Lapide's Exegetical Method
Cornelius a Lapide's stated methodology for his biblical commentaries: tracking down the historical sense first, reconciling Hebrew with the Vulgate, presenting the mystical sense from the Fathers, proceeding with brevity. He takes a middle way between literalists and excessive allegorists, always attributing mystical readings to their patristic authors.
Preface and Praise of Sacred Scripture
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The Author's Method (paragraph 48)
— Lapide's middle way: first track down the historical sense, indicate variant opinions, prefer the reading most consonant with the text, defend the Vulgate by decree of Trent, show that Hebrew agrees with the Vulgate.
"I may first track down the historical sense with exact investigation; wherever it will be different among various authors, I will indicate it... I have always held that the Vulgate edition must be defended, by decree of the Council of Trent"
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The Author's Method (paragraph 48)
— For the mystical sense, Lapide will always attribute it to its authors; he will consult Greek, Hebrew, Latin, Syriac, Chaldean, variant readings, Greek and Latin Fathers, and more recent interpreters.
"As for the mystical sense, I will so far never invent it myself that I will always attribute it to its authors, and where it is more illustrious, I will embrace it briefly"
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The Author's Method (paragraph 48)
— Lapide's approach to the Rabbis: no dealings except where they agree with Catholic doctors or follow Jerome under a hidden name.
"As for the Rabbis, I will have no dealings with them, except insofar as they agree with Catholic doctors, or follow the Christians — and especially St. Jerome — silently under a hidden name"