The Problem of Interpreting the Figure of Melchizedek in Philo of Alexandria (De congressu eruditionis gratia 99)
https://doi.org/10.31802/BCA.2025.27.3.006
Abstract
The present article is dedicated to the investigation of the problem of the interpretation of Melchizedek’s figure in Philo’s of Alexandria fragment (De congressu eruditionis gratia 99). There are three approaches of its interpretation. According to the most popular of them Melchizedek’s is to be understood as an allegory of divine Logos. In agreement with another approach Melchizedek has to be treated literally, i.e. as a historical figure. Based on the third way of interpretation Melchizedek is an allegory of a human rational principle. In the article I argue why the first two approaches are to be rejected and demonstrate the consistency of the third approach. The last one is also elaborated in the light of Philo’s parallel fragments.
About the Author
Eugene Yu. Kolodniy
St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Humanitarian University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Eugene Y. Kolodniy, MA in Theology, Faculty member at the Department of Theology,
6, bld. 1, Likhov lane, Moscow 127051.
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Review
For citations:
Kolodniy E.Yu. The Problem of Interpreting the Figure of Melchizedek in Philo of Alexandria (De congressu eruditionis gratia 99). Bible and Christian Antiquity. 2025;(3):149-164. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31802/BCA.2025.27.3.006
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