Critical Independence versus Christian Catholicity in Hugo Grotius’s Annotations on Matthew 23:2–3

Abstract

This article examines the Annotationes in Novum Testamentum of Hugo Grotius (1583–1645) at Matt 23:2–3, both to understand more about Grotius’s exegetical method and to generate additional data for the effects and uses of those verses. The following are general findings from the examination. First, Grotius shows a degree of independence to make text-critical decisions that affect translation. Second, Grotius’s interpretation of Jesus’s command to the scribes and Pharisees “who sit on the chair of Moses” depends upon an understanding of jurisprudence, eschews speculation about divine institution of the teaching office, and cuts off redeployment of Jesus’s command in contemporary polemics among Christians. Third, Grotius puts Jesus’s statements in conversation with the received wisdom from “pagan” antiquity. Fourth, Grotius demonstrates an awareness of options in the history of interpretation and desires, maybe naïvely and with some self-contradiction, to show himself in harmony with ancient Christian traditions.