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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 Dt05-06a
      URL Reference: (c) http://www.Rashiyomi.com/w33n3.htm Brief Summary: ON THE FACE OF is an IDIOM meaning DURING THE LIFETIME

An idiom is a group of words whose collective meaning is different then the meanings of its component words. Today's example illustrates this.

    The phrase on the face of can refer to
  • covering alot of territory. This usage occurs when the phrase is used in conjunction with land. A common Biblical example of this is the phrase on the face of the earth.
  • during the lifetime. This usage occurs when the phrase is used in conjunction with people

Verse Dt05-06a describing the prohibition of worshipping idols states literally you shall not possess the gods of others on My [God's] face Using a proper translation of the idiom Rashi translates you shall not possess the gods of other during my [God's] lifetime, [Rashi: i.e. Forever]

    This idiomatic usage (on the face of = during the lifetime) occurs about half a dozen times in the Torah. Here are some examples:
  • Gn11-25 Haran died during the lifetime of his father
  • Ex20-03 no idolatry during my (God's) lifetime
  • Dt05-06 no idolatry during my (God's) lifetime
  • Nu03-04 Nadav/Avihu died during their father's lifetime
  • Dt21-16 He can't give promigeniture to another during the life of the hated wife 


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