Philo
Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who blended Plato and Moses.
Philo of Alexandria, also known as Philo Judaeus, was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived in Alexandria in the Roman province of Egypt. He is known for his extensive writings in Koine Greek that explored the connections between Greek Platonic philosophy and late Second Temple Judaism, and for his use of philosophical allegory to harmonize the Hebrew Bible with Greek philosophy.
- born
- c. 20 BCE (estimated between 15 and 10 BCE by some scholars)
- died
- c. 50 CE (between 45 and 50 CE)
- field
- Philosophy, theology, exegesis
- nationality
- Hellenistic Jewish, Roman province of Egypt
- known_for
- Allegorical interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, concept of the Logos, representation of Alexandrian Jews before Emperor Caligula
Lore & Background
Philo received a thorough education in Hellenistic culture, Roman culture, Ancient Egyptian religion, Jewish traditions, and Greek philosophy. His largest philosophical influence was Plato, drawing heavily from the Timaeus and other dialogues. He read the Jewish Scriptures chiefly from the Septuagint and showed some familiarity with Hebrew etymologies, though his knowledge of Hebrew is debated. He identified the angel of the Lord with the Logos and consistently used the Greek word Kyrios for God.
Reader's Guide
Philo's significance lies in his synthesis of Greek Platonic philosophy with Jewish scripture and tradition, representing the apex of Jewish-Hellenistic syncretism. He used allegorical interpretation to harmonize the Hebrew Bible with Greek philosophy, a method that influenced many Christian Church Fathers, though he had little reception within Rabbinic Judaism. His concept of the Logos as God's creative principle is debated by scholars: some hold it influenced early Christology, while others deny direct influence and suggest a common source with Early Christianity. Philo's works also provide a rare contemporary account of Jewish life in Alexandria under Roman rule, including the tensions that led to the delegation to Caligula. His allegorical approach sometimes favored literal understanding of the Torah and historicity, but critics assumed his allegorical perspective lent credibility to legend over historicity. Philo's writings remain a key source for understanding Hellenistic Judaism and the intellectual background of early Christianity.
Did You Know?
- Philo's brother Alexander Lysimachus was so wealthy he gave a loan to the wife of King Herod Agrippa and provided gold and silver to overlay nine gates of the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Philo visited the Second Temple in Jerusalem at least once in his lifetime.
- Some scholars identify Philo's brother Alexander Lysimachus with the Alexander mentioned in the Book of Acts who presided over the Sanhedrin trial of John and Peter.
- Philo offered multiple etymologies for Hebrew names, sometimes including the correct Hebrew root, such as 'y-r-d' (descend) for the name Jordan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Philo of Alexandria?
Philo (also called Philo Judaeus) was a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher who lived and wrote in Alexandria, Egypt, during the early Roman period. His surviving body of work, composed in Koine Greek, is devoted to weaving together Platonic thought and Jewish scripture.
What is Philo's Logos concept?
Philo described the Logos as a mediating principle that stands between the transcendent God and the material creation, borrowing the term from Greek philosophical usage. This idea of a rational, ordering force later proved influential in early Christian theological language.
When did Philo live?
Most scholars place his birth around 20 BCE (with some narrowing it to the 15–10 BCE range) and his death around 50 CE (roughly 45–50 CE). That puts his active career squarely in the late First Century BCE through the mid-First Century CE in Roman Egypt.
What was Philo's involvement with Emperor Caligula?
Philo headed a delegation of Alexandrian Jews to Rome to appeal against anti-Jewish measures imposed in their city. The episode is recounted in his treatise On the Embassy to Gaius and is one of the few concrete historical events tied to his life.
Why is Philo considered important in the history of thought?
His systematic use of allegorical exegesis to harmonize the Hebrew Bible with Greek philosophy created a methodological template that shaped later Jewish, Christian, and Islamic theological writing. He is widely regarded as a pivotal bridge figure between the Platonic tradition and Second Temple Judaism.
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