Moshe Bar Kepha

Moshe Bar Kepha

Moshe Bar Kepha (c. 813 – 903) was a prominent Syriac Orthodox bishop and a prolific writer of the 9th century. His works spanned a wide range of theological, philosophical, exegetical, and liturgical subjects, making him one of the most important figures in Syriac intellectual history.

Life and Background

Moshe Bar Kepha was born in Balad, a town near Mosul in present-day Iraq, around the year 813. He entered the Monastery of Mar Sergius on the "Dry Mountain" (Butman) and became a monk at the age of twenty. Around 863, he was consecrated bishop, assuming the name Severus and taking charge of the dioceses of Beth Raman, Beth Kiyonaya, and Mosul. Some sources also list Beth Arbaye as part of his diocese.

For about ten years, Moshe Bar Kepha served as a patriarchal periodeut, or visitor, for the diocese of Tagrit. During this time, he gained a reputation for his wise administration and extensive learning. He died on February 12, 903, at the age of ninety, and was buried in the Monastery of St. Sergius, near his native city.

Works and Contributions

Moshe Bar Kepha's writings cover an impressive range of topics, reflecting his deep engagement with the intellectual and religious traditions of his time. His works include:

• Commentary on the Old and New Testaments: Moshe Bar Kepha wrote a comprehensive commentary on the Bible, which was frequently cited by later Syriac scholars like Bar Hebraeus. Much of this commentary is still extant in manuscript form.

• Treatise on Predestination and Free Will: This treatise, preserved in a manuscript in the British Library, explores a significant theological issue.

• Commentary on Aristotle's Dialectics: Bar Hebraeus mentions that Moshe Bar Kepha wrote a commentary on Aristotle's Dialectics, indicating his engagement with Greek philosophy.

• Commentary on the Hexaemeron: Moshe Bar Kepha wrote a commentary on the six days of creation in five books.

• Tractatus de Paradiso: This work, in three parts, is dedicated to his friend Ignatius. A Latin version of it was published in the 16th century.

• Treatise on the Soul: This treatise, divided into forty chapters, includes a supplementary essay on the utility of offering prayers and sacrifices for the dead.

• Tractatus de Sectis: Also known as Liber disputationum adversus haereses, this work deals with various heresies.

• Treatise on the Sacraments: Moshe Bar Kepha also wrote a treatise on the sacraments of the Church.

• Commentary on the Liturgy: He composed a commentary on the Syriac liturgy.

• Other Works: His other works include discourses, homilies, a commentary on the writings of St. Gregory of Nazianzus, an ecclesiastical history, canons, and other liturgical commentaries.

Some of his other notable works include commentaries on:

• Baptism

• The Eucharist

• The Consecration of the Myron (holy oil)

• The ordination rites for various clergy

• The clothing of monks

• The rite for the dedication of a church

• Funeral rites

• The heavenly and earthly priesthood

• A collection of 38 homilies

• A book on the causes of the feasts

Significance and Legacy

Moshe Bar Kepha was one of the most important Syriac writers of the 9th century. His extensive body of work demonstrates a deep engagement with the Syriac Christian tradition, as well as an engagement with Greek philosophy. He attempted to create a comprehensive system of theology that would defend Christianity within the context of the Muslim world. [Page Break]

His contributions are significant for several reasons:

• Comprehensive Scholarship: Moshe Bar Kepha's writings covered a wider range of subjects than any previous Syriac author, including biblical exegesis, theology, and liturgy.

• Systematic Approach: His works are characterized by a systematic and organized approach, often divided into short chapters or sections, treating specific points in a formulaic way, sometimes using a question-and-answer format.

• Defense of Christianity: His writings aimed to defend and strengthen the Christian faith in the context of the rise of Islam.

• Influence on Later Scholars: Moshe Bar Kepha's works were highly influential among later Syriac scholars, including Bar Hebraeus, who frequently quoted his writings.

• Preservation of Syriac Tradition: His writings contributed to the preservation and transmission of Syriac theological and intellectual traditions.

In summary, Moshe Bar Kepha was a prolific and influential Syriac writer whose works provide valuable insights into the theology, philosophy, and culture of the Syriac Orthodox Church during the 9th century.