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               Written by Dr Russell Jay Hendel

                     Volume 10 Number 15
                    Produced June 19, 2001

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VERSE: v9-6-21a

FROM: Anonymous
DATE: June 16, 2001

There seem to be contradictory Rashis on the meaning of the
Hebrew root DBA. Some Rashis seem to indicate that it is neutral
while others might suggest it means slander.

What does the Hebrew root DBA mean according to Rashi

Anonymous

ANSWER: DBA according to Rashi means TO CHATTER which
does have negative connotations but is intrinsically
neutral (As Rashi notes, lovers can murmur their feelings
to each other and this is not perjorative)
See Posting http://www.RashiYomi.Com/nu14-36a.htm for a
complete analysis


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VERSE: Nu14-36a

RASHIS COVERED: Nu14-36a Nu14-36b Gn37-02e
                Gn37-02f Dt01-27a Dt33-25b

NOTES:
======
I have started to rely on the Davka Rashi-Chumash CD
(version IId) in classifying Rashis. If e.g. you look
in the Stone Chumash, there are MORE than 2 Rashis on
Nu14-36 (thus there is Nu14-36a, Nu14-36b, Nu14-36c
etc). However the DAVKAH Chumash has exactly 2 Rashis
on Nu14-36 and this is the version I am using.



ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
================
* To ANONYMOUS for bringing up this fascinating question
* To Harry & Alan from My Shomrey Emunah Rashi class
  for suggesting many helpful modifications of the
  words I used to capture Rashis interpretation of DBH
* In passing this is an excellent Rashi by which to
  review how word meanings are inferred -- these Rashis
  clearly show the tools and issues involved.

We introduce the method of CONTEXT and SYNONYMS.

CONTEXT AND SYNONYMS is a powerful technique by which to
ascertain the precise meanings of words that occur only
a few times in the Bible. The general technique consists of

-1st: identify a GENERAL IDEA from the context or dictionary
-2nd: use context & similar words to identify SPECIFIC NUANCES
(The idea of using comparable English words as a vehicle for
understanding Rashis translation of Biblical words was
advocated in my article PESHAT & DERASH, Tradition,Winter 1980)

The Hebrew roots DBH, DBA, RGN are a classic example. DBH
occurs in 9 verses and only 6 distinct contexts. RGN also
occurs only 6 distinct times in the Bible. Let us see how
Rashi analyzes their meaning.

Let us proceed to STEP 1: GET THE GENEREAL IDEA
As the LIST below shows, the GENERAL IDEA of DBH is SPEECH

*1 DBH occurs in connection with the Spy episode in several
   verses. However for practical purposes this is only one
   occurence

*2 The phrase the TALK OF THE MULTITUDE occurs in several
   verses but we are counting it only once

Just as the GENERAL IDEA of the Hebrew root DBH is TALK
so to the GENERAL IDEA of the Hebrew root RGN is BAD TALK

Here are most of the verses with RGN in the Bible

We have already established the GENERAL IDEA of DBH as
Some type of TALK and RGN as some type of BAD TALK. Now
we must seek the precise nuances of each word.

The LIST below lists 7 words denoting TALKING. As can be seen
each one has a distinct NUANCE. We will in later lists justify
our assertions that the Hebrew DBH means to CHATTER while the
Hebrew RGN means to TALK PARNOICALLY

The ultimate test of nuances is CONTEXT. Does it FIT
just right? Does it RING properly? Judge for yourself. Here
are the exact same verses that were LISTED above. Feel the flow
and punchiness of the translation
-------------------------
DBH=CHATTER (vs just talk)
-------------------------

By CHATTER I am not just referring to the DRUNKARDS murmur. I
am rather referring to any habitual non-focused chatter. See
footnote *3 (after reading the list) for exact citations from
Rashi justifying interpreting DBH as CHATTER.

In my Shomrey Emunah class we came up with the following
alernative words (Due to Harry and Alan): \
* MURMUR,
* CHATTER,
* CONVERSATIONAL,
* INFORMAL TALK,
* GRUMBLING,
* IMPULSIVE TALK

For translations of other Rishonim see footnote *4 which
discusses the underlying methodological controversy between
Rashi and other Rishonim.

The unusual Dt33-25b (the only occurence of DBH with an
ALEPH) is discussed in footnote *5

*1 Thus Gn37-02 is not talking about a REPORT from Joseph to his
   father. Rather it is talking about the constant day to day
   talk, the MURMURINGS/CHATTERINGS he had with his father.

*2 The spies didnt just REPORT that Israel was bad. They
   continuously MURMURED about what they had gone thru.
   They created a MURMUR throughout the camp that Israel was
   bad. This is consistent with the final complaint of the Jews
   that they should return to Egypt

*3 Here is my evidence that Rashi translated DBH as MURMUR:
--On Gn37-02e and Gn37-02f Rashi states that DBH is
  saying EVERYTHING you can (A chatterer)

--On Nu14-36a Rashi states that DBH denotes any type of
  HABITUAL TALK (=chatter!) whether for good or bad

  (I benefited from the Silverstein Chumash who cross
  references Jer23-31 which uses the exact same phrase
  as Rashi does. As METZUDATH TZION points out the Hebrew
  MALKICHIM LESHONAM used by Rashi would mean MAKE A HABIT.)

--Rashi on Gn37-02e and Nu14-36a brings Song7-11 THE MURMURS
  OF THE LIPS OF SLEEPING PEOPLE to prove that MURMUR
  need not be bad.

 In summary Rashi defines DBH as a
 -----------------------------------------------------
 HABITUAL TALK of EVERYTHING whether for GOOD OR BAD
 -----------------------------------------------------
 In other words DBH, according to Rashi, means MURMER/CHATTER/
 CONVERSATIONAL.

*4 RDACK and RAMBAN seem only to use STEP 1 of our
   analysis. They both hold that DBH is speech (WITHOUT
   further nuances). They suggest (With no list to back
   them up) that BRINGING DBH is SAYING TRUTH while
   LETTING OUT DBH is SAYING FALSEHOOD.

   Thus the controversy between Rashi and Radack-Ramban
   might be one of METHOD. Rashi might hold that we
   are justified in seeking nuances of words EVEN when
   they only occur rarely in half a dozen verses. By
   contrast the RDACK and RAMBAN may be more conservative
   holding that all we can infer from context is the
   GENERAL IDEA without nuances.

*5 We explain Dt33-25b. This is the only time
   in the Bible that DBA occurs with an ALEPH vs a HEY.
   Such ALEPH appendages to words do happen. Rashi suggests
   2 possible explanations

   EXPLANATION 1
   -------------
   DVA = OLD AGE = The age when you CHATTER(You ooze out speech)
   So Dt33-25 should be translated MAY YOUR AGE OF CHATTER(OLD
   AGE) BE AS SUCCESSFUL AS YOUR (GOOD) YEARS (MIDDLE AGE)

   EXPLANATION 2
   -------------
   DVA = The MURMURINGS of surrounding nations about Israel;
   the nations chatter that money/commerce should be placed
   in Israel because of its good produce. So Dt33-25 should
   be translated as MAY THE CHATTERINGS OF YOUR SURROUNDING
   COUNTRIES BE AS GOOD AS YOUR (GOOD) YEARS

   Note that according to Explanation 2, DVA would not
   mean CHATTERING per se but rather it would refer to
   the CHATTERINGS THAT OTHERS MAKE ABOUT YOU (i.e. your
   PERSONAL chatterings --- thus this would be consistent
   with the Rashi-Hirsch view that ALEPH as a root letter
   denotes something PERSONAL)

   Since this spelling of DBA occurs once and since the
   verse is highly poetic it does not seem possible to
   reach a definite conclusion.

*6 I think this verse in particular helps show that
   CHATTER is a better translation than TALK. The phrase
   CHATTER OF THE MULTITUDES is superior to TALK OF
   THE MULTITUDES in showing what was bothering Jeremiah.

*7 The previous verse says IF YOU MUST FIGHT WITH A FRIEND
   DO SO, BUT DONT REVEAL THE SECRETS OF OTHERS

   The text continues:

   LEST YOU LOSE THE ARGUMENT AND YOUR CHATTERINGS (About
   others secrets) CANT BE RETRACTED

   Again CHATTER vs TALK seems a more focused translation

The ultimate test of nuances is CONTEXT. Does it FIT
just right? Does it RING properly? Judge for yourself. Here
are the exact same verses LISTED above. Feel the flow and
punchiness of the translation
----------------------------------------
RGN=TALK PARANOICALLY (vs just talk bad)
----------------------------------------

The main argument used here is one of CONTEXT. I believe
this a strong and sufficient argument. However for defenses
using Rashis highly conjectural 2-letter-semantic-theory
please see footnote *2.

*1 Note the enriched meaning of the verse. It is not BAD TALK
   SEPARATES A TEACHER since most people dont talk BADLY.
   Rather it is PARANOIA, a mistrust of the teachers goals
   that will prevent a student from devoting alot of time
   towards goals

   Similarly it is not BAD TALK IS LIKE SWORDS but rather
   PARANOIA IS LIKE SWORDS. PARANOIA is hard to fight
   logically and therefore paranoic talk is sharp like a
   sword

*2 I have no internal evidence that Rashi believes that
   RGN means PARANOIA -- all he says on Dt01-27a is that
   it is slanderous. However PARANOIA does fit the verses
   nicely (the argument of CONTEXT). Furthermore Rashi
   believed in the 2-letter theories and as the
   list below shows RGN means a DEFENSIVE (GNN) SPIRIT(RUACH)
   (i.e. paranoia)
 ------------------------------------------------------------
 RGN (Paranoia)      means a  GNN(Defensive) RUACH (Spirit)
 RGZ (Anger)         means a  GZZ(Cutting)   RUACH (Spirit)
 RMS (Stomping)      means a  MSS(Despising) RUACH (Spirit)
 RZM (Flirting eyes) means a  ZMM(Lewd)      RUACH (Spirit)
 RDM (Sleepy)        means a  RDM(Quiet)     RUACH (Spirit)

RASHI RULE USED: SYNONYMS

#*#*#*# (C) RashiYomi Inc. 2001, Dr. Hendel, President #*#*#*#*#



          THE 6 RASHI RULE CLASSES(Version 3.2 Dec 15 2001)
                http://www.Rashiyomi.com/rules-01.htm
          Copyright Dec 2001, RashiYomi Inc. Dr Hendel President

========================================================
THE DICTIONARY RULE: Rashi can function as a dictionary.
                     He presents 2-6 meanings of words
         REFERENCE: http://www.RashiYomi.Com/words.htm
========================================================
* EXAMPLE 1: AL means ON. AL can also mean
      - WITH (Eat Passover WITH matzoh Ex12-09e)
      - IN   (Place the Matzoh IN the basket Ex29-03)
      - TO   (The boards shall be even from bottom TO top Ex26-24c)
      - NEAR (His borders will be NEAR Tzison Gn49-13b)
      - AFTER(Offer Peace offerings AFTER the daily Lv03-05a)

* EXAMPLE 2: KI means IF,PERHAPS,RATHER,BECAUSE,WHEN,THAT
   Gn18-15a Gn24-33a

* EXAMPLE 3: YDA means FAMILIAR, not KNOW (eg Dt34-10a)
	   eg Gn04-01 Adam was FAMILIAR with his wife

* EXAMPLE 4: ON THE FACE OF means DURING THE LIFETIME
            Nu03-04a Gn11-28a Ex20-03c Dt05-07a

===========================================================
THE GRAMMAR RULE: Rashi comments on RARE or SIMILAR usages
        REFERENCE:http://www.RashiYomi.Com/grammar.htm
===========================================================

* EXAMPLE 1: BA-ah means CAME;ba-AH means COMING(Gn46-26a)


* EXAMPLE 2:THE SENTENCE: 0.2% of Biblical sentences are 2verses
 -(Dt11-07:08) It was not your fathers who saw this;rather you

* EXAMPLE 3: Hitpael has different rules if 1st root letter is
   Tzade (USE: Ni-Tz-Ta-Dack not Ni-Th-Tza-Dack--Gn44-16a)

================================================================
THE CITATION RULE: Rashi enriches meaning by citing OTHER verses
         REFERENCE:http://www.RashiYomi.Com/other-20.htm
================================================================
* EXAMPLE 1: Dt26-05d We went down to Egypt with A FEW PEOPLE
	    ENRICHED by Gn46-27: We went down with 70 people

* EXAMPLE 2: Lv01-05a Non-priests may SLAUGHTER offerings
	    This law DERIVED from explicit statement in 2Chr30-17

* EXAMPLE 3:Why does Rashi say that Chur is Miriams son(Ex17-10b)
	    DERIVED from possible interpretation of 1-Chr18-19

* EXAMPLE 4: Gn35-22a Reuven Slept with Bilhah(Fathers concubine)
	    Gn49-04  Reuven PLAYED with fathers BEDS
        CONCLUSION: Reuven inteferred with fathers personal
	life(ruffled bedspreads); Bible condemns Reuven by
	exaggeration; he is accused of incest which he didnt do

=================================================================
THE 3 RABBI ISHMAEL RULES: They govern style(broad vs literal)
REFERENCE:http://www.RashiYomi.com/example1.htm thru example9.htm
=================================================================

* EXAMPLE 1: Simple sentences are always GENERALIZED
            ---------------------------------------
	    Dt25-04a Dont MUZZLE an OX while it is THRESHING
	    Rabbi Ishmael: Dont STOP any ANIMAL from eating
			   while DOING ITS WORK
					
* EXAMPLE 2: GENERAL-EXAMPLE style always interpreted LITERALLY
            --------------------------------------------------
 Nu05-12d (GENERAL) If a women DESECRATES her marriage
	   (EXAMPLE) and commits ADULTERY
	   Rabbi Ishmael: Nu05 only applies to ADULTERY.
	   It does not apply to other marriage DESECRATIONS
			
* EXAMPLE 3: GENERAL-EXAMPLE-GENERAL style intepreted SIMILARLY
            --------------------------------------------------
 Lv05-21b (GENERAL) If a man DENIES under oath
	  (EXAMPLE) ..denies a deposit,loan,theft,wages,lost item
	  (GENERAL) or ANY DENIAL which he denies
 RABBI ISHMAEL: These laws apply to any SIMILAR Example
 * The law applies to partnerships, movables and monetary objects
 * The law does not apply to real-estate or slander

=================================================================
THE CLIMAX RULE: The Bible should be interpreted in such a manner
                that it reflects CLIMACTIC development to a goal
             REFERENCE: http://www.RashiYomi.Com/example9.htm
=================================================================
 EXAMPLE 1: Dt19-11a If a man HATES, SPIES, CONFRONTS & KILLS
 RASHI: Bible identifies 4 stages to murder(Capped)

==============================================================
THE FORMATTING PRINCIPLE: Bible had its own method to mimic
                          bold, bullets, footnotes, paragraphs
==============================================================

* BOLD: Bible REPEATS words to obtain BOLD emphasis effect
          http://www.RashiYomi.Com/doubl-14.htm
  --------------------------------------------------------------
  EXAMPLE 1:(Ex12-09c) COOK COOK it in water (So COOKED is bold)
  INFERENCE: Prefered to COOK it in water;
         But COOK It at all costs(Even if you dont have water)

* BULLETS: Bible indicates bullets by REPEATING KEYWORDS
  --------------------------------------------------------
 Who am I
 - THAT I should go to Pharaoh
 - THAT I should take the Jews out of Egypt (Ex03-11a)
 --------------------------------------------------------
 RASHI: Repeated word THAT creates BULLET effect
 - Pharoh was a difficult king (Bullet one)
 - Jews were not yet ready for freedom (Bullet two)

* FOOTNOTES: The Bible indicates FOOTNOTES by ALMOST DUPLICATING
	     verses but making small minor changes
                http://www.RashiYomi.Com/align-58.htm
  ---------------------------------------------------------------
  EXAMPLE: Ex20-03a
  VERSE        PHRASE #1       PHRASE #2       PHRASE #3
  -------      ---------       ---------       ------------------
  Ex20-03      Dont            POSSESS  the gods of others
  Ex20-04      Dont            MAKE     idols

  RASHI: So both POSSESSion & MAKING of idols are prohibited
  ---------------------------------------------------------------

                           End of Rashi is Simple Digest

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