פירוש יפת בן עלי הקראי לסיפור יפתח: מהדורה ביקורתית מוערת

This article examines the exegetical methodology and interpretive strategies of Yefet ben ‘Eli, one of the most prominent Karaite commentators of the 10th century, through his commentary on the biblical narrative of Jephthah (Judges 11:1–12:7). Situated within the vibrant Karaite scholarly milieu of medieval Jerusalem, Yefet’s work reflects a literary-contextual approach grounded in linguistic precision, biblical inter textuality, and theological reasoning. The study highlights his reinterpretation of key elements in the Jephthah story, including the status of Jephthah’s mother and the nature of Jephthah’s vow. Contrary to Rabbinic tradition, Yefet contends that Jephthah did not offer his daughter as a literal sacri כice but consecrated her to a life of celibacy and service. The article further explores Yefet’s place within the broader Karaite tradition, his possible influence on later Jewish exegetes, and includes a modern critical edition of his commentary. This analysis sheds light on the intellectual depth and historical significance of Karaite exegesis in shaping medieval Jewish biblical interpretation.