorical theological moralizing hitherto prevailing Christian tradition commentaries Job.
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