Definition
Jeffrey H. Tigay is an American biblical scholar and academic, recognized for his contributions to the study of the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Book of Genesis, and for his work on biblical commentaries and reference works.
Overview
Born in the United States, Tigay pursued advanced studies in Hebrew and biblical literature, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Near Eastern studies. He served as a professor of Hebrew and Judaic studies at the University of Pennsylvania, where he taught courses on biblical Hebrew, biblical exegesis, and ancient Near Eastern literature. Tigay is best known for authoring the "JPS Torah Commentary: Genesis" (1995), a scholarly yet accessible commentary published by the Jewish Publication Society. He has also contributed to numerous encyclopedic and reference projects, including entries for the Encyclopedia of the Bible and editorial work on the JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh.
Etymology/Origin
The surname “Tigay” is of Jewish origin, likely derived from a Hebrew root or a Yiddish variant, though the precise linguistic lineage is not definitively documented. The middle initial “H.” stands for “Howard,” reflecting a common practice in American academic naming conventions to differentiate authors with similar names.
Characteristics
- Academic Focus: Specializes in biblical narrative, literary analysis, and the historical context of the Hebrew Scriptures.
- Publications: Authored and edited scholarly commentaries, encyclopedia entries, and articles in peer‑reviewed journals. Notable works include the JPS Torah Commentary: Genesis and contributions to the Encyclopedia of the Bible.
- Pedagogical Role: Recognized for teaching biblical Hebrew and exegesis at the graduate and undergraduate levels, emphasizing the integration of linguistic, historical, and literary methodologies.
- Professional Affiliations: Member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Association for Jewish Studies; has participated in editorial boards for academic presses specializing in biblical studies.
Related Topics
- JPS Torah Commentary series – A set of scholarly commentaries on the five books of the Torah, of which Tigay authored the volume on Genesis.
- University of Pennsylvania Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations – The academic department where Tigay held his faculty position.
- Biblical Hebrew – The language central to Tigay’s teaching and research.
- Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) – The primary corpus of texts examined in Tigay’s scholarship.
- Society of Biblical Literature – A professional organization for scholars of biblical studies, of which Tigay is a member.