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KADESH means FORMAL |
BACKGROUND
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The Hebrew root K-D-Sh is enigmatic. It is usually translated
as HOLY. But this translation, while true, is inadequate.
THE TEXT
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To show the enigma consider the following 4 uses of HOLY
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- SANCTIFY the Sabbath;
- be a HOLY nation
- there will be no PROSTITUTES among you
- dont sow mixed seeds lest the land be PROHIBITED
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THE RASHI
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What is the common denominator to the CAPPED words.
I think the best way to explain Rashi is to translate
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HOLY means any PREPARED,FORMAL AFFAIR
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Hence HOLYNESS can refer to a FORMAL atmosphere such as
we find at a BANQUET. Or, it can refer to a sexual affair.
The word AFFAIR simply connotes something with several
courses that is not on the fly--it can refer to food or sex.
THE LIST
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The list today brings one more example where KDSH refers
to a FORMAL BANQUEST. We also bring 3 examples where
KDSH refers to UPPER CLASS prostitutes--the type of women
that provide a formal dignified atmosphere. Footnotes provide
more details*4
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| VERSE |
Text of Verse with word HOLY/SANCTIFIED |
KDSH=AFFAIR |
| Nu11-18a |
PREPARE for food tomorrow |
Gods BANQUET*2 |
| Dt18-23a |
Female Prostitute*10 |
sexual AFFAIR*3 |
| Dt18-23b |
Male prostitute*10 |
sexual AFFAIR*3 |
| Gn38-21a |
Female Prostitute*10 |
sexual AFFAIR*3 |
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COMMENTS |
*2 The context in Nu11 is that the Jews had asked for DESCENT
food other than the Manna. Moses therefore tells them to
PREPARE (KDASH) FOR A BANQUET. Moses says this cynically:
THe Banquet will lead to overeating and sickness(Which
is typical of some banquets)
*3 Note the English pun of SEXUAL AFFAIR (The word AFFAIR in
English can also refer to a food BANQUET)
*4 Note that there are two Biblical words for prostitute.
ZONAH refers to teenage prostitution (Eg Lv19-29) and connotes
on the cuff activity. KADESH therefore refers to UPPER CLASS
prostitution with a professional atmosphere.
The main posting at the URLS above provide discussion on
alternate translations
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