Middle Platonism in the Wisdom of Solomon: A comparison of Wisdom to Plutarch of Chaeroneia

Abstract

This essay examines the conjecture that the Wisdom of Solomon was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy most notably in the form of Middle Platonism. In stating it this way, an argument is being made that “Middle Platonism” is a better description for the philosophical thought patterns in Wisdom than, for instance, “Greek philosophical thought” generally, or even “Stoicism.” Therefore, the similarities of philosophical thought between Wisdom and the Middle Platonist Plutarch of Chaeroneia are considered, especially in regard to ethics and physics. No efforts have been made to argue that the naïve level of philosophical development within Wisdom is in any way approachable to the advanced level of philosophical development within Plutarch. However, scholars should feel certain in describing Wisdom as a Jewish writing that evinces Middle Platonic thought patterns.