 |
|
     |
|
|
|
Early in the Summa theologiae, Thomas defends the fourfold interpretation of the Old Testament Scripture by saying that the words of Scripture refer univocally to things, and that God providentially uses those things to signify later things.
In this, he was anticipated by Hugh of St. Victor. In his De scripturis et scriptoribus, Hugh argues that "to be ignorant of the letter is to be unaware of what the letter signifies, and of what is signified by the letter. For that which is signified by the first [the letter] signifies still a third thing."
Again, "In other writings, the philosopher knows only a signification of words; but in the sacred pages the signification of things is surely more remarkable than the signification of words. For simple use establishes the latter, but the former is dictated by nature. In the one case we have the voice of men; here we have the voice of God to men. The signification of words comes from man's good pleasure; the signification of things is natural, arising from the operation of the Creator who wishes certain things to be signified by other things."
And in his De sacramentis, Hugh summarizes the point: "It is apparent how much Divine Scripture excels all other writings in subtlety and profundity, not only in its subject matter, but also in its method of treatment, since indeed in other writings words alone are found to have meaning, but in it not only words but also things are significative."
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Permission is given to use material on this site, provided the source is cited, blog entries are republished in full, and the author is notified in advance.
1 & 2 Kings
Brazos Theological Commentary
The Promise Of His Appearing: An Exposition Of Second Peter
A Great Mystery: Fourteen Wedding Sermons
Deep Comedy: Trinity, Tragedy, And Hope In Western Literature
Miniatures & Morals: The Christian Novels of Jane Austen
The Priesthood of the Plebs: A Theology of Baptism
A Son To Me: An Exposition of 1 & 2 Samuel
From Silence to Song: The Davidic Liturgical Revolution
Ascent to Love: A Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy
Blessed Are the Hungry: Meditations on the Lord's Supper
A House For My Name: A Survey of the Old Testament
Heroes of the City of Man: A Christian Guide to Select Ancient Literature
Brightest Heaven of Invention: A Christian Guide To Six Shakespeare Plays
Wise Words: Family Stories That Bring the Proverbs to Life
The Kingdom and the Power: Rediscovering the Centrality of the Church
