Abarbanel on the Torah
English Translation & Commentary on Don Isaac Abarbanel’s Biblical Works
This publication offers a complete, accessible English translation of Don Isaac Abarbanel’s Torah commentary, together with historical context, clear explanations, and insights into his method of Jewish biblical interpretation.
What this project is about
Abarbanel on the Torah is dedicated to translating and explaining the Torah commentary of Don Isaac Abarbanel (1437–1508) — one of the most influential voices in Jewish biblical exegesis, medieval Jewish philosophy, and post-exilic Jewish history.
This publication provides:
A continuous English translation of Abarbanel’s commentary on the Torah
Accessible explanations of his philosophical and exegetical approach
Contextual notes linking his ideas to classical Jewish commentators
Structured chapters aligned with the weekly parashah
Occasional essays on Abarbanel’s worldview, method, and influence
The purpose is to make Abarbanel’s Torah commentary readable, searchable, and usable for modern readers.
Who was Don Isaac Abarbanel?
Don Isaac Abarbanel served as a statesman, philosopher, and leading biblical commentator of the late medieval period. His writings combine:
rigorous textual analysis,
dialogue with earlier Jewish commentators,
political and historical insight,
and a wide philosophical horizon.
His commentaries address the deepest questions of the biblical text: narrative structure, prophetic meaning, divine providence, leadership, exile, and the spiritual and moral responsibilities of the Jewish people.
Yet despite his importance, Abarbanel’s Torah commentary remains difficult to access in English — a gap this project aims to fill.
Why this translation matters
Abarbanel’s commentary is rich, complex, and intellectually bold.
He approaches the Torah through carefully formulated questions, methodical argumentation, and a profound understanding of the biblical narrative.
This translation seeks to preserve:
the clarity of his questions,
the logic of his answers,
the depth of his philosophical concerns,
and the structure of his commentary.
The goal is to serve:
students of Torah,
teachers and rabbis,
researchers in Jewish studies,
and general readers interested in biblical commentary.
What you will find here
Each entry includes:
A faithful English translation of a section of Abarbanel’s Torah commentary
Clear structure, following the order of the Torah and its parashot
Notes and explanations when needed (history, philosophy, sources)
Cross-references to classical Jewish biblical commentators
Occasional supplementary essays exploring Abarbanel’s method and influence
This publication is designed so readers can follow the commentary week by week or study specific themes and passages.
A long-term project
This is a multi-year translation effort.
New sections of Abarbanel’s Torah commentary will be published regularly.
Readers may subscribe for free to receive updates, or choose to support the project in the future when extended material and annotated versions become available.
Join the project
If you are interested in thoughtful, rigorous, and accessible translations of Abarbanel’s commentary on the Torah, I invite you to subscribe and follow the unfolding of this work.
Welcome — and thank you for being part of this journey.