A familiar function of grammar in all languages is to enable distinctions
between plural and singular. In this case, very often, a single letter
can totally change the meaning of a verse. Today's example illustrates this.
Verse
Nu05-15f
discussing
the suspected-adulterous-woman offering
states
then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest,
and shall bring her offering for her,
the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal;
he shall pour no oil upon it,
nor put frankincense thereon;
for it is a rest-offering of standing-ups...,
a rest-offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance.
Rashi comments on the plural
standing-ups:
The offering enables many parties to stand up for themselves.
The woman is suspected of adultery.
(1) The husband stands up for himself.
(2) Organized religion stands-up for itself since every
act of adultery cheapens the institution of marriage.
Advanced Rashi: Rashi literally says God stands up for Himself since
His prohibitions of adultery have been violated. We have interpreted this broadly
to mean that Organized religion in general and God in particular stand up for themselves.
We consider this a proper reading of Rashi consistent with his intent.
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