6. RASHI METHOD: STYLE Rashi examines how rules of style influences inferences between general and detail statements in paragraphs. Example: Every solo example stated by the Bible must be broadly generalized; Theme-Detail: A general principle followed by an example is interpreted restrictively---the general theme statement only applies in the case of the example; Theme-Detail-Theme: A Theme-Detail-Theme unit is interpreted as a paragraph. Consequently the details of the paragraph are generalized so that they are seen as illustrative of the theme. This examples applies to Rashis Gn19-33c, Gn18-09a URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rule1313.htm Brief Summary: GENERAL: Our father is old PARTICULAR: And no other man is around from which to have children

Certain Biblical paragraphs are stated in a Theme-Development form. In other words a broad general idea is stated first followed by the development of this broad general theme in specific details. The Theme-Detail form creates a unified paragraph and consequently the law or narrative statement only applies to the enumerated details but not to other cases. Today's example illustrates this as shown below.

Verses Gn19-31a discussing the seduction of Lot by his daughters states
• General: Our father is old
• Detail: and there is no men around to have relations with
The general clause states our father is old and could mean he is incapable of having children, or he is close to death. The detail clause provides specificity to the general clause and describes how it should be interpreted: Our father is old. Although he can still reproduce he is close to death and we will have no other opportunity. Therefore let us seduce him so we can have children.