Ancient pathologies with current medical diagnoses: “There is nothing new under the sun” (Koheles 1:9)

Abstract

In Ta’Nach, only brief mention is made of ailments and pathologies experienced by various personalities, without providing an in-depth description of the underlying etiologies of such health issues. Ta’Nach is not a medical textbook and the lack of such descriptors of health issues is therefore appropriate. However, it is interesting to delve into such pathologies using current medical terminology and understanding. This article focuses on cardiovascular health issues, sugar-related diseases, and cancers that possibly were experienced by individuals noted in Chumash, Nevi’im, and the Talmud. The original text, as interpreted by commentators, provides some insight into the health ailment, allowing for the formulation of an educated guess as to the specific ailment and pathology. Obviously, medical analyses of ancient pathologies cannot draw upon current biomedical technology, e.g., radiology, electrocardiograms, MRIs, CAT scans, blood and urine chemistry, or clinical specimens [1].