Q&A: The Reason of the Verse
The Reason of the Verse
Question
It is well known that we do not generally expound the “reason of the verse.” On the other hand, many times in Torah study we do expound the reason of the verse; in fact, all the yeshiva-style conceptual analyses in Talmud study are based on this.
And even in the definitions themselves (what is called the “what” and not the “why”), very often (always?) the “why” is found within the “what,” and we do expound the reason of the verse, because into the “what” one can insert endlessly many improbable possibilities, and only the “why” narrows the options down to a few possibilities.
I would be happy to hear an answer on this topic. Also, more generally, has the Rabbi written about the issue of the “reason of the verse”?
Answer
An excellent question, and it deserves a great deal of elaboration.
It is clear that the distinction between “what” and “why” is artificial. As you wrote, there is no “what” without a “why.” It is hard for me to elaborate here, but I wrote about this at length in the third volume of my trilogy (the book on Jewish law). I hope it will come out quite soon.
In general, it is customary to distinguish between a reason and a definition, meaning that a conceptual consideration can teach us the parameters of the prohibition (what is forbidden and when), but not its reason. But that distinction is not unequivocal either. And as is well known, Tosafot HaRosh on Bava Metzia 90 wrote that when the reason is clear, we do expound it.
Beyond that, it seems to me that the rule that we do not expound the reason of the verse applies only to verses in the Torah. Rabbinic interpretations and rabbinic enactments are based on the reasons of the interpreter / enacter, and there there is no obstacle to expounding them.
Sorry for the brevity.
Discussion on Answer
Meanwhile, you can also take a look a bit here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwJAdMjYRm7Ia1AtN1V0M2d4MHM/view
Thank you! I’ll read it later, God willing.
Thank you for the answer! Now I’m really curious to hear a comprehensive and well-reasoned answer…. We’ll wait for the book. But still, if you have the time, ability, and desire, I’d be happy for a more reasoned and comprehensive answer.
Many thanks, and Sabbath peace!