Q&A: Interpretive Readings of Verses
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Interpretive Readings of Verses
Question
In your view, when the Sages interpret verses, do they have before them a principled conception of that commandment that guides their interpretations, or is it a systematic and “cold” form of study?
Answer
Clearly it is not technical. There is no algorithm for interpretation. Reasoning and broader conceptions are always involved. “Et” comes to include something. What does it include? Whatever sounds reasonable. And so too with verbal analogy and with the rule of general and particular.