Some Early Medieval Commentaries on the Old Testament
M. L. W. Laistner
It is a commonplace that the Biblical commentators of earlier Middle Ages were traditionalists who copied or adapted Fathers and rarely added much their own. At same time there was variation in method; for world difference between commentaries Bede Paschasius, carefully integrated works bearing impress writer's own mind personality, compilations are no more than collectanea Patristic passages strung together but lacking inner cohesion. Between these two extremes like those Hrabanus even Alcuin. Most material them borrowed, its arrangement has been carried out with some skill compiler, besides quoting his authorities verbally, gives variety to exposition by reproducing part traditional teaching words. The also differ greatly degree which they acknowledge sources. often indicated indebtedness others specific statements text general reference margin author cited. Even so reader needs be on guard, because commentators, ipsissima verba source, may completely mislead him. A palmary example this occurs Hrabanus' commentary Genesis. He introduces (PL 107, 506B) discussion Lamech seventy-seven descendants perished Flood words: “referebat quidam Hebraeus apocryphis eorum libris.” This might easily interpreted as an allusion mysterious Jewish scholar whom supposed have consulted we shall return.
Harvard Theological Review