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When Rashi uses the synonym method he does not explain
the meaning of a word but rather the distinction between two similar
words both of whose meanings we already know.
The following Hebrew words all refer to
suddenness.
-
Pay-Tauv-Aleph-Vav-Mem, Pithom,
suddenly;
-
Pay-Tauv-Ayin, PeTha
unexpectedly.
In our article Peshat and Derash: A New Intuitive and Logical Approach,
which can be found on the world-wide-web at
http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rashi.pdf
we have advocated punchy translations of Biblical verses as a means of presenting
Rashi comments. The following translation of verse
Nu35-22
embeds the Rashi translation
Petha means unexpectedly.
But if he thrust him unexpectedly without enmity, or hurled upon him any thing without lying in wait,
Advanced Rashi:
We have translated the words Pithom and Petha as meaning suddenly and
unexpectedly based on context. This may also be partially supported by the resemblance
of the Pay-Tauv-Ayin and Pay-Tauv-Cheth roots. Pay-Tauv-Cheth means Door.
So unexpectedly in Hebrew means from behind the door; a concept indicating
nearby and present but unseen so it is unexpected. There is a certain amount of conjecture
in our translations since there are very few verses with either of the words and the etymologies although
possibly supportive don't prove anything.
More importantly our translations mirror Jewish law.
- A non-sudden attack doesn't always carry a death penalty. For example if I throw a knife, with
intent to kill, at a person with a shield, then I am exempt from a death penalty if the shield is removed
(even if I am the one removing it). The point here is that the act of murder is not immediate since the knife
must fly through the air and penetrate the person and therefore intermediate action (such as shield) may
prevent death. Needless to say an act of murder has been committed; however it is
not punishable by death. However in some situations, e.g. throwing a knife at a person without a shield,
non-suddenness does not exempt from a death penalty.
- An unexpected attack doesn't always carry a death penalty. For example, if I threw a knife,
and after I threw it someone came out from behind the door (Pethach = door = behind
the door = unexpected) then the act is neither considered willful nor negligent.
The above interactions between the translations and details in Jewish law afford us a rare glimpse
at the interaction of language and law.
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#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc., 2011, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#
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