Comparing PaRDes and Quadriga

 PaRDeS

The four levels of Hebraic interpretation of Scripture (called PaRDeS) are as follows:

1. Peshat (פְּשָׁט)

   • Meaning: The plain, simple, and literal meaning of the text.
   • Focus: Understanding the text as it is written, within its historical and grammatical context.
   • Example: Genesis 1:1 ("In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.") is understood as describing the act of creation.

2. Remez (רֶמֶז)

   • Meaning: The hinted or allegorical meaning.
   • Focus: Identifying deeper insights or symbolic connections beyond the literal text.
   • Example: Proverbs 25:2 ("It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.") hints at the pursuit of hidden wisdom in God's Word.

3. Derash (דְּרַשׁ)

   • Meaning: The interpretative or homiletical meaning.
   • Focus: Exploring moral, ethical, and spiritual lessons derived through comparison or rabbinical interpretation.
   • Example: A midrash on Exodus 14:15 ("Why do you cry unto me?") explores the idea of active faith during the crossing of the Red Sea.

4. Sod (סוֹד)

   • Meaning: The secret or mystical meaning.
   • Focus: Delving into the hidden, esoteric, or spiritual truths within the text, often through Kabbalistic or prophetic insights.
   • Example: The "Tree of Life" in Genesis 2:9 may represent deeper spiritual truths about eternal life and communion with God.

Together, these four levels of interpretation are represented by the acronym PaRDeS, which means "orchard" in Hebrew, symbolizing the richness and depth of scriptural study.

Comparing to 

Quadriga

The fourfold way of interpreting Scripture, also known as the Quadriga, is a classical method that emerged during the medieval period, offering a layered approach to Biblical exegesis. The fourfold sense of Scripture encompasses four distinct levels of interpretation:

1. Literal (Historical) Sense: This level considers the straightforward, historical meaning of the text. It’s focused on the actual events, people, and circumstances as they occurred. In this sense, the text is interpreted at face value to understand what is directly communicated by the words.

2. Allegorical (Typological) Sense: Here, the events or characters are seen as symbols or foreshadowings of deeper spiritual truths, often pointing to Christ or Christian doctrine. For example, in the Old Testament, the story of Jonah’s three days in the belly of the fish is seen as an allegory pointing to Christ’s three days in the tomb.

3. Moral (Tropological) Sense: This sense interprets the text in a way that reveals moral guidance for how believers should live. It encourages readers to draw ethical lessons from the scripture, applying the story or teaching to personal conduct and behavior.

4. Anagogical (Eschatological) Sense: This level looks at the text with an eternal perspective, considering how it reveals truths about the ultimate destiny of the soul and humankind. It interprets events and teachings as pointing to the afterlife, heaven, or the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom.

Each of these senses can be applied to a single passage, allowing the reader to explore different dimensions of its meaning, from practical guidance to spiritual symbolism and hope for the future.

For  a deeper Study, Go to Homilitecs 1