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      2. RASHI METHOD: WORD MEANING
      BRIEF EXPLANATION: The meaning of words can be explained either by
      • (2a) translating an idiom, a group of words whose collective meaning transcends the meaning of its individual component words,
      • (2b) explaining the nuances and commonality of synonyms-homographs,
      • (2c) describing the usages of connective words like also,because,if-then, when,
      • (2d) indicating how grammatical conjugation can change word meaning
      • (2e) changing word meaning using the figures of speech common to all languages such as irony and oxymorons.
      This examples applies to Rashis Ex23-05c
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n9.htm
      Brief Summary: PERHAPS you will see the donkey of your enemy overburdened with transport and you will abstain from helping him? You must, WITH HIS HELP, UNLOAD UNLOAD.

Todays example combines word meaning, formatting, and grammar rules.

The special word method deals with the few dozen special words that exist in all languages. Familiar examples are also, when, that, because, only, this,.... Rashi's job, when he comments on a special connective words, is to list the varied nuances and usages of the word. The most famous example is the Hebrew word Kaph Yud which can mean because, that, when, perhaps, rather, if. Sometimes Rashi explicitly gives all meanings of a connective word as happens with Kaph Yud while at other times Rashi does not give all meanings at once. In such a case the student must gather all the meanings together from various places.

    The Hebrew word KI can mean
  • When As in Dt32-03a When I mention God's name acknowledge greatness to our God
  • that As in Nu20-29c The nation saw that Aaron died
  • If As in Ex34-09a If they (the Jews) are stiff-necked then you will forgive their iniquities and their sins and help us inherit the land
  • because As in Gn18-15a ...Sarah denied it saying 'I did not laugh', because she was afraid
  • rather As in Dt15-08b ...And you will eye evil-ly your poor brother and not give him (charity); rather open open your hand to him...
  • Perhaps As in Ex23-05c Perhaps you will see the donkey of your enemy overburdened with transport and you will abstain from helping him? surely you must, with his help, unload.

Advanced Rashi: In this case we have incorporated the Rashi comment into the translation of the verse. This incorporation technique is very useful when discussing Rashis on translations.

We have only coJunented on the meaning of the Hebrew word Ki. However there are two other Rashi comments on this verse. One explains the use of the pronomial phrase with his help; this will be explained in rule #3 below, grammar. The other explains the use of repetition; help him unload unload which will be explained in rule #7 below format.


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