Abstract

This paper aims at showing that Origen’s exegesis of the parable of the wicked tenants (Or. "CMt" 17, 6-12) depends on Plato’s cosmogonical myth in the "Statesman" (Pl. Pol. 268d-274e). Particular attention is played to the use of the word περιωπή in the concrete meaning of lookout post (Or. "CMt" 17, 7 and Pl. Pol. 272e). Origen’s interpretation was equally influenced by Numenius’ of Apamea treatise "On the Good", which inspired Origen in linking the theme of God’s withdrawal in contemplation (secondary meaning of περιωπή) with the image of the divine sowing and planting of the souls into the bodies. This study shows how Origen’s imagery and exegesis wad influenced both by the direct reading of Plato’s dialogues and by the middle-platonic tradition.