Bible Quote by Frank Moore Cross
“The Hebrew Bible defines Judaism. It's certainly true that the Talmudic interpretations become authoritative and normative, but they are interpretations of the Hebrew Bible. So that is always there.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Bible and Its Influence, 1975
The Hebrew Bible is the foundational text of Judaism; later Talmudic commentary interprets but does not replace it.
In simple terms: Judaism rests on the Hebrew Bible, with later interpretations building on it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the primary role of scripture before later commentary.
Themes
religion
scripture
interpretation
Mood
reflective
academic
Type
theoretical
educational
When to use this quote
- religious education
- interfaith dialogue
- academic study of Judaism
Key Concepts
theology
canon formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do Talmudic traditions shape modern Jewish practice?
- What authority should scriptural versus interpretive texts hold?
A Different Perspective
Later interpretations can be contested or vary across communities.
![“You have miracles [in the Hebrew Bible], yes, but they're not the work, normally, of demons.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa8/frank-moore-cross-14963_demon_you-have-miracles-in-the-hebrew-bible-ye_866697.jpg)
![“[Sacrifice of Isaac] is a major theme of the so-called Elohist [one authorial strand in the Pentateuch]. It is marked by all of his linguistic characteristics, and so on. We cannot determine what is historical and what isn't. As literary critics, we would understand the importance of this for…” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b3/frank-moore-cross-14963_characteristics_sacrifice-of-isaac-is-a-major-theme-of-t_309064.jpg)
![“[The story of Adam and Eve] it's poetry. One must interpret it as poetry. The first 11 chapters of Genesis [the Primeval History] are absolutely remarkable.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2f9/frank-moore-cross-14963_adam_the-story-of-adam-and-eve-it-s-poetry-on_634404.jpg)
![“Elie [Wiesel], when you ask, "Why do I want to know," I'm trying to grab the holy. And I'm getting thrown back.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/952/frank-moore-cross-14963_asks_elie-wiesel-when-you-ask-why-do-i-want-t_690408.jpg)
![“The history of interpretation [of the Bible] is fascinating; but that is something else.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/946/frank-moore-cross-14963_bible_the-history-of-interpretation-of-the-bib_729883.jpg)
