A New Narrative Genre: Bible Exegesis in Judaeo-Arabic in the Tenth Century

This article examines Ya‘qūb al-Qirqisānī’s contribution to the emergence of a new Judaeo-Arabic narrative genre: continuous, verse-based biblical exegesis in the early tenth century. Focusing on his Book of Gardens and Parks and its commentary on Genesis 18–20, the study highlights Qirqisānī’s distinctive narrative strategies: selective engagement with verses, theological digressions, intertextual discussions, and innovative Judaeo-Arabic paraphrases. By analysing these techniques on the basis of specific sections from the Book of Gardens and Parks, the article illuminates Qirqisānī’s assertive authorial voice and his role in shaping early Judaeo-Arabic biblical interpretation.