Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria (c. 20 BCE-c. 50 CE)

Philo of Alexandria was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in the Roman province of Egypt. He wrote extensively on the intersection of Greek philosophy and Jewish scripture, often using allegory to harmonize the two. Philo played a key role in the Alexandrian Jewish community and represented them in a delegation to the Roman emperor Caligula.

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About the Philo

Philo of Alexandria ( Ancient Greek: Philon, romanized: Philon; Hebrew: ydiydyah, romanized: Y@didyah; c. 20 BCE – c. 50 CE), also called Philo Judaeus, was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria, in the Roman province of Egypt.

The only event in Philo’s life that can be decisively dated is his representation of the Alexandrian Jews in a delegation to the Roman emperor Caligula in 40 CE following civil strife between the Jewish and Greek communities of Alexandria.

Philo was a leading writer of the Hellenistic Jewish community in Alexandria, Egypt. He wrote expansively in Koine Greek on the intersection of philosophy, politics, and religion in his time; specifically, he explored the connections between Greek Platonic philosophy and late Second Temple Judaism. For example, he maintained that the Greek-language Septuagint and the Jewish law still being developed by the rabbis of the period together serve as a blueprint for the pursuit of individual enlightenment.

Philo’s deployment of allegory to harmonize Jewish scripture, mainly the Torah, with Greek philosophy was the first documented of its kind, and thereby often misunderstood. Many critics of Philo assumed his allegorical perspective would lend credibility to the notion of legend over historicity. Philo often advocated a literal understanding of the Torah and the historicity of such described events, while at other times favoring allegorical readings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philo of Alexandria was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria, Egypt during the Roman period, around the 1st century CE.

Philo was a leading writer in the Hellenistic Jewish community of Alexandria, and he represented the Alexandrian Jews in a delegation to the Roman emperor Caligula in 40 CE.

Philo used allegory to harmonize Greek Platonic philosophy with late Second Temple Judaism, exploring the connections between the two.

Philo’s deployment of allegory to reconcile Jewish scripture, mainly the Torah, with Greek philosophy was the first documented of its kind, which often led to misunderstandings.

Philo often advocated for a literal understanding of the Torah and the historicity of the events described, while at other times favoring allegorical readings.