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PAY-RESH-AYIN means TO EXPOSE |
EXAMPLE 9: Gn41-45b His name was EXPOSED(PRAH)-he was castrated
BACKGROUND
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One of Rashis functions is to explain the meaning of
words, the same way a dictionary explains words.
THE ROOT
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In this module we explain the meaning of
the root, PRA, PAY-RESH-AYIN.
THE RADACK
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The RADACK in his book ROOTS -- an excellent reference
book, which presents the meanings of all Biblical
roots -- lists 5-6 meanings of PRA. They are
-- to GROW HAIR (eg Lv10-06)
-- to EXPOSE (Nu05-18)
-- VENGANCE (Dt32-42)
-- to be VULNERABLE (EXPOSE) (Ex32-25)
-- to ANNUL/DESPISE/INTEFER/HARASS/RETRACT (Ex05-04, Ez24-15)
Note that these 5 meanings dont seem to have a unifying theme.
UNIFYING THEMES IN RASHI
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By contrast, Rashi suggests a unified approach.
* On Dt32-42a Rashi explains that PRA means VENGANCE,
by EXPOSURE OF FORTIFICATION -- that is, by a BREAKIN.
Note the more focused speficity in Rashis explanation
* Rashi presents 2 explanations of the use of PRA in Ex32-25:
- The verse can mean the people were DISGUSTING (Ex05-04)
- The verse can mean the people were EXPOSED/VULNERABLE(Ex32-25)
Thus Rashi hints at a unified meaning of EXPOSED
THE LISTS
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Today we review meanings of PRA which refer to ANNULMENT,
INTEFERENCE or HARASSMENT. We argue that the basic idea of
HARASSMENT is to EXPOSE an idea thus making it vulnerable
and un-protected
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| VERSE |
TEXT OF VERSE WITH pay-resh-ayin |
RELATION to EXPOSE |
| Ex05-04a |
Why INEFER/HARASS their work |
EXPOSE TO OTHER IDEAS* |
| Prv29-18 |
Without rebuke they-re EXPOSED |
EXPOSED=VULNERABLE*6 |
| Prv01-25 |
You EXPOSED all my advise |
EXPOSED=INTEFERED*6 |
| Prv04-15 |
EXPOSE it; and avoid it |
EXPOSE=INTEFER/ANNUL*6 |
| Ez24-14 |
I will NOT EXPOSE my wrath |
EXPOSE=INTEFER/ANNUL*6 |
| Gn41-45b |
(His name was) POTI-PERAH |
EXPOSED vs FRUITFUL*11 |
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COMMENTS |
*6 Cf. The English
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WHY PUT IDEAS INTO THEIR HEAD
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In Hebrew we say
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WHY EXPOSE THEM TO NEW IDEAS
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or more succinctly
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WHY EXPOSE TO THEM
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In other words to HARASS them is to EXPOSE them to new
ideas. Other translations might be INTEFER, ANNUL.
*11 Recall that Joseph was enslaved in
Egypt to a master named POTIPAR. His masters wife made
advances to Joseph which he refused. His master then
put him in prison a place traditionally associated with
RAPE and GAY SEX.
POTIPAR was punished for this. His name
became PRA (Exposed) vs the former POTIPAR (FRUITFUL)
Perhaps his marriage became exposed and he got divorced.
EXPOSED is a fitting name for a divorcee.
Alternatively perhaps he became sexually exposed to many
partners and was castrated.
Either way we see that Potipar was punished
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