OT Jewish Law

[PennyDreadful]

I am not (yet) anything resembling a student of Hebrew, but when I have a question about certain scriptures I like to go back to the original language. I'm having a little trouble with ratsach as used for murder in Exodus 20:13, versus the word dam as used for bloodshed in Exodus 22:2-3. Obviously there is a difference, but what is it? Also, in Exodus 22:2-3, I'm having a problem with 1. which pronouns apply to which, there being a defender and a thief and 2. I've read elsewhere that "but if the sun rises on him" may be translated as "if it is plain as day that he means you no harm." Um, help? ^.^

[PennyDreadful]

Nobody has an idea? =(

[Menachem]

I am not (yet) anything resembling a student of Hebrew, but when I have a question about certain scriptures I like to go back to the original language. I'm having a little trouble with ratsach as used for murder in Exodus 20:13, versus the word dam as used for bloodshed in Exodus 22:2-3. Obviously there is a difference, but what is it? Also, in Exodus 22:2-3, I'm having a problem with 1. which pronouns apply to which, there being a defender and a thief and 2. I've read elsewhere that "but if the sun rises on him" may be translated as "if it is plain as day that he means you no harm." Um, help? ^.^


I'll answer your first part as I am in a hurry and must go soon. The Hebrew word "Ratzach" means "murder" as in the act of Murder. The word does not mean kill as the KJV and many other christian versions render it as. To read "you shall not kill" It would have to be rendered "Lo Tihareg" "Hareg" meaning "Kill."

"Dam" Is the hebrew Word for Blood not bloodshed The word used here in exodus is "Damim" which can take the meaning of Bloodshed or Blood Guilt here in Exodus.

The use of Murder here implicates the whole act of murder, while damim is used in reference to what happens to the person(s) who beats him to death as is the case here in Exodus 22. If he is caught in the act of breaking in and beaten to death the person is not guilty of any criminal act and he is not to pay any blood retribution. However if the sun rises or he is caught after he has broken in anywhere and he is then beaten to death the person(s) who did the beating will have to pay with blood retribution. Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth....


Thats all I have time for right now i hope this helps for the first part of your question...

[Timothy Leary]

I'll answer your first part as I am in a hurry and must go soon. The Hebrew word "Ratzach" means "murder" as in the act of Murder. The word does not mean kill as the KJV and many other christian versions render it as. To read "you shall not kill" It would have to be rendered "Lo Tihareg" "Hareg" meaning "Kill."

Eli,

I don't think it'd be fair to pick on Christian translations alone on this error. The STONE Edition also makes that error.

[PennyDreadful]

What is it about the sun rising that takes the responsibility of wrongdoing from the thief?

[Menachem]

What is it about the sun rising that takes the responsibility of wrongdoing from the thief?


Its not about the sun rising. More or less what it is saying is that if he gets away or if the sun is on his back when he leaves then he does not warrant to be put to death becasue you didnt catch him/her in the act but rather after the fact.


On note to Yoshiyah.....Thanks I did not know that I will look into it.....

[PennyDreadful]

Can you help me back this up scripturally, or historically, from the Hebrew text?