- Torah and Jewish Thought
- General Questions
"Maii" instead of "Lev"
Question
Why did our prophet used the word “maii” ( which is a word related to gut) instead of using lev( heart) ?
Answer
Shalom,
Thank you for your follow up question.
None of the classical commentators on this verse comment on the use of the word maii. This is because it is a very common word used in the Tanach, that generally does not need explaining (just as if the word “lev” had been used it would not have needed explaining).
However, the commentators in Jerimiahu chapter 4 comment that the word “maii” is used when referring to children, as children grow in the womb – one's innards. Others explain that one's heart is aroused through ones desire, that one has power over to change, whereas one's maii (gut reaction) is caused by fear or other natural emotion that one has no power over.
I hope this is of some help.

Sages & Prophets
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Kislev 12, 5769

missing out living in UK
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Tishrei 22, 5782

Mishkan/Temple: How can something contain G-d?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Adar II 8, 5779

Contradiction
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 28, 5781

Rabbi David Sperling

Cruise travel on Shabbat
Nisan 25, 5771

Guests driving on Shabbat
Nisan 25, 5771

Torah with mefarshim
Nisan 2, 5771

tikkun chatzot
Iyyar 22, 5771

No-wedding days
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 20, 5772

The Latest Time to do Birkat HaLevana
Various Rabbis | 8 Tevet 5764

Tehillim for a deceased parent
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tammuz 8, 5773

Tehillim for a deceased parent
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tammuz 8, 5773

Preparation for Davening
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 7, 5782

Alarm Cock on the Three Weeks
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Av 4, 5782

Early Shabbat Candle Lighting
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Av 6, 5782
