Creator Bio
Joseph Kimḥi
1105–1170
Joseph ben Isaac Kimḥi was born in al-Andalus (Muslim Spain) and, following the Almohad invasion of his homeland, fled to Languedoc, in southern France. There he wrote works of Hebrew grammar and exegesis, comparing Hebrew, Arabic, and even the local vernacular. His exegetical contributions adhered to scripture’s “plain sense” (peshat) meaning. He also waded into long-standing grammatical disputes among medieval philologists and argued forcefully against Christian interpretations of scripture. He translated Judeo-Arabic texts into Hebrew.
Content by Joseph Kimḥi
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The Holy Shekel
O wise one, lay it to heart at all times, yea, every day, whether week-day or feast-day, sabbath or new moon, and you will find in “The Holy Shekel” every good quality, more precious than…
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Book of the Covenant
The ma’amin said: Know that all the good which a man achieves in this world is of two kinds: good works and faith. If I can attribute good works and faith to the Jews, then they have everything. I…
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Book of the Foundation of Awe
Sefer yesod ha-yir’ah
Men of understanding have asked me to teach them the ways of instruction and wisdom, to give them rules whereby they might find life for their bodies while they are upon the earth, and…
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The Book of Demonstration
Sefer ha-galuy, Introduction, Proverbs 19:10, Psalms 48:3
In my youth, I perused their works, examined their words, and composed this book to demonstrate here the truth, with proofs, for all who understand candidly. And the ignorant among the nation should…
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Commentary: On Genesis
On Genesis 44:18
[Judah said to his brother Joseph:] . . . for you are like Pharaoh himself. (Genesis 44:18)
So you should have kept your word, like a king does, for the meaning of the word Pharaoh and its semantic…
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Commentary: On Proverbs
On Proverbs 12:9
Better is the one who is slighted and is his own servant than one who honors himself but lacks bread. (Proverbs 12:9)
Better is the one who is slighted and is his own servant: This is from the point…