Part I. Chapter Lii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LII EVERY description of an object by an affirmative attribute, which includes the assertion that an object is of a certain kind, must be made in one of the following five ways:-- First. The object is described by its...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXV WE do not reject the Eternity of the Universe, because certain passages in Scripture confirm the Creation; for such passages are not more numerous than those in which God is represented as a corporeal being; n...
Part Iii. Chapter X : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER X THE Mutakallemim, as I have already told you, apply the term non-existence only to absolute non-existence, and not to the absence of properties. A property and the absence of that property are considered by them...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVI As Theologians are divided on the question whether the actions of God are the result of His wisdom, or only of His will without being intended for any purpose whatever, so they are also divided as regards...
Part Ii. Chapter Xlvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVII IT is undoubtedly clear and evident that most prophecies are given in images, for this is the characteristic of the imaginative faculty, the organ of prophecy. We find it also necessary to say a few words...
Part I. Chapter Vi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VI THE two Hebrew nouns "ish" and "ishshah" were originally employed to designate the "male and female" of human beings, but were afterwards applied to the "male and female" of the other species of the animal creati...
Part Iii. Chapter Ix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER IX THE corporeal element in man is a large screen and partition that prevents him from perfectly perceiving abstract ideals: this would be the case even if the corporeal element were as pure and superi...
Part Iii. Chapter Iii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER III WHEN Ezekiel recalled to memory the form of the Chariot, which he described in the beginning of the book, the same vision presented itself to him a second time; in this vision he was borne to Jerusalem. He...
Introduction. Prefatory Remarks : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], ["Prefatory Remarks."] "Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul unto Thee." (Psalm cxliii. S.) "Unto you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men." (Prov. viii. 4) "Bow down thine ear...
Part Ii. Chapter V : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 159 CHAPTER V SCRIPTURE supports the theory that the spheres are animate and intellectual, i.e., capable of comprehending things: that they are not, as ignorant persons believe, inanimate masses like fire and earth, but...
Part I. Chapter Xlix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLIX THE angels are likewise incorporeal: they are intelligences without matter, but they are nevertheless created beings, and God created them, as will be p. 66 explained below. In Bereshith Rabbah (on Gen. iii. 24)...
Part Ii. Chapter Xl : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XL IT has already been fully explained that man is naturally a social being, that by virtue of his nature he seeks to form communities; man is therefore different from other living beings that are not compelled...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXI SOME of the recent philosophers who adhere to the theory of the Eternity of p. 191 the Universe hold that God produces the Universe, that He by His will designs and determines its existence and form: they reject...
Part I. Chapter Xxiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXIV THE term "halak" is likewise one of the words which denote movements performed by living beings, as in "And Jacob went ("halak") on his way" (Gen. xxxii. I), and in many other instances. The verb "to go" was next...
Part I. Chapter Iii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER III IT might be thought that the Hebrew words "temunah" and "tabnit" have one and the same meaning, but this is not the case. "Tabnit", derived from the verb "banah" (he built), signifies the build and constructi...
Part Ii. Chapter Xv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XV IN this chapter I intend to show that Aristotle was well aware that he had not proved the Eternity of the Universe. He was not mistaken in this respect. He knew that he could not prove his theory, and that his...
Part I. Chapter Lxxvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXXVI THE reasonings and arguments of the Mutakallemim to demonstrate the Incorporeality of God are very weak., and indeed inferior to their arguments for the Unity of God. They treat the doctrine...
Part I. Chapter Xvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 27 CHAPTER XVII Do not imagine that only Metaphysics should be taught with reserve to the common people and to the uninitiated: for the same is also the case with the greater part of Natural Science. In this sense we have...
Part I. Chapter Xxxviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVIII THE Hebrew term "aor" is a homonym. It is a noun, signifying "back." Comp. "Behind ("aare") the tabernacle" (Exod. xxvi. 12); "The spear came out behind him ("aarav")" (2 Sam. ii. 23). p. 54 It is next used...
Part I. Chapter Lxxi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXXI KNOW that many branches of science relating to the correct solution of these problems, were once cultivated by our forefathers, but were in the course of p. 108 time neglected, especially in consequence...
Part Iii. Chapter Lii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LII WE do not sit, move, and occupy ourselves when we are alone and at home, in the same manner as we do in the presence of a great king; we speak and open our mouth as we please when we are with the people of our own...
Part Ii. Chapter I : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER I ACCORDING to Proposition XXV., a moving agent must exist which has moved the substance of all existing transient things and enabled it to receive Form. The cause of the motion of that agent is found in the existence...
Part Iii. Chapter Xlvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVII THE precepts of the twelfth class are those which we have enumerated in the section on "Purity" ("Sefer tohorah"). Although we have mentioned their use in general, we will here offer an additional explanati...
Part I. Chapter Xlvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVII WE have already stated several times that the prophetic books never attribute to God anything which ordinary men consider a defect, or which they cannot in their imagination combine with the idea of the Almighty...
Part Ii. Chapter Xi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XI WHEN a simple mathematician reads and studies these astronomical p. 167 discussions, he believes that the form and the number of the spheres are facts established by proof. But this is not the case; for the science...
Part Iii. Chapter Liv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LIV THE term "okmah" ("wisdom") in Hebrew is used of four different things: (1) It denotes the knowledge of those truths which lead to the knowledge of God. Comp. "But where shall wisdom be found?" (Job xxviii. 12);...
Part Iii. Chapter Xix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XIX IT is undoubtedly an innate idea that God must be perfect in every respect and cannot be deficient in anything. It is almost an innate idea that ignorance in anything is a deficiency, and that God can therefore...
Part Iii. Chapter Liii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LIII THIS chapter treats of the meaning of three terms which we find necessary to explain, viz., "esed" ("loving kindness"), "mishpat" ("judgment"), and "edakah" ("righteousness"). In our Commentary on the Sayings...
Part I. Chapter Vii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VII IT is well known that the verb yalad means "to bear, they have born ("ve-yaledu") him children" (Deut. xxi. 15). The word was next used in a p. 20 figurative sense with reference to various objects in nature...
Part Iii. Chapter Ii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER II THE prophet says that he saw four "ayyot": each of them had four faces, four wings, and two hands, but on the whole their form was human. Comp. "They had the likeness of a man" (Ezek. i. 5). The hands are also...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXV IN accordance with this intention I find it convenient to divide all precepts into fourteen classes. The first class comprises those precepts which form fundamental principles, such as we have enumerated...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVI THE reason of all precepts of the first class, viz., of the principles enumerated by us in the "Hilkot yesode ha-torah", is obvious. Consider them one by one, and you will find that the lesson which every one...
Part I. Chapter Xlv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLV "Shama'" is used homonymously. It signifies "to hear," and also "to obey." As regards the first signification, comp. "Neither let it be heard out of thy mouth" (Exod. xxiii. 13); "And the fame ther was heard...
Part I. Chapter Xxxvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVI I SHALL explain to you, when speaking on the attributes of God, in what sense we can say that a particular thing pleases Him, or excites His anger and His wrath, and in reference to certain persons that God w...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXI IT is perhaps clear why the laws concerning Sabbath are so severe, that their transgression is visited with death by stoning, and that the greatest of the prophets put a person to death for breaking the Sabbath...
Part Iii. Chapter Xiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XIV IN order to obtain a correct estimate of ourselves, we must reflect on the results of the investigations which have been made into the dimensions and the distances of the spheres and the stars. The distances are...
Part Iii. Chapter Xli : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 344 CHAPTER XLI THE precepts of the sixth class comprise the different ways of punishing the sinner. Their general usefulness is known and has also been mentioned by us. I will here describe them one by one and point out...
Part I. Chapter Xi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XI THE primary meaning of the Hebrew "yashab" is "he was seated," as "Now Eli the priest sat ("yashab") upon a seat" (1 Sam. i. 9); but, since a person can best remain motionless and at rest when sitting, the term w...
Part I. Chapter Xii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XII THE term "kam" (he rose) is a homonym. In one of its significations it is the opposite of "to sit," as "He did not rise ("kam") nor move for him" (Esth. v. 9). It further denotes the confirmation and verificati...
Part I. Chapter Xliii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLIII THE Hebrew "kanaf" is a homonym; most of its meanings are metaphorical. Its primary signification is "wing of a flying creature," e.g., "Any winged ("kanaf") fowl that flieth in the air" (Deut. iv. 17). The term...
Part Iii. Chapter Xlvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVI THE precepts of the eleventh class are enumerated in the Section on Divine Service ("Sefer 'abodah") and the Section on Sacrifices ("Sefer ha-orbanot"). We have described their use in general terms (chap. xxxii.)...
Part Iii. Chapter Xliii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLIII THE precepts of the eighth class are enumerated in "the Section on Seasons" ("Sefer zemannim"). With a few exceptions, the reasons for all of them are stated in the Law. The object of Sabbath is obvious...
Part I. Chapter Xliv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLIV THE Hebrew "'ayin" is a homonym, signifying "fountain"; e.g., "By a fountain ("'en") of water" (Gen. xvi. 7). It next denotes "eye"; comp. ("'ayin") "Eye for eye" (Exod. xxi. 24). Another meaning of the word is...
Part Iii. Chapter I : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER I IT is well known that there are men whose face is like that of other animals thus the face of some person is like that of a lion, that of another person like that of an ox, and so on: and man's face is described...
Part I. Chapter Xxix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 39 CHAPTER XXIX THE term "'eeb" is homonymous, denoting, in the first place, pain and trembling; comp. "In sorrow ("be-'eeb") thou shalt bring forth children" (Gen. iii. 16). Next it denotes anger; comp. "And his father...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXIV THE meaning of the Scriptural passage, "Behold I will send an angel before thee," etc. (Exod. xxiii. 20), is identical with the parallel passage in Deuteronomy which God is represented to have addressed to Moses...
Part I. Chapter Ix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER IX THE original meaning of the word "kisse", "throne," requires no comment. Since men of greatness and authority, as, e.g., kings, use the throne as a seat, and "the throne" thus indicates the rank, dignity...
Part Iii. Chapter Vi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VI THE sublime and great subject which Ezekiel by prophetic impulse began to teach us in the description of the "Mercabah", is exactly the same which Isaiah taught us in general outlines, because he did not require...
Part I. Chapter Lxv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXV AFTER YOU have advanced thus far, and truly comprehended that God exists p. 97 without having the attribute of existence, and that He is One, without having the attribute of unity, I do not think that I need...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXII ON considering the Divine acts, or the processes of Nature, we get an insight into the prudence and wisdom of God as displayed in the creation of animals, with the gradual development of the movements of their...
Part I. Chapter Xxx : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXX IN its primary meaning "akal" (to eat) is used in the sense of taking food by animals: this needs no illustration. It was afterwards observed that eating includes two processes--(1) the loss of the food, i.e...
Part I. Chapter Xxxiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXIII You must know that it is very injurious to begin with this branch of philosophy, viz., Metaphysics: or to explain [at first] the sense of the similes occurring in prophecies, and interpret the metaphors which...
Part Iii. Chapter Xviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 289 CHAPTER XVIII HAVING shown in the preceding chapter that of all living beings mankind alone is directly under the control of Divine Providence, I will now add the following remarks: It is an established fact th...
Part Ii. Chapter Xlviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVIII IT is clear that everything produced must have an immediate cause which produced it; that cause again a cause, and so on, till the First Cause, viz., the will and decree of God is reached. The prophets...
Part Ii. Chapter Xiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 174 CHAPTER XIV IT is not necessary to repeat in every chapter that I write this treatise with the full knowledge of what you have studied: that I therefore need not quote the exact words of the philosophers: it will...
Part I. Chapter Xviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XVIII THE three words "karab", "to come near, naga'", "to touch," and "nagash", "to approach," sometimes signify "contact" or "nearness in space," sometimes the approach of man's knowledge to an object, as if it...
Part I. Chapter Xxxii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXII You must consider, when reading this treatise, that mental perception, because connected with matter, is subject to conditions similar to those to which physical perception is subject. That is to say, if your...
Part I. Chapter Lxiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXIV KNOW that in some instances by the phrase "the name of the Lord," nothing but the name alone is to be understood; comp. "Thou shalt not take the p. 96 name of the Lord thy God in vain" (Exod. xl. 7); "And he th...
Part I. Chapter Xxxi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXI KNOW that for the human mind there are certain objects of perception which are within the scope of its nature and capacity; on the other hand, there are, amongst things which actually exist, certain objects which...
Part Iii. Chapter Xlii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLII THE precepts of the seventh class are the civil laws enumerated in the Section on judgments, and part of the Section on Property. The object of these precepts is obvious. They define the ways of equity...
Part I. Chapter Xvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XVI THE word "ur" (rock) is a homonym. First, it denotes "rock," as "And thou shalt smite the rock" ("ur") (Exod. xvii. 6). Then, "hard stone," like the flint, e.g., "Knives of stone" ("urim") (Josh. V. 2). It is next...
Part Ii. Chapter Xli : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLI I NEED not explain what a dream is, but I will explain the meaning of the term "mareh", "vision," which occurs in the passage: "In a vision ("be-mareh") do I make myself known unto him" (Num. xii. 6). The term...
Part Iii. Chapter Xx : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XX IT is generally agreed upon that God cannot at a certain time acquire knowledge which He did not possess previously; it is further impossible that His knowledge should include any plurality, even according to those...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVII THE general object of the Law is twofold: the well-being of the soul, and the well-being of the body. The well-being of the soul is promoted by correct opinions communicated to the people according to their...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXIX IF we hear a person speaking whose language we do not understand, we undoubtedly know that he speaks, but do not know what his words mean; it may even happen that we hear some words which mean one thing...
Moreh Nebuchim Literature : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. xxvii THE MOREH NEBUCHIM LITERATURE I. "The Arabic Text".--The "editio princeps", the only edition of the original text of the Guide (in Arabic, "Dlil", or "Dalalat" al-h.arin"), was undertaken and executed by the late S...
Part I. Chapter X : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER X WE have already remarked that when we treat in this work of homonyms, we have not the intention to exhaust the meanings of a word (for this is not a philological treatise); we shall mention no other significations...
Part I. Chapter Xxvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVII ONKELOS the Proselyte, who was thoroughly acquainted with the Hebrew and Chaldaic languages, made it his task to oppose the belief in God's corporeality. Accordingly, any expression employed in the Pentateuch...
Part Ii. Chapter Iv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER IV THE enunciation that the heavenly sphere is endowed with a soul will appear reasonable to all who sufficiently reflect on it; but at first thought they may find it unintelligible or even objectionable; because they...
Part Ii. Chapter Xliv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLIV PROPHECY is given either in a vision or in a dream, as we have said so many times, and we will not constantly repeat it. We say now that when a prophet is inspired with a prophecy he may see an allegory, as we...
Analysis Of The Guide For The Perplexed : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. xxxix ANALYSIS OF THE GUIDE FOR THE PERPLEXED IT is the object of this work "to afford a guide for the perplexed," i.e. "to thinkers whose studies have brought them into collision with religion" (p. 9), "who have studied...
Part Iii. Chapter Xiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XIII INTELLIGENT persons are much perplexed when they inquire into the purpose of the Creation. I will now show how absurd this question is, according to each one of the different theories [above-mentioned]. An agent...
Part Iii. Chapter Viii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VIII TRANSIENT bodies are only subject to destruction through their substance and not through their form, nor can the essence of their form be destroyed; in this respect they are permanent. The generic forms, as you...
Introduction. Directions For The Study : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], "Directions for the Study of this Work". If you desire to grasp all that is contained in this book so that nothing shall escape your notice, consider the chapters in connected order. In studying each chapter, do not content...
Part Iii. Chapter Xl : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 342 CHAPTER XL THE precepts of the fifth class, enumerated in the Section--"On Damages" ("Sepher neziin"), aim at the removal of wrong and the prevention of injury. As we are strongly recommended to prevent damage, we are...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXII THE strange and wonderful Book of Job treats of the same subject as we are discussing; its basis is a fiction, conceived for the purpose of explaining the different opinions which people hold on Divine Providence...
Part I. Chapter Lvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LVI SIMILARITY is based on a certain relation between two things: if between two things no relation can be found, there can be no similarity between them, and there is no relation between two things that have no...
Part Iii. Chapter Xv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XV THAT which is impossible has a permanent and constant property, which is not the result of some agent, and cannot in any way change, and consequently we do not ascribe to God the power of doing what is impossible...
Part I. Chapter V : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER V WHEN the chief of philosophers (Aristotle) was about to inquire into some very profound subjects, and to establish his theory by proofs, he commenced his treatise with an apology, and requested the reader...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 196 CHAPTER XXIV You know of Astronomy as much as you have studied with me, and learnt from the book Almagest; we had not sufficient time to go beyond this. The theory that [the spheres] move regularly, and th...
Part I. Chapter Xxxvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVII THE Hebrew term "panim" (face) is homonymous: most of its various meanings have a figurative character. It denotes in the first place the face of a living being: comp. "And all "faces" are turned into paleness"...
Part Ii. Chapter Ix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER IX WE have stated above that in the age of Aristotle the number of spheres was not accurately known: and that those who at present count nine spheres consider a sphere containing several rotating circles as one...
Part I. Chapter L : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER L WHEN reading my present treatise, bear in mind that by "faith" we do not understand merely that which is uttered with the lips, but also that which is apprehended by the soul, the conviction that the object [of...
Part I. Chapter Li : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LI THERE are many things whose existence is manifest and obvious; some of these are innate notions or objects of sensation, others are nearly so: and in fact they would require no proof if man had been left in his...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXI THERE is a great difference between the knowledge which the producer of a thing possesses concerning it, and the knowledge which other persons possess concerning the same thing. Suppose a thing is produced...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 231 CHAPTER XXXIX WE have given the definition of prophecy, stated its true characteristics, and shown that the prophecy of Moses our Teacher was distinguished from that of other prophets; we will now explain that this...
Part Iii. Chapter Xvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XVII THERE are four different theories concerning Divine Providence; they are all ancient, known since the time of the Prophets, when the true Law was revealed to enlighten these dark regions. "First Theory".--There...
Part I. Chapter Iv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER IV THE three verbs "raah", "hibbit", and "azah", which denote "he perceived with the eye," are also used figuratively in the sense of intellectual perception. As regards the first of these verbs this is well known, e...
Part I. Chapter Lxx : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXX THE term "rakab", "to ride," is a synonym. In its primary signification it is applied to man's riding on an animal, in the usual way; e.g., "Now he was riding ("rokeb") upon his ass" (Num. xxii. 22). It has then...
Part I. Chapter Xxv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXV THE Hebrew "shakan", as is well known, signifies "to dwell," as, "And he was dwelling ("shoken") in the plains of Mamre" (Gen. xiv. 13); "And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt ("bishekon")" (Gen. xxxv. 22). This...
Part Iii. Chapter Xlviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVIII THE precepts of the thirteenth class are those which we have enumerated in the "Laws concerning forbidden food" ("Hilkot maakalot asurot"), "Laws concerning killing animals for food" ("Hilkot sheitah")...
Part I. Chapter Xxiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXIII "Yaa" ("he came out") is the opposite of "ba" ("he came in"). The term "yaa" is applied to the motion of a body from a place in which it had previously rested, to another place (whether the body be a living...
Preface To Volume One Of The First Edition : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. v p. vii PREFACE TO VOLUME ONE OF THE FIRST EDITION IN compliance with a desire repeatedly expressed by the Committee of the Hebrew Literature Society, I have undertaken to translate Maimonides "Dalalt" al-airin", better...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXIII ASSUMING the first part of the history of Job as having actually taken place, the five, viz., Job and his friends, agreed that the misfortune of Job was known to God, and that it was God that caused Job's...
Part Ii. Chapter Xix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 184 CHAPTER XIX IT has been shown that according to Aristotle, and according to all that defend his theory, the Universe is inseparable from God; He is the cause, and the Universe the effect; and this effect is a necessary...
Part Iii. Introduction : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], PART THREE p. 251 INTRODUCTION WE have stated several times that it is our primary object in this treatise to expound, as far as possible, the Biblical account of the Creation ("Ma'aseh bereshit") and the descripti...
Part I. Chapter Xxviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVIII THE term "regel" is homonymous, signifying, in the first place, the foot of a living being; comp. "Foot for foot" (Exod. xxi. 24). Next it denotes an object which follows another: comp. "And all the people th...
Part I. Chapter Lxxiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXXIV IN this chapter will be given an outline of the proofs by which the Mutakallemim attempt to demonstrate that the universe is not eternal. You must of course not expect that I shall quote their lengthy arguments...
Part I. Chapter Lxix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXIX THE philosophers, as you know, call God the First Cause (in Hebrew "'illah" and "sibbah"): but those who are known by the name of Mutakallemim are very much opposed to the use of that name, and call Him "Agens"...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 304 CHAPTER XXIV THE doctrine of trials is open to great objections: it is in fact more exposed to objections than any other thing taught in Scripture. It is mentioned in Scripture six times, as I will show in this chapter...
Part Iii. Chapter Xi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XI ALL the great evils which men cause to each other because of certain intentions, desires, opinions, or religious principles, are likewise due to non-existence, because they originate in ignorance, which is absence...
Part Iii. Chapter Xlix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLIX THE precepts of the fourteenth class are those which we enumerated in the Section on Women, the Laws concerning forbidden sexual intercourse, and p. 373 cross-breeding of cattle ("Sefer nashim", "Hilkot issure...
Part Ii. Chapter Viii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VIII IT is one of the ancient beliefs, both among the philosophers and other people, that the motions of the spheres produced mighty and fearful sounds. They observed how little objects produced by rapid motion a loud...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXV [MAN'S] actions are divided as regards their object into four classes; they are either "purposeless", "unimportant", "in vain", or "good". An action is "in vain" if the object which is sought by it is not obtained...
Part I. Chapter Lxxiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 120 CHAPTER LXXIII THERE are twelve propositions common to all Mutakallemim, however different their individual opinions and methods may be; the Mutakallemim require them in order to establish their views on the four...
Part I. Chapter Lv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LV WE have already, on several occasions, shown in this treatise that everything that implies corporeality or passiveness, is to be negatived in reference to God, for all passiveness implies change: and the agent...
Part I. Chapter Lxvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXVII SINCE the verb "to say" has been figuratively used to express the will of the Creator, and the phrase "And he said has repeatedly been employed in the account of all the things created in the six days...
Part I. Chapter Xxvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVI You, no doubt, know the Talmudical saying, which includes in itself all the various kinds of interpretation connected with our subject. It runs thus: p. 35 [paragraph continues] "The Torah speaks according...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXII ARISTOTLE and all philosophers assume as an axiom that a simple element can only produce one simple thing, whilst a compound can produce as many things as it contains simple elements; e.g., fire combines...
Part I. Chapter I : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], PART ONE p. 12 p. 13 "Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in"."--(Isa. xxvi. 2.) CHAPTER I Some have been of opinion that by the Hebrew "elem", the shape and figure of a thing is...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVII IT is necessary to consider the nature of the divine influence, which enables us to think, and gives us the various degrees of intelligence. For this influence may reach a person only in a small measure...
Part I. Chapter Xxi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXI IN its primary signification the Hebrew "'abar", "to pass," refers to the motion of a body in space, and is chiefly applied to living creatures moving at some distance in a straight line, e.g., "And He passed over...
Part Ii. Introduction : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], PART II p. 145 INTRODUCTION TWENTY-FIVE of the propositions which are employed in the proof for the existence of God, or in the arguments demonstrating that God is neither corporeal nor a force connected with a material being...
Part I. Chapter Liii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LIII THE circumstance which caused men to believe in the existence of divine attributes is similar to that which caused others to believe in the corporeality of God. The latter have not arrived at that belief by...
Part I. Chapter Ii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER II Some years ago a learned man asked me a question of great importance; the problem and the solution which we gave in our reply deserve the closest attention. Before, however, entering upon this problem and its...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 339 CHAPTER XXXIX THE precepts in the fourth class include the laws which in our work are contained in the section Zera'im, excepting the laws on the mixture of species: the rules about things to be "valued" and things...
Part Ii. Chapter Iii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER III THE theory of Aristotle in respect to the causes of the motion of the spheres led him to assume the existence of Intelligences. Although this theory consists of assertions which cannot be proved, yet it is...
Part Ii. Chapter Xvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XVII EVERYTHING produced comes into existence from non-existence; even when the substance of a thing has been in existence, and has only changed its form, the thing itself, which has gone through the process...
Part I. Chapter Lxxii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXXII KNOW that this Universe, in its entirety, is nothing else but one individual being: that is to say, the outermost heavenly sphere, together with all included therein, is as regards individuality beyond all...
Part I. Chapter Xxxix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXIX THE Hebrew "leb" (heart) is a homonymous noun, signifying that organ which is the source of life to all beings possessing a heart. Comp. "And thrust them through the heart of Absalom" (1 Sam. xviii. 14). This...
Part I. Chapter Lviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LVIII This chapter is even more recondite than the preceding. Know that the negative attributes of God are the true attributes: they do not include any incorrect notions or any deficiency whatever in reference to God...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVIII MANY of our coreligionists thought that King Solomon believed in the Eternity of the Universe. This is very strange. How can we suppose that any one that adheres to the Law of Moses, our Teacher, should accept...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXIII IN comparing the objections raised against one theory with those raised against the opposite theory, in order to decide in favour of the least objectionable, we must not consider the number of the objections...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXIII IT is also the object of the perfect Law to make man reject, despise, and reduce his desires as much as is in his power. He should only give way to them when absolutely necessary. It is well known that it is...
Part Ii. Chapter Xviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XVIII THE first method employed by the philosophers is this: they assume that a transition from potentiality to actuality would take place in the Deity itself, if He produced a thing only at a certain fixed time...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVIII IT is necessary to bear in mind that Scripture only teaches the chief points of those true principles which lead to the true perfection of man, and only demands in general terms faith in them. Thus Scripture...
Part I. Chapter Lxiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXIII BEFORE approaching the subject of this chapter, we will first consider the words of Moses, "And they shall say unto me, What is His name? what shall I say unto them" (Exod. iii. 13). How far was this questi...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXIII IT is clear to me that what Moses experienced at the revelation on Mount Sinai was different from that which was experienced by all the other Israelites, for Moses alone was addressed by God, and for this...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXII THERE are as many different opinions concerning Prophecy as concerning the Eternity or Non-Eternity of the Universe. For we have shown that those who assume the existence of God as proved may be divided...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXIV IT is also important to note that the Law does not take into account exceptional circumstances; it is not based on conditions which rarely occur. Whatever the Law teaches, whether it be of an intellectual...
Part I. Chapter Lxi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXI IT is well known that all the names of God occurring in Scripture are derived from His actions, except one, namely, the Tetragrammaton, which consists of the letters "yod", "h", "vau" and "h". This name is applied...
Part I. Chapter Lxii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXII WE were commanded that, in the sacerdotal blessing, the name of the Lord should be pronounced as it is written in the form of the Tetragrammaton, the "shem ha-meforash". It was not known to every one how the name...
The Life Of Moses Maimonides : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. xv THE LIFE OF MOSES MAIMONIDES "BEFORE the sun of Eli had set the son of Samuel had risen." Before the voice of the prophets had ceased to guide the people, the Interpreters of the Law, the Doctors of the Talmud, had...
Part I. Chapter Xxxiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXIV THERE are five reasons why instruction should not begin with Metaphysics, p. 45 but should at first be restricted to pointing out what is fitted for notice and what may be made manifest to the multitude. First...
Part I. Chapter Xxxv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXV Do not think that what we have laid down in the preceding chapters on the importance, obscurity, and difficulty of the subject, and its unsuitableness for communication to ordinary persons, includes the doctrine...
Introduction. Letter Of The Author To His : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 1 INTRODUCTION ["Letter of the Author to his Pupil, R. Joseph Ibn Aknin."] In the name of GOD, Lord of the Universe. To R. Joseph (may God protect him!), son of R. Jehudah (may his repose be in Paradise!):-- My dear pupil...
Part Ii. Chapter Xii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XII IT is clear that whenever a thing is produced, an efficient cause must exist for the production of the thing that has not existed previously. This immediate efficient cause is either corporeal or incorporeal: if...
Part Iii. Chapter Xvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XVI THE philosophers have uttered very perverse ideas as regards God's Omniscience of everything beside Himself; they have stumbled in such a manner that they cannot rise again, nor can those who adopt their views. I...
Part I. Chapter Xlviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVIII WHENEVER in the Pentateuch the term "to hear" is applied to God, Onkelos, the Proselyte, does not translate it literally, but paraphrases it, merely expressing that a certain speech reached Him, i.e., He...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVII WE have already stated that the belief in the Creation is a fundamental principle of our religion: but we do not consider it a principle of our faith that the Universe will again be reduced to nothing. It is not...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVII THE precepts of the second class are those which we have enumerated in the section "On idolatry." It is doubtless that they all tend to save man from the error of idolatry and the evil practices connected with...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXIX IT is well known that the Patriarch Abraham was brought up in the religion and the opinion of the Sabeans, that there is no divine being except the stars. I will tell you in this chapter their works which are...
Introduction. Introductory Remarks : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], "Introductory Remarks". [ON METHOD] THERE are seven causes of inconsistencies and contradictions to be met with in a literary work. The first cause arises from the fact that the author collects the opinions of various men...
Part Ii. Chapter Xlv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 241 CHAPTER XLV AFTER having explained prophecy in accordance with reason and Scripture, I must now describe the different degrees of prophecy from these two points of view. Not all the degrees of prophecy which I will...
Part I. Chapter Lxviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXVIII You are acquainted with the well-known principle of the philosophers that God is the "intellectus", the "ens intelligens", and the "ens intelligibile". These three things are in God one and the same, and do not...
Part Ii. Chapter Xiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XIII AMONG those who believe in the existence of God, there are found three different theories as regards the question whether the Universe is eternal or not. "First Theory".--Those who follow the Law of Moses, our...
Part Iii. Chapter Xliv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLIV THE precepts of the ninth class are those enumerated in the Section on Love. Their reason is obvious. The actions prescribed by them serve to remind us continually of God, and of our duty to fear and to love Him...
Part Ii. Chapter Vii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VII WE have already explained that the term "angel" is a homonym, and is used of the intellectual beings, the spheres, and the elements: for all these are engaged in performing a divine command. But do not imagine...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxx : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXX ON examining these old and foolish doctrines we find that it was most generally believed by the people that by the worship of stars the earth will become inhabited, and the ground fertilized. The wise, pious...
Part I. Chapter Xlvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVI WE have already stated, in one of the chapters of this treatise, that there is a great difference between bringing to view the existence of a thing and demonstrating its true essence. We can lead others to notice...
Part I. Chapter Lx : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LX I WILL give you in this chapter some illustrations, in order that you may better understand the propriety of forming as many negative attributes as possible, and the impropriety of ascribing to God any positive...
Part Ii. Chapter Xlii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLII WE have already shown that the appearance or speech of an angel mentioned in Scripture took place in a vision or dream; it makes no difference whether this is expressly stated or not, as we have explained above...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVIII THE precepts of the third class are identical with those which we have enumerated in "Hilkot de'ot". Their use is evident; they are rules concerning moral conduct by which the social relations of men are...
Part I. Chapter Lvii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LVII ON attributes; remarks more recondite than the preceding. It is known that existence is an accident appertaining to all things, and therefore an element superadded to their essence. This must evidently be...
Part Ii. Chapter Ii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER II THE fifth essence, i.e., the heavenly spheres, must either be transient, and in this case motion would likewise be temporary, or, as our opponent assumes, it must be eternal. If the spheres are transient, then God...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxviii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVIII EVERY man possesses a certain amount of courage, otherwise he would not stir to remove anything that might injure him. This psychical force seems to me analogous to the physical force of repulsion. Energy...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXVI PROPHECY is, in truth and reality, an emanation sent forth by the Divine Being through the medium of the Active Intellect, in the first instance to man's rational faculty, and then to his imaginative faculty; it...
Part Iii. Chapter Iv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER IV IT is necessary to call your attention to an idea expressed by Jonathan, the son of Uzziel. When he saw that the prophet says in reference to the "Ofannim", "It was cried unto them in my hearing, O "gilgal"...
Part Iii. Chapter Xxxi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXI THERE are persons who find it difficult to give a reason for any of the commandments, and consider it right to assume that the commandments and prohibitions have no rational basis whatever. They are led to adopt...
Part Ii. Chapter X : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER X IT is a well-known fact that the philosophers, when they discuss in their works the order of the Universe, assume that the existing order of things in this sublunary world of transient beings depends on forces which...
Part Iii. Chapter Xii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XII MEN frequently think that the evils in the world are more numerous than the good things; many sayings and songs of the nations dwell on this idea. They say that a good thing is found only exceptionally, whilst...
Preface : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. iii p. vi PREFACE The first Edition of the English Translation of Maimonides "Dalalt" al-airin" being exhausted without having fully supplied the demand, I prepared a second, revised edition of the Translation. In the new...
Part Ii. Chapter Xvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XVI IN this chapter I will first expound my view on this question, and then support it by argument-not by such arguments as those of the Mutakallemim, who believe that they have proved the "Creatio ex nihilo". I will...
Part I. Chapter Xli : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 56 CHAPTER XLI THE Hebrew "nefesh" (soul) is a homonymous noun, signifying the vitality which is common to all living, sentient beings. E.g. "wherein there is a living soul" ("nefesh") (Gen. i. 30). It denotes also blood,"...
Part Ii. Chapter Xx : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XX ACCORDING to Aristotle, none of the products of Nature are due to chance. His proof is this: That which is due to chance does not reappear constantly nor frequently, but all products of Nature reappear either...
Part I. Chapter Lxvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXVI "AND the tables were the work of God" (Exod. xxxii. 16), that is to say, they were the product of nature, not of art; for all natural things are called "the work of the Lord," e.g., "These see the works...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxxv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXXV I HAVE already described the four points in which the prophecy of Moses our Teacher was distinguished from that of other prophets, in books accessible to every one, in the Commentary on the Mishnah (Sanhedrin x...
Part I. Chapter Xiii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 25 CHAPTER XIII THE term "'amad" (he stood) is a homonym signifying in the first instance "to stand upright," as "When he stood ("be-'omdo") before Pharaoh" (Gen. xli. 46); "Though Moses and Samuel stood ("ya'amod")" (Jer...
Part I. Chapter Xl : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XL "Rua" is a homonym, signifying "air," that is, one of the four elements. Comp. "And the air of God moved" (Gen. i. 2). It denotes also, "wind." Comp. "And the east wind ("rua") brought the locusts" (Exod. x. 13);...
Part I. Chapter Xiv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XIV THE homonymous term "adam" is in the first place the name of the first man, being, as Scripture indicates, derived from "adamah", "earth." Next, it means "mankind," as "My spirit shall not strive with m...
Part I. Chapter Lix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LIX THE following question might perhaps be asked: Since there is no possibility of obtaining a knowledge of the true essence of God, and since it has also been proved that the only thing that man can apprehend of Him...
Part I. Chapter Xv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XV ALTHOUGH the two roots "naab" and "yaab" are distinct, yet their meaning is, as you know, identical in all their various forms. The verb has several meanings: in some instances it signifies "to stand or "to place...
Part Iii. Chapter Xlv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 355 CHAPTER XLV THE precepts of the tenth class are those enumerated in the laws on the Temple ("Hilkot bet ha-beirah"), the laws on the vessels of the temple and on the ministers in the temple ["Hilkot kele ha-midash...
Part Iii. Chapter L : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER L THERE are in the Law portions which include deep wisdom, but have been misunderstood by many persons.; they require, therefore, an explanation. I mean the narratives contained in the Law which many consider as being...
Part Ii. Chapter Vi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VI As for the existence of angels, there is no necessity to cite any proof from Scripture, where the fact is frequently mentioned. The term "elohim " signifies "judges"; comp. "The cause of both parties shall come...
Part Iii. Chapter Vii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VII ONE Of the points that require investigation is the connexion between the vision of the mercabah and the year, month, and day, and also the place of the vision. A reason must be found for this connexion, and we...
Part Ii. Chapter Xlvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLVI ONE individual may be taken as an illustration of the individuals of the whole species. From its properties we learn those of each individual of the species. I mean to say that the form of one account...
Part Iii. Chapter Li : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LI THE present chapter does not contain any additional matter that has not been treated in the [previous] chapters of this treatise. It is a kind of conclusion, and at the same time it will explain in what manner...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxx : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXX THERE is a difference between first and beginning (or principle). The latter exists in the thing of which it is the beginning, or co-exists with it; it need not precede it; e.g., the heart is the beginning...
Title Page : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], THE GUIDE FOR THE PERPLEXED BY MOSES MAIMONIDES TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL ARABIC TEXT BY M. FRIEDLNDER, PH SECOND EDITION REVISED THROUGHOUT London: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd. [1904] Originally Scanned and OCRed by Andrew...
Part Iii. Chapter V : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER V IT is necessary to notice that the plural "marot elohim", "visions of God," is here used, and not the singular mareh, "vision," for there were several things, of different kinds, that were perceived by the prophet...
Part I. Chapter Xlii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLII "ai" ("living") signifies a sentient organism (lit. "growing" and "having sensation"), comp. "Every moving thing that liveth" (Gen. ix. 3); it also denotes recovery from a severe illness: "And was recovered...
Part Ii. Chapter Xliii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XLIII WE have already shown in our work that the prophets sometimes prophesy in allegories; they use a term allegorically, and in the same prophecy the meaning of the allegory is given. In our dreams, we sometimes...
Part I. Chapter Xix : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XIX THE term "male" is a homonym which denotes that one substance enters another, and fills it, as "And she filled ("va-temalle") her pitcher" (Gen. xxiv. 16); "An omer-full ("melo") for each" (Exod. xvi. 32)...
Part I. Chapter Liv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], p. 75 CHAPTER LIV THE wisest man, our Teacher Moses, asked two things of God, and received a reply respecting both. The one thing he asked was, that God should let him know His true essence: the other, which in fact he asked...
Part I. Chapter Xx : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XX THE word "ram" (high) is a homonym, denoting elevation in space, and elevation in dignity, i.e., greatness, honour, and power. It has the first meaning in "And the ark was lifted up ("va-tarom") above the earth"...
Part Ii. Chapter Xxvi : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXVI IN the famous chapters known as the Chapters of Rabbi Eliezer, I find R. Eliezer the Great saying something more extraordinary than I have ever seen in the utterances of any believer in the Law of Moses. I me...
Part I. Chapter Xxii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER XXII IN Hebrew, the verb "bo" signifies "to come" as applied to a living being, i.e., its arrival at a certain place, or approach to a certain person, as "Thy brother came ("ba") with subtilty" (Gen. xxvii. 35). It...
Part I. Chapter Lxxv : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER LXXV IN this chapter I shall explain to you how the Mutakallemim prove the Unity of God. They contend that the Maker and Creator of the Universe, the existence of whom is testified by all nature, is One. Two...
Part I. Chapter Viii : * "Guide for the Perplexed", by Moses Maimonides, Friedlnder tr. [1904], CHAPTER VIII ORIGINALLY the Hebrew term "makom" (place) applied both to a particular spot and to space in general subsequently it received a wider signification and denoted "position," or "degree," as regards the perfecti...
