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There seems to be this teaching (gemarah) in the Talmud (Yoma 39) on Vayikra/Leviticus 11:43 regards the phrase ונטמתם. Because this is written without the expected alef it could be read as v’nitamtem instead of v’nitmeitem.

Oke so here’s my question, different sources I found point to a Rabbi Yismael and translate his explanation of the word as ‘dull, stupid’. Yet others refer to Rabbi Bachye and translate the word as ‘blocked’.

I’m looking for the source where I can find Rabbi Bachye his statement. And I’m looking for the root of this word which could mean dull, stupid and/or blocked.

P.s. Putting it into a translator like doitinhebrew.com gets the following outcome: ‘And you were dead’, could anyone explain me if there is a connection to death somehow?

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  • "Putting it into a translator like doitinhebrew.com gets the following outcome: ‘And you were dead’ ...". Interesting. When I put "ונטמתם’" into doitinhebrew.com's translator (or into Google translate, for that matter), I get: "And you were sealed". Though they may have come a long way, I wouldn't put too much stock in automatic translators (on the web). Also, bare in mind that though the spelling "ונטמתם" suggests "becoming מטומטם/dull-witted", I don't think it's actually a word (at least not in modern Hebrew), so automatic translators might try to give the next best thing they can find.
    – Tamir Evan
    Apr 25, 2020 at 18:31
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    Are you looking for the commentary of Rabbeinu Bechaye (ben Asher) on Vayikra 11:43?
    – Tamir Evan
    Apr 25, 2020 at 18:37
  • It may be better not to consult doitinhebrew.com
    – Dr. Shmuel
    Apr 26, 2020 at 8:48
  • @TamirEvan Yes, I think he is - you have an answer! Apr 26, 2020 at 9:19
  • @TamirEvan Thank you, can’t believe I didn’t find it myself, must have missed it somehow
    – Levi
    Apr 26, 2020 at 14:29

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