Asking Questions: Part Two
Our seven categories of Parshanut questions can be further expanded.
In addition to the first 7 simple examples, we can add these more
complex ones:
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Click on any type to see an example.
Go to this example page to test yourself.
| Category |
Type |
Image |
Description |
| DETAILS |
Extraneous |
 |
The Torah tells us something that seems unnecessary |
| FREQUENCY |
Number or Theme Word |
 |
A word/root is repeated 5, 7, 10 or more times in a single literary
unit. |
| MEANING |
Figurative Meaning |
 |
The Torah uses a word or phrase that ins't meant literally, but
figuratively. |
| A or B |
Ambiguity |
 |
The Torah says one thing that can be understood in more than one
way. This is the opposite of contradiction. Contradiction is when
the Torah says two different things (black and white); here the
Torah only says one thing, but it can mean two things. Tone of
voice is a common example. |
| CONNECTIONS |
Juxtaposition |
 |
Two (seemingly) unrelated topics/ stories appear side by side.
A new idea is created by the juxtaposition of the two verses or
stories. (Do you see the 5th arrow is created out of the other
four!?) |
| SEQUENCE |
Out of Order |
 |
The sequence of events is unclear or out of order. Sometimes the
Torah tells us events out of order; sometimes it is just not clear
just because the Torah tells us event B after event A doesn't
necessarily mean event B occurred after A. |
| PROBLEMS |
Something Wrong |
 |
The Torah tells us something that is morally problematic: God,
or a character behaves in a way that is surprising or immoral.
|
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Asking Questions