(RaDa”K). Sepher Hashorashim [“Book of Roots;” Biblical lexicon and grammar]
AUCTION 54 |
Wednesday, March 21st,
2012 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Printed Books, Manuscripts Autograph Letters, Graphic & Ceremonial Art
Lot 186
KIMCHI, DAVID.
(RaDa”K). Sepher Hashorashim [“Book of Roots;” Biblical lexicon and grammar]
Venice: Daniel Bomberg 1529
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PRICE REALIZED $2,000
A scarce uncensored copy of this influential Hebrew lexicographical work.
The Provencal exegete and grammarian R. David Kimchi (1160? -1235?), was a life-long anti-Christian polemicist. Remarkably, this copy of Kimchi’s work explicitly retains the word “Notzrim” and other such Christian-related references. Under the entry “elem” (column 376), the author, quoting his father R. Joseph Kimchi, derides the Christian assertion that the word “almah” (a young girl) found in Isaiah Chap 7:14 refers to a virgin birth. Remarkably, the passage has survived intact. In most all other copies, the offending lines were vehemently struck out by the ever-watchful Church censor.