Q&A: Interpreting the Reason for the Verse
Interpreting the Reason for the Verse
Question
In a responsum here you mention the Tosafot HaRosh on Bava Metzia 90, who holds that when the reason is clear, we do interpret the reason for the verse accordingly.
I looked there and didn’t find it. Could you perhaps explain where exactly he means this?
Also, if there’s a place where you wrote about the topic in an orderly/systematic way, I’d be happy if you could point me to it.
Thank you very much!
Answer
See Yishlach Sharashav, in the article on the fifth root.
Tosafot HaRosh on Bava Metzia 90a:
“If she was eating and excreting, what is the law? Even according to the one who does not interpret the reason for the verse, later in the chapter HaMekabel (115a), where it says that a widow—whether poor or rich—one may not take a pledge from her, that is because the plain meaning of the verse implies both poor and rich. But here it is obvious that the Merciful One warned only for the animal’s benefit—whether because it benefits her or because she should not suffer.”