Peshat vs. Literal

[Timothy Leary]

As a Karaite, I read scripture from a peshat (Plain/Simple Meaning) perspective. I've been asked what is the difference between '"peshat" and a "100% literal" view on scripture.

Peshat is the Plain or Simple meaning - a person reading scripture from a peshat perspective looks for the simplest meaning possible in a verse. What would an Ancient Israelite think of it upon hearing it?

Thus, a person going from a peshat perspective would not attempt to remove someone's head when if they read "Knock it off!", whereas a "100% literal" would!

My objections to other, more "mystical" methods of interperetation is that you can basically come to [i]any conclusion that you want to using those methods.

[GrayPilgrim]

Hey, thanks for this post. I have a question as to what level the Peshat is read by Karaites. For instance what would be a Karaite view of the follow:

Part of the debate around whether or not Esther should be considered canoncial is that it lacks the divine name. However if you look at "let the king and Haman come today" YBW) HmLK WHmN HYWM the first letter of each word in Hebrew spells the tetragramaton. Moreover this marks the turning point in the narrative. Prior to this everything in the narrative bodes ill for hte Jews, however, things turn around from the better from this point onwards

I would think that such an interpretation would be considered a Derash and not a Peshat, would that be correct?

[Timothy Leary]

I would think that such an interpretation would be considered a Derash and not a Peshat, would that be correct?

Correct.