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Benner’s Commentary on the Torah

Publication date: ‎ March 12, 2020
ISBN: 978-1951985127
Pages: 368

Benner’s Commentary on the Torah book cover

Synopsis

Jeff A. Benner’s Benner’s Commentary on the Torah (2020) presents a verse-by-verse exploration of the Torah through the lens of ancient Hebrew language and culture. Jeff A. Benner seeks to bridge the gap between modern Western interpretation and the original Ancient Near Eastern context by emphasizing the concrete, action-oriented nature of Hebrew thought.

Drawing on linguistic analysis, cultural background, and his Revised Mechanical Translation, Benner uncovers the functional meanings behind Hebrew words, names, and concepts. This approach invites readers to move beyond abstract theology and encounter the text as it was originally understood—practical, relational, and rooted in everyday life.

Table of Contents

About the Book

The book is structured into four primary sections to provide a multi-dimensional study experience:

  • 1. Verse-by-Verse Insights
    This section focuses on perplexing or frequently misunderstood passages, using archaeological and linguistic evidence to clarify the text.
    • Concrete Meaning: Benner illustrates how translators often replace concrete Hebrew actions with abstract religious concepts. For instance, the phrase "write this for a memorial" literally means "place it in the ears," emphasizing the physical act of hearing and internalizing the word.
    • Correction of Errors: It addresses linguistic nuances, such as why "one" molten calf in Exodus 32:4 was referred to in the plural as "gods," noting the complexities of Hebrew plurality and character traits.
  • 2. The Etymology of Names
    In ancient Hebrew thought, a name is not a mere identifier but a reflection of an individual’s character and function.
    • Adam: Explored as the "red" man formed from the "red" ground.
    • Israel: Defined as "he turns the head of God," moving beyond the simple "wrestles with God".
    • Noah: Linked to the concept of providing "rest" and "comfort".
  • 3. Topical Studies
    Benner examines the broader cultural philosophies that shaped the Torah's composition.
    • Circular Time: Contests the linear Western view of time, explaining that the Hebrews viewed time as a continuous circle of beginnings and endings.
    • The Documentary Hypothesis: Discusses the theory of five unique authorial styles (Elohist, Yahwist, etc.) and how a "Redactor" wove them into the unified text of the Torah.
    • Nomadic Lifestyle: Explores the physical world of the desert dweller—from tent construction to migration patterns—and how these realities are embedded in the spiritual teachings of the text.
  • 4. Word Studies
    This section provides concrete definitions for key Biblical terms that have become abstract in translation.
    • Grace (Hhen): Not "unmerited favor," but a "camp of protection" or the "protection of the camp".
    • Faith/Believe (Aman): Defined as being "firm" or "supportive," similar to the function of a tent peg.
    • Torah: Redefined not as "Law," but as a "journey" or a set of instructions from a father to a child.

Unique Methodologies

  • Revised Mechanical Translation: A unique system used throughout the commentary to allow readers with no knowledge of Hebrew to see the literal word order and structural meaning of the original text.
  • Function over Appearance: The work emphasizes that the Hebrew mind is concerned with how an object works (its function) rather than how it looks (its appearance). This is applied to everything from the description of Noah's Ark to the meaning of the Tabernacle furnishings.

This commentary serves as a foundational "excavation" tool for any library dedicated to the cultural and linguistic roots of the Biblical text.

Links

Original source:
https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/library/benners-commentary-on-the-torah/

© Jeff A. Benner. All rights reserved.