East Syriac Exegesis in Arabic: Ibn al-Ṭayyib's commentary on the Gospel of Matthew
Principal investigator: Dr. Joseph Faragalla
Funding: Fritz Thyssen Stiftung
Abū al-Faraj ʿAbd Allāh Ibn al-Ṭayyib (d. 1043) is regarded as one of the foremost biblical exegetes in Christian-Arabic literature of the 10th and 11th centuries. In his works, he sought to preserve the Eastern Syrian exegetical tradition by translating and compiling material from Syriac sources for an Arabic-speaking Christian audience. His literary corpus spans multiple disciplines, including philosophy, medicine, theology, biblical exegesis, and canon law. While he wrote exclusively in Arabic, only a small portion of his works has been edited, with the majority still preserved in manuscrips. This porject aims to fill this gap by analyzing Ibn al-Ṭayyib’s Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, producing a critical edition, and offering the first English translation of the text.
While the creation of a critical edition and English translation is central to this project, the primary focus lies in the detailed analysis of Ibn al-Ṭayyib’s exegetical methods and theological insights. The research will explore his interpretive approach, examining how he incorporates philosophical, medical, and theological frameworks. His engagement with Aristotelian philosophy and Galenic medical theories notably shaped his understanding of biblical teachings, particularly regarding human nature, intention, and morality.
Another key objective is to examine Ibn al-Ṭayyib's approach to the Arabic Bible, focusing on his methods of translation. This study will identify the sources that informed his commentary, such as Syriac and Greek texts, and explore how these sources were adapted in his interpretation. The project aims to highlight the intricate interplay of linguistic, cultural, and theological influences in Ibn al-Ṭayyib's work.
By combining a critical edition, an English translation, and a nuanced analysis of Ibn al-Ṭayyib’s exegetical methods, sources, and theological contributions, this project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of his Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. It will also explore the reception and enduring influence of his work in the broader context of Christian Arabic biblical interpretation.