Oeuvres exégétiques

Book Description

Saint Eucherius of Lyon offers modern spiritual seekers a remarkable window into ancient Christian wisdom through these foundational works on biblical interpretation. Written around 430-434 CE while serving as a monk at Lérins, these texts were originally crafted as educational guides for his sons, who would later become bishops themselves.

The collection presents two complementary works that unlock the spiritual dimensions of Scripture. The first, "Keys for Spiritual Intelligence," functions as a comprehensive dictionary of biblical symbols across ten chapters and 458 entries. This systematic exploration covers divine mysteries, heavenly realms, earthly realities, living beings, sacred numbers, and the symbolic significance of Jerusalem, providing readers with tools to discover deeper spiritual meanings within biblical texts.

The second work, "Instructions," addresses practical questions about Scripture from Genesis through Revelation. Organized in two books with 396 detailed entries, it clarifies Hebrew and Greek terminology, explains geographical locations and proper names, describes priestly garments, and illuminates biblical measurements, calendars, and festivals.

Drawing from the scholarship of Jerome, Augustine, and other early Christian authorities, these works served as essential manuals for countless generations of monks and shaped European spiritual symbolism well beyond the medieval period. For contemporary readers exploring biblical spirituality, early Christianity, or the development of Christian thought, Eucherius provides invaluable insights that bridge ancient wisdom with modern spiritual inquiry.