Description (en)
The story of the “Fall of Man” (Gen 3) was reproduced very differently by Philo
and Josephus. First, we take a look on the treatment of the theme in the Old and New Testament
and some apocryphal texts. In most of the Old Testament there is silence about paradise
(“Paradiesschweigen”). Where Gen 3 is received (for example Sir; ApcMos; VitAd) an interpretation
prevails, which understands the “Fall of Man” as an incision in human history, even
if this incision took place in a mythical past. Philo and Josephus understand Gen 3 as a didactic
narrative of general nature. Josephus’s account is closer to our present understanding of the
story. One can call his interpretation “moralizing”. He also places Gen 3 (as later many Christian
interpreters) in the context of world history. Philo gives Gen 3 an allegorical interpretation.
He relates the story to the psychic life of every single human being.