Guarire dall’arroganza: l’aforisma di Salomone nella Tosefta targumica di 1 Re 5,12–13

Abstract

The Targumic Tosefta attributed to Solomon provides an interpretation of the biblical text of 1 Kgs 5:12–13. By analysing the symbolic differences between the two plants mentioned and by interpreting parallel passages in the rabbinic tradition, the study aims to verify whether the Tosefta allows for a theological reinterpretation of the figure of Solomon and his encyclopaedic knowledge. The main novelty is a reappraisal of the figure of the king who, through the aphorism, gives a lesson in humility: a man who becomes arrogant in his great knowledge becomes as sick as a leper, isolated from his context, and can be healed by recovering a humble attitude, like the biblical hyssop, crushed by all.

The Targumic Tosefta attributed to Solomon provides an interpretation of the biblical text of 1 Kgs 5:12–13. By analysing the symbolic differences between the two plants mentioned and by interpreting parallel passages in the rabbinic tradition, the study aims to verify whether the Tosefta allows for a theological reinterpretation of the figure of Solomon and his encyclopaedic knowledge. The main novelty is a reappraisal of the figure of the king who, through the aphorism, gives a lesson in humility: a man who becomes arrogant in his great knowledge becomes as sick as a leper, isolated from his context, and can be healed by recovering a humble attitude, like the biblical hyssop, crushed by all.