The Exegetical Role of the Paseq

Abstract

It is well-known that the Biblical accents have an exegetical value in interpreting Scripture. The ocurrences of the paseq -a vertical line which is inserted in the space between two words but does not belong to the accentuation system- have been noted by many scholars, but few are aware of its exegetical value in Scripture. This article discusses the exegetical role of the paseq, i.e., instances in which a paseq appears because of questions of meaning and understanding. Following Aaron Ben-Asher, we assume that the paseq emends the parsing of a verse according to the accents, where two words must be separated due to the meaning. In the examples illustrating our hypothesis, first we examine the interpretation that follows from parsing according to the accents. Then, in view of the appearance of a paseq, we suggest a different division of the words and show how the new parsing implies a different interpretation or precludes the interpretation that follows from the accents. In the examples in which the paseq is given exegetical significance, we attempt to sub-stantiate our position by citations from Midrashim, Targumim, and Biblical exegesis. We begin with the example of עשר ׀ כלה (Gen. 18:21), followed by three groups of examples. In the first group, the paseq separates «said» from the actual content of an utterance. In the second group, the paseq separates two items in a list. In the third group, the paseq can be explained by other rules aside from the exegetical one.