Exodus 6:3 - (5762)
But My name 'Hashem' I was not known to them. Rashi: It is not written here "[ My name 'Hashem'] "lo Hodati" I did not make known [to them]" Rather [it says] "[ My name 'Hashem'] "lo Nodati" I was not known [ to them]." I was not recognized by them with My attribute of "keeping faith" by reason of which my name is called 'Hashem,' that I am faithful to substantiate my promise. For indeed I promised them but I have not [yet] fulfilled [my promise].
This is a complex comment; Rashi is addressing two difficulties in our verse. We will our begin analysis by clarifying what he is saying.
WHAT IS RASHI SAYING?
Rashi differentiates between the meaning of two conjugations of the word "to know." The two are:
1. 'lo Nodati' being the passive form, means "I was not known."
2 'lo Hodati' being the active form, means "I did not make known."
Rashi points out that, of these two, our verse says "I was not known."
Dr. Meir Seidler
Department of Jewish PhilosophyI make Myself known to him in a vision
But My name 'Hashem' I was not known to them. Rashi: It is not written here "[ My name 'Hashem'] "lo Hodati" I did not make known [to them]" Rather [it says] "[ My name 'Hashem'] "lo Nodati" I was not known [ to them]." I was not recognized by them with My attribute of "keeping faith" by reason of which my name is called 'Hashem,' that I am faithful to substantiate my promise. For indeed I promised them but I have not [yet] fulfilled [my promise].
This is a complex comment; Rashi is addressing two difficulties in our verse. We will our begin analysis by clarifying what he is saying.
WHAT IS RASHI SAYING?
Rashi differentiates between the meaning of two conjugations of the word "to know." The two are:
1. 'lo Nodati' being the passive form, means "I was not known."
2 'lo Hodati' being the active form, means "I did not make known."
Rashi points out that, of these two, our verse says "I was not known."
Dr. Meir Seidler
Department of Jewish Philosophy
Comment