Q&A: A Note on the Language of the Talmud
A Note on the Language of the Talmud
Question
In honor of the Rabbi, may he live long and well,
Makkot 16a: “And Rabbi Yohanan as well — this is certainly a prohibition that involves no action. He held in accordance with that which Rav Idi bar Avin said that Rav Amram said that Rabbi Yitzhak said that Rabbi Yohanan said: Rabbi Yehuda says in the name of Rabbi Yosei HaGelili…”
Apparently, the wording is a bit difficult, since Rabbi Yohanan “held in accordance with” something that he himself said. This requires examination.
Have we found this in other places as well?
With great respect,
Answer
I don’t recall any right now, but I don’t think it’s all that strange. Rabbi Yohanan held in accordance with that teaching which was stated in the name of Rabbi Yosei HaGelili, and which he transmitted in his name. This is not a personal identification but a substantive one, and even on the personal level there is a different source here for the teaching.