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Alexander of Hales: On the Significations and Exposition of the Holy Scriptures
Alexander of Hales: On the Significations and Exposition of the Holy Scriptures
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Alexander of Hales - Franciscan Institute Publications
Alexander of Hales
On the Significations and Exposition of the
Holy Scriptures
Introduction and Translation
by Aaron Gies
Franciscan Institute Publications
St. Bonaventure University
2018
All rights reserved.
No part of the book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the publisher.
© 2018 Franciscan Institute Publications,
St. Bonaventure University
Cover Design by Jill M. Smith
Cover photo courtesy of Lambeth Palace Library, London
ISBN 978-1-57659-429-2
E-ISBN 978-1-57659-430-8
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Library of Congress Control Number: 2018952756
Printed and bound in the United States of America.
Franciscan Institute Publications makes every effort
to use environmentally responsible suppliers and materials in the publishing of its
books. This book is printed on acid free, recycled paper that is FSC (Forest Stewardship
Council) certified. It is printed with soy-based ink.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abbreviations
Introduction
Life and works of Alexander of Hales
Authenticity of the treatise
Literary genre of the treatise
Structure of the treatise
Indications of purpose and use
Alexander as a biblical interpreter
Notes on the translation
Part I. The figurative meanings of scripture
A. Introduction
i. Scripture speaks figuratively [1, 2]
ii. Three reasons the Scriptures veil spiritual truth [3, 4]
B. The figurative devices of the literal sense [5]
i. Parable [6, 7]
ii. Paradigm, i.e. anthropomorphism [8]
iii. Metaphor
a. The elemental spheres as examples [9-14]
b. Theology draws metaphors from all creation [15]
c. The Creator may use all created things as metaphors for good or evil things [16]
iv. Enigma [17]
C. The mystical devices of the spiritual senses [18]
i. Introduction
a. The spiritual senses encompass the four figurative devices [18]
b. Scripture is superior to other disciplines because it signifies both literally and spiritually [19]
c. Scripture must be manifold in form [20]
d. The senses are fitted to Scripture’s saving purpose [23, 24]
ii. History
a. Primary [25]
b. Contains past events securely known by authors [26]
c. Has three genres [27-31]
d. History of the hebrews to be spiritually understood [32]
e. The basis for the other three senses [33]
iii. Allegory: meaning transferred to the articles of faith [34-37]
iv. Tropology: meaning transferred to patterns of behavior [38-41]
v. Anagogy: meaning transferred to eschatological hope [42-45]
vi. Scripture is three in one like the Trinity [46, 47]
vii. Symbolic meaning veils truth from the unworthy [48]
D. Conclusion [49]
Part II. Seven rules by which Scripture’s meaning is altered [50]
A. Rule 1: Properties of Christ are applied to his Body and vice versa [51]
B. Rule 2: The Body may be true or mixed [52]
C. Rule 3: Commands have dispensational meanings [53]
D. Rule 4: The specific applies in general [54]
E. Rule 5: Time expanded or abbreviated by synecdoche or prophetic past [55]
F. Rule 6: Previous events are recapitulated, future ones anticipated [56]
G. Rule 7: Properties of the devil are applied to his body
and vice versa [57]
H. Conclusion
Part III. Reasons for drawing out mystical and allegorical readings [59]
A. Introduction: Theological consideration both nominal and real [60]
B. Consideration of names
i. Interpretation of names [61]
a. Allegorical [61, 62]
b. Tropological [63]
c. Anagogical [64]
d. More tropological examples [65, 66]
ii. Etymology [67]
iii. Surnames or the changing of names by imposition [68-70]
iv. Circumlocution [71-77]
C. Consideration from properties of things [78]
i. Simple and composite natures compared by grace [79]
ii. Consideration from properties of composite natures [80, 81]
a. Quantity
- Indivisible quantity [82, 83]
- Discreet quantities one through ten [84-93]
b. Quality [94, 95]
c. Comparability [96-98]
d. Actuability [101-105]
e. Passibility [106]
f. Place
- In space [107-111]
- In time [112]
- In age [113-115]
g. State [116-122]
h. Disposition or gesture [123-127]
Indices
Scripture
Non-Biblical Sources
ABBREVIATIONS
OLD TESTAMENT
Gen
Ex
Lev
Num
Deut
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Sam
2 Sam
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chron
2 Chron
Ezra
Neh
Tob
Judith
Esther
Job
Ps
Prov
Qoh
Cant
Wis
Sir
Isa
Jer
Lam
Bar
Ez
Dan
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obad
Jonah
Micah
Nah
Hab
Zeph
Haggai
Zech
Mal
1 Macc
2 Macc
NEW TESTAMENT
Matt
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Rom
1 Cor
2 Cor
Gal
Eph
Phil
Col
1 Thes
2 Thess
1 Tim
2 Tim
Titus
Phlm
Hebr
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Rev
INTRODUCTION
On the Significations and Exposition of the Holy Scriptures is a handbook on biblical hermeneutics.¹ That is, it is a short work explaining how to rightly interpret the Scriptures. It was written by Alexander of Hales, (ca. 1183-1245),