Johann Buxtorf’s "De Sponsalibus et divortiis". Multiple Perspectives on Jewish Marriage in Christian Scholarship

This paper examines Johann Buxtorf the Younger’s De Sponsalibus et divortiis (1652), a seminal work on Jewish matrimonial law, within the broader context of Christian scholarly engagement with Jewish traditions in the early modern period. It explores the theological and legal implications of Buxtorf’s analysis of Jewish marriage, divorce, and levirate marriage, emphasizing its role in shaping Protestant thought on these matters. By placing Buxtorf’s work alongside the contributions of other contemporary scholars, including John Selden and Biagio Ugolini, the essay highlights the multifaceted nature of Christian interest in Jewish legal practices. While these studies were often motivated by polemical intentions, they also contributed significantly to the intellectual discourse of the period, influencing debates on marriage, divorce, and the interpretation of Scripture. The paper also discusses the transformation of Jewish studies from a tool of theological critique to an area of academic inquiry, shedding light on the broader cultural and intellectual reception of Jewish traditions within Christian Europe.