Amenemope, the son of Kanakht, is known as the supposed author of the “Instruction of Amenemope,” an Egyptian wisdom text from the Ramesside Period. He is depicted as a wise scribe and sage who lived in Egypt during the 20th Dynasty of the New Kingdom, particularly in Akhmim, which was also known as Ipu in ancient Egyptian and Panopolis in Greek. His writings take the form of advice passed from father to son, guiding on how to lead a virtuous and moral life. What sets his work apart is its organization into 30 clearly numbered chapters.

Originally believed to be a unique creation, the Instruction of Amenemope is now recognized for sharing common themes with similar wisdom literature from other ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of Babylonia and Israel. Its notable parallels can be found in the biblical books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Sirach, with a Hebrew translation of the Instruction believed to have been used as a reference. For instance, specific verses in Proverbs 22:17–23:11 closely mirror the teachings found in Amenemope’s work.

Dating back to around 1100 BCE, this places the authorship of the Instruction even earlier than parts of the Bible. Egyptologists like James Henry Breasted have pointed out Amenemope’s significant influence on the ethical and religious ideas in the West, as his texts were read by Hebrews and some of his insights were even incorporated, sometimes word-for-word, into various biblical writings. It’s clear that the wisdom of Amenemope not only shaped Proverbs but also resonated throughout other parts of the Old Testament, influencing moral values, ideologies, and imparting a compassionate spirit. Interestingly, Amenemope was also building upon much older works, particularly the “Maxims of Ptahhotep.”

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