SUCCINCT SUMMARY
----------------
One of Rashis 10 main methods is the explanation of meaning
the same way a dictionary explains meaning. We call this
the WORD MEANING method.
----------------------------------------------
Rashi had 10 vehicles to explain meaning. The SYNONYM
submethod takes words with known meanings and shows the
similarity and nuances in each term.
----------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE: Dt23-02a Dt23-02b
--------------------------
Verse Dt23-02 discusses people who are not allowed
to marry because of damage to the testicles. Rashi
explains that
- CUT-CRUSHED = testicle damage
- CUT-SPILL = penal shaft damage
LIST955z below presents other Rashis focusing on
Biblical synonyms
----------------------------------------------
The SPECIAL WORD submethod of the WORD MEANING method
focuses on the meaning of SPECIAL WORDS such as ALSO,
IF-THEN, etc.
----------------------------------------------
The word THIS, when used by the Bible, always indicates
some type of pointing. LIST005f below presents several
examples of Biblical verses with the word THIS. In each
case Rashi interprets THIS as indicating some type
of pointing.
For example
- Lv11-02d THESE are the (non) Kosher animals
- RASHI: The word THESE indicates that God showed
Moses animal pictures for illustration
(That is, He pointed to something)
EXAMPLE Dt22-14b
----------------
Dt22-14 discusses litigation between a husband and wife
(on whether she was a virgin). The text cites the husbands
objection as follows
-------------------------------------------------
I took THIS wife and found her not to be a virgin
-------------------------------------------------
Rashi comments
---------------------------------------
The word THIS indicates that the WOMEN
was present (and pointed to). From this
we infer that BOTH litigants must be in
court when allegations are stated
---------------------------------------
LIST005f below presents verses using the word THIS
----------------------------------------------
The NAMING BY VERSE submethod seeks to understand
the nuances of a word by examining verses that
use that word.
-----------------------------------------------
EXAMPLE KILAYIM refers to ABNORMAL HYBRID MIXTURES
------------------------------------------
This word only occurs 4 times in the Bible.
- Lv19-19 Dont procreate KILAYIM animals(eg horse-donkey)
- Lv19-19 Dont SOW a field KILAYIM (mixed seeds)
- Lv19-19 Don't wear KILAYIM garments (Wool and linen)
- Dt22-09a Dont sow a vineyard KILAYIM
RASHI
-------------------------------------------------
In all of these verses the word KILAYIM refers to
abnormal HYBRID MIXTURES.
-------------------------------------------------
See LIST811g for a summary
|