Data Over Dogma Hear, O Israel!
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Sep 1, 2025 Delve into the profound significance of the Shema, a pivotal Hebrew prayer, and discover why its six words are so challenging to translate. The hosts explore the Letter of Jeremiah, dissecting its origins and authenticity. Enjoy a lighthearted take on sleep comforts intertwined with deep biblical themes. Discussion spans the intricacies of monotheism, covenantal love, and the implications of idol worship in ancient Israel, culminating in reflections on false idols enriched with humorous personal anecdotes.
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Grammatical Ambiguity Of The Shema
- Deuteronomy 6:4 (Shema) is short in Hebrew but densely ambiguous in translation.
- The phrase structure supports reading 'Adonai, our God, Adonai is one' rather than 'the Lord alone.'
Phrase Usage Points To Apposition
- 'Adonai Eloheinu' in Deuteronomy consistently functions as apposition: 'the Lord, our God.'
- That pattern argues against translating the first clause as 'the Lord is our God.'
Shema Emphasizes Exclusive Relationship
- The Shema likely addresses how many 'Adonais' there are, not how many gods exist.
- The text presupposes other gods by using Eloheinu ('our God') and by parallels with the first commandment.
