Peah

🏷  Semitic interlinear spook law · text   —   by Gerry · Jan 2023 · 8779 words

Peah is the 2nd chapter of Mishnah & Talmud, after Berakhot. The face-value text is about donations from the פאה pˀh “corners” of a field, with long lists of grains & fruits. But the pun-encrypted text is really about how the rich & powerful conceal their פחה pḥh “nobility”, and the lists are really aristocratic titles & offices! The Peah tractate proves once again that spookery is all about disguising the aristocracy.

Introduction

Like all Talmudic tractates, Peah doesn’t introduce or explain its topic. The implied topic is that landowners should donate the harvest from the פאה pˀh “corners” of each field to the poor. But that is never said explicitly.

The text starts with saying that charitable deeds have no definite measure. So in theory, there shouldn’t be too much legislature about this. But instead the text is a dizzying array of incredibly detailed rules about anything & everything, especially about when and how long the landowner is exempt from taxes, because of his donations. All this doesn’t sound very charitable. It doesn’t even sound religious.

The explanation is of course that the text is pun-encrypted: פאה pˀh “corners” puns with פחה pḥh “nobility” (see ˁAyin ≈ Ḥet). Spookery is simply crypto-aristocracy. And like all other encrypted texts, the Peah tractate is about aristocrats disguising their power. Unlike other texts, it doesn’t explain how the disguise works, but whom and what to disguise.

The giveaway paragraph is 1:5, a lengthy list of arbitrary אילן ˀyln “trees”. This is really a list of אילין ˀylyn “leaders”: Every “tree” listed there puns with some leadership position. Read the full list, and judge yourself!

Other recurring encryption puns are שדה šdh “field” punning with שדה šdh “status”, and מעשר mˁšr “tithe” punning with משרה mšrh “office”. So all vocabulary is fitted to the “field harvest” topic. However, many of the “laws” still don’t make much sense in their literal meaning, but only in the encrypted meaning: They’re really about concealing the “status” and “office” of the “nobility”!

How to read this

Nobility and official titles are not forbidden.

As usual with Talmud tractates, the Peah tractate doesn’t introduce or explain its topic. Instead, it starts with the claim that the pˀh “corners” of a field have no šˁr “measure”, that’s probably to say you can donate as much as you want.

So I assume this weird phrase is to encrypt the statement that pḥh “nobility” is not ˀsr “forbidden”. The spooks are right here, nobility is not forbidden. Though it should be. And if the common people had ever known the extent of the nobility’s malice & corruption, it would be.

Some of the other puns for “not forbidden” things here are letter-perfect ones: bkr means “first fruit”, but also “first rank”, and gml-ḥsd means “charity of devotion”, but also “accepted payments”. Generally, official power is not forbidden.

Peah 1:1.a

Encrypted: These [are] things that [are] not by themselves forbidden: [official] nobility, the birthright / to lead, rulership, payments [that are socially] accepted, and oppression [by one’s official] title & rank.

Official: These [are] things that [have] not to them [a definite] measure: corners [of a field], the first fruit, the appearance [in the temple], the charitable [deeds] of devotion, and the study of the Torah.

These [are]
ˀlw: these
ˀlw   אלו
ˀlw: these
These [are]

things
dbr: word, thing
dbrym   דברים
dbr: word, thing
things

that [are] not
š-: which; ˀyn: no, not
šˀyn   שאין
š-: which; ˀyn: no, not
that [have] not

by themselves
lhm: to them
lhm   להם
lhm: to them
to them

forbidden:
ˀsr: forbidden, prohibited
šˁwr   שעור
šˁr: measure, value
[a definite] measure:

[official] nobility,
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
hpˀh   הפאה
pˀh: end, edge, corner
corners [of a field],

the birthright / to lead,
bkr: first, birthright, lead; bkrˀ: first rank
whbkwrym   והבכורים
bkr: first fruits; -ym: (plural)
the first fruit,

rulership,
rˁh: ruler, lead, guide
whrˀywn   והראיון
rˀy: appear, appearance
the appearance [in the temple],

payments
gml: pay, reward
wgmylwt   וגמילות
gml: kind, charitable
the charitable [deeds]

[that are socially] accepted,
ḥsd: favor, acceptance
ḥsdym   חסדים
ḥsd: devotion
of devotion,

and oppression
ṭlwmwtˀ: oppression, tyranny
wtlmwd   ותלמוד
tlmwd: Talmud, study
and the study

[by one’s official] title & rank.
tˀr: title, degree, rank
twrh   תורה
twrh: Torah
of the Torah.

Peah 1:1.a

But profits of suspicious dealings must be consumed in the hidden world.

Here come the things for which the larger part can only be consumed in the “other world”. For faithfuls, that is the ˁwlm-hbˀ “world to come”, i.e. the afterlife. For the spook aristocrats, it’s their own ˁwlm-ḥbˀ “hidden world”, that they have shielded from public view.

The fruits of what things may a spook not consume publicly? It’s kbd-ˀb-w-ˀm “the wealth of father & mother”, gml-ḥsd “shameful payments”, and šlwm-byn-ˀdm-l-ḥbr “payments between a man and his associates”. Basically, all profits that aristocrats make by misusing their official offices, and their family relationships.

Peah 1:1.b

Encrypted: [By contrast,] these [are] things [for] which a man [can] consume [some] profits in the world this one, but [for which] the principal [must] remain to them in the world that is hidden: the riches of [one’s] father and mother, payments [that are] shameful & suspect, and bringing payments & bribes between a man and his associate. And [such] secrets, having [them] breached [is] like confessing them all.

Official: [By contrast,] these [are] things [for] which a man [can] consume the fruits in the world this one, but [for which] the principal remains to them in the world that is to come: Honoring [one’s] father and mother, the charitable [deeds] of devotion, and bringing peace between a man and his friend. And the study of the Torah extends [?] [to] them all.

[By contrast,] these [are]
ˀlw: these
ˀlw   אלו
ˀlw: these
[By contrast,] these [are]

things
dbr: word, thing
dbrym   דברים
dbr: word, thing
things

[for] which a man
š-: which; ˀdm: man
šˀdm   שאדם
š-: which; ˀdm: man
[for] which a man

[can] consume
ˀkl: consume
ˀwkl   אוכל
ˀkl: consume
[can] consume

[some] profits
prwt: profit
prwtyhn   פרותיהן
prwt: fruit
the fruits

in the world
b-: in; ˁwlm: world
bˁwlm   בעולם
b-: in; ˁwlm: world
in the world

this one,
zh: this
hzh   הזה
zh: this
this one,

but [for which] the principal
qrn: principal
whqrn   והקרן
qrn: principal
but [for which] the principal

[must] remain
qwm: stand, remain
qymt   קימת
qwm: stand, remain
remains

to them
lw: to him
lw   לו
lw: to him
to them

in the world
l-: to; ˁwlm: world
lˁwlm   לעולם
l-: to; ˁwlm: world
in the world

that is hidden:
ḥbˀ: conceal, hide, hidden
hbˀ   הבא
hbˀ: bring, come
that is to come:

the riches
kbd: rich, make rich; kbdh: wealth, riches
kbwd   כבוד
kbd: heavy, honor
Honoring

of [one’s] father
ˀb: father
ˀb   אב
ˀb: father
[one’s] father

and mother,
ˀm: mother
wˀm   ואם
ˀm: mother
and mother,

payments
gml: pay, reward
wgmylwt   וגמילות
gml: kind, charitable
the charitable [deeds]

[that are] shameful & suspect,
ḥsd: shame; ḥšd: suspect, suspicion
ḥsdym   חסדים
ḥsd: devotion
of devotion,

and bringing
bwˀ: come, bring
whbˀt   והבאת
bwˀ: come, bring
and bringing

payments & bribes
šlwm: reward, payment, bribe
šlwm   שלום
šlwm: peace
peace

between
byn: between, among
byn   בין
byn: between, among
between

a man
ˀdm: man
ˀdm   אדם
ˀdm: man
a man

and his associate.
l-: to; ḥbr: friend, partner, associate
lḥbrw   לחברו
l-: to; ḥbr: friend, partner, associate
and his friend.

And [such] secrets,
tˁlwmh: hidden, secret; -wt: (suffix)
wtlmwd   ותלמוד
tlmwd: Talmud, study
And the study

having [them] breached
twrˁ: breaking through; tryˁ: breach, breached
twrh   תורה
twrh: Torah
of the Torah

[is] like confessing
k-: like, as; ngd: confess, declare, announce, testify
kngd   כנגד
k-: like, as; ngd: stretch, extend, rule
extends [?]

them all.
kl: all; -m: them
klm   כלם
kl: all; -m: them
[to] them all.

Peah 1:1.b

Hide your rank according to the poor people’s suffering.

Here they say that donations must be done according to the “number of poor people”, and accoring to the “greatness of their suffering”. That is correct for aristocratic disguises as well: If they rule many poor people, and those people suffer greatly, it would spell trouble for the aristocrats if their subjects knew how much profit they rake in through their corrupt dealings, on top of their official earnings. That’s why spookery was invented. Spookery is keeping one’s true power & wealth a secret.

Peah 1:2

Encrypted: [So one should] not let break through [one’s] nobility [rank] [just] out of flattery & pride. And even though by commandment [it is] said [that it is] not [being] a noble / governor forbidden, everything [must be done] according [to] the greatness of [one’s] office & status, and according to [how] numerous [are] the poor people [under one’s rule], and according to [how] great [is] [their] suffering [under one’s rule].

Official: [One should] not lessen the corner [of the field] [to less] than one-sixtieth [??]. And even though by commandment [it is] said [that there is] not to the corner [of the field] a [definite] measure, everything [must be done] according [to] the greatness of the field, and according to [how] numerous [are] the poor people [living off it], and according to [how] great [is] [their] suffering.

[So one should] not
ˀyn: no, not
ˀyn   אין
ˀyn: no, not
[One should] not

let break through
pḥt: penetrate, broken through
pwḥtyn   פוחתין
pḥt: lessen, diminish
lessen

[one’s] nobility [rank]
l-: to; pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
lpˀh   לפאה
l-: to; pˀh: end, edge, corner
the corner [of the field]

[just] out of flattery & pride.
m-: from, out of; šwš: flatter; zwzy: pride, boast; -ym: (plural)
mššym   מששים
m-: than; šš: six; -ym: (plural)
[to less] than one-sixtieth [??].

And even though
ˀp: even, though
wˀp   ואף
ˀp: even, though
And even though

by
ˁl: about, to
ˁl   על
ˁl: about, to
by

commandment
ph: speech, saying, command
py   פי
ph: speech, saying, command
commandment

[it is] said
š-: which; ˀmr: say
šˀmrw   שאמרו
š-: which; ˀmr: say
[it is] said

[that it is] not
ˀyn: no, not
ˀyn   אין
ˀyn: no, not
[that there is] not

[being] a noble / governor
l-: to; pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
lpˀh   לפאה
l-: to; pˀh: end, edge, corner
to the corner [of the field]

forbidden,
ˀsr: forbidden, prohibited
šˁwr   שעור
šˁwr: measure, quantity
a [definite] measure,

everything
kl: all, everything
hkl   הכל
kl: all, everything
everything

[must be done] according
lpy: according to
lpy   לפי
lpy: according to
[must be done] according

[to] the greatness
gdl: greatness
gdl   גדל
gdl: greatness
[to] the greatness

of [one’s] office & status,
šdh: position, office, status
hšdh   השדה
šdh: field, land
of the field,

and according to
lpy: according to
wlpy   ולפי
lpy: according to
and according to

[how] numerous [are]
rb: great, much, many, numerous
rb   רב
rb: great, much, many, numerous
[how] numerous [are]

the poor people [under one’s rule],
ˁny: poor; -ym: (plural)
hˁnyym   העניים
ˁny: poor; -ym: (plural)
the poor people [living off it],

and according to
lpy: according to
wlpy   ולפי
lpy: according to
and according to

[how] great [is]
rb: great, much, many, numerous
rb   רב
rb: great, much, many, numerous
[how] great [is]

[their] suffering [under one’s rule].
ˁnh: poor, suffer, oppressed
hˁnwh   הענוה
ˁnh: poor, suffer, oppressed
[their] suffering.

Peah 1:2

Nobility may only be revealed from the lower & middle ranks.

Here the official text says you may give from the beginning, middle, but not the end of the šdh “field”. There are no matching puns, so I assume the spook words are the same: If a spook publicly reveals himself to be of noble šdh “status”, then he may only reveal to be from the lower, middle, but not the upper end of the aristocratic ladder.

The last part about the mšwm-h-pqr “viewpoint of being lawless” may mean that if a spook reveals his nobility and doesn’t properly smk “prop things up”, he has then forfeited his spook rights.

Peah 1:3

Encrypted: [One may] show [to be] a nobleman from the initiate [ranks] of [aristocratic] status, or from the middle [ranks]. Lord Shimon says: [Only] on the condition that [one would also?] show to be [from the upper] end according to the prohibitions. Lord Yehudah says: If [one] leaves [such] a revelation of nobility / [just] one, [then one must somehow] prop it up on this from the point of view [of fulfilling the law about] nobility. And if not, [then one does] not show [it], [but] only from the point of view [of] having forfeited [one’s rights?].

Official: [One may] give [from] the corners [of the field] from the beginning of [the harvest of] the field, or from the middle. Rabbi Shimon says: [Only] on the condition that [one] gives at the end according to the quantity. Rabbi Yehudah says: If [one] leaves a stalk [just] one, [then one can] rely on this from the point of view [of fulfilling the law about] the corners [of the field]. And if not, [then one does] not give, [but] only from the point of view [of fulfilling the law about] ownerless [produce?].

[One may] show
ntn: show, display
nwtnyn   נותנין
ntn: give
[One may] give

[to be] a nobleman
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
pˀh   פאה
pˀh: end, edge, corner
[from] the corners [of the field]

from the initiate [ranks]
m-: from; tḥl: begin, initiate
mtḥlt   מתחלת
m-: from; tḥl: begin, initiate
from the beginning

of [aristocratic] status,
šdh: position, office, status
hšdh   השדה
šdh: field, land
of [the harvest of] the field,

or from the middle [ranks].
m-: from; ˀmṣˁ: middle
wmˀmṣˁh   ומאמצעה
m-: from; ˀmṣˁ: middle
or from the middle.

Lord
rb: lord, master, noble
rby   רבי
rby: rabbi
Rabbi

Shimon
šmˁwn: Shimon
šmˁwn   שמעון
šmˁwn: Shimon
Shimon

says:
ˀmr: say
ˀwmr   אומר
ˀmr: say
says:

[Only] on the condition
blbd: alone, on condition
wblbd   ובלבד
blbd: alone, on condition
[Only] on the condition

that [one would also?] show
š-: that; ntn: show, display
šytn   שיתן
š-: that; ntn: give
that [one] gives

to be [from the upper] end
b-: in; swp: end
bswp   בסוף
b-: in; swp: end
at the end

according to the prohibitions.
k-: as; ˀsr: forbidden, prohibited
kšˁwr   כשעור
k-: as; šˁwr: measure, quantity
according to the quantity.

Lord
rb: lord, master, noble
rby   רבי
rby: rabbi
Rabbi

Yehudah
yhwdh: Yehudah
yhwdh   יהודה
yhwdh: Yehudah
Yehudah

says:
ˀmr: say
ˀwmr   אומר
ˀmr: say
says:

If
ˀm: if
ˀm   אם
ˀm: if
If

[one] leaves
šyr: leave over, reserve
šyr   שיר
šyr: leave over, reserve
[one] leaves

[such] a revelation
glḥ: stretch out, reveal
qlḥ   קלח
qlḥ: stem, stalk
a stalk

of nobility / [just] one,
ˀḥd: command, rule; ˀḥydˀ: nobleman
ˀḥd   אחד
ˀḥd: one
[just] one,

[then one must somehow] prop it up
smk: support, prop up, back up, rescue
swmk   סומך
smk: uphold, rely
[then one can] rely

on this
lw: to him
lw   לו
lw: to him
on this

from the point of view
mšwm: from point of view
mšwm   משום
mšwm: from point of view
from the point of view

[of fulfilling the law about] nobility.
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
pˀh   פאה
pˀh: end, edge, corner
[of fulfilling the law about] the corners [of the field].

And if
ˀm: if
wˀm   ואם
ˀm: if
And if

not,
: not
lˀw   לאו
: not
not,

[then one does] not
ˀyn: no, not
ˀynw   אינו
ˀyn: no, not
[then one does] not

show [it],
ntn: show, display
nwtn   נותן
ntn: give
give,

[but] only
ˀlˀ: only
ˀlˀ   אלא
ˀlˀ: only
[but] only

from the point of view
mšwm: from point of view
mšwm   משום
mšwm: from point of view
from the point of view

[of] having forfeited [one’s rights?].
hpqr: lawless; pqr: abandoned, forfeit
hpqr   הפקר
pqr: free, ownerless
[of fulfilling the law about] ownerless [produce?].

Peah 1:3

Nobility laws concern all who stand above the masses, even inferiors.

Here they say that these laws apply to all that gdl-mn-ˀrṣ “grow from the land”, but that phrase puns with gdl-mn-rṣṣ “being greater than the oppressed”. So all who are greater than the oppressed are included, even minor offices. In the explanation that follows, the spooks use their number 1 pun: ˀḥd “one” puns with ˀḥd “ruler” in Aramaic spelling.

Peah 1:4

Encrypted: Generally [it is] said: [As for the law about] nobility, all who have power, or are guardians, or are greater / more dignified than the oppressed [folk], or collecting [taxes?] like a noble / ruler, or receiving an [official] position, [they are] legally obligated to [the law about] nobility. [Even] followers and inferiors are generally in this [category].

Official: Generally [it is] said: [As for the law about] the corners [of the field], all that [is] [to] food and is guarded and grows from the land, and is harvested as one [field], and is stored for storage, [it is] legally obligated to [the law about] the corners [of the field]. Grain and legumes are generally in this [category].

Generally
kll: all, general
kll   כלל
kll: all, general
Generally

[it is] said:
ˀmr: say
ˀmrw   אמרו
ˀmr: say
[it is] said:

[As for the law about] nobility,
b-: among; pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
bpˀh   בפאה
b-: in; pˀh: end, edge, corner
[As for the law about] the corners [of the field],

all
kl: all
kl   כל
kl: all
all

who
š-: who; hwˀ: he, who
šhwˀ   שהוא
š-: that; hwˀ: he, it, who
that [is]

have power,
ykl: have power, entrust, empowered
ˀkl   אכל
ˀkl: consume, food
[to] food

or are guardians,
n-: make; šmr: keep, guard, protect
wnšmr   ונשמר
n-: make; šmr: keep, guard, protect
and is guarded

or are greater / more dignified
gdl: greatness, dignity, majesty
wgdwlyw   וגדוליו
gdl: becoming great, growing
and grows

than
mn: than
mn   מן
mn: from
from

the oppressed [folk],
rṣṣ: oppress, oppressed
hˀrṣ   הארץ
ˀrṣ: land, ground
the land,

or collecting [taxes?]
lqṭ: harvest, collect
wlqyṭtw   ולקיטתו
lqṭ: harvest, collect
and is harvested

like a noble / ruler,
k-: like; ˀḥd: command, rule; ˀḥydˀ: nobleman
kˀḥt   כאחת
k-: as; ˀḥt: one; ˀḥd: one
as one [field],

or receiving
m-: of; kns: enter, receive
wmknysw   ומכניסו
mkns: storing up, stock
and is stored

an [official] position,
l-: to; qwm: station, position
lqywm   לקיום
l-: to; qwm: stand, last, remain
for storage,

[they are] legally obligated
ḥwb: obligated, legally bound
ḥyb   חיב
ḥwb: obligated, legally bound
[it is] legally obligated

to [the law about] nobility.
b-: among; pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
bpˀh   בפאה
b-: in; pˀh: end, edge, corner
to [the law about] the corners [of the field].

[Even] followers
tbwˁˀ: supporter, tax-gatherer; tˀbˁ: follower
whtbwˀh   והתבואה
tbwˀh: grain, provision
Grain

and inferiors
qṭn: small, inferior
whqṭnywt   והקטניות
qyṭny: legumes
and legumes

are generally in
b-: in; kll: all, general
bkll   בכלל
b-: in; kll: all, general
are generally in

this [category].
zh: this
hzh   הזה
zh: this
this [category].

Peah 1:4

Leaders in this sense are nobles, but also treasurers and tax-collectors.

Here comes one of those “lengthy lists of arbitrary things” that you often find in ancient encrypted texts.

The authors say that this law also applies to ˀyln “trees”, namely ˀwg “sumacs”, ḥrb “carobs”, ˀgwz “nuts”, šqd “almonds”, gpn “grapevines”, rmwn “pomegranates”, zyt “olives”, and tmr “dates”. But if it’s a law about the corners of a field, why does it apply to trees? And if it applies to trees, why not just say “applies to all trees”?

The solution is that this list is an encryption for ˀylyn “leaders”, namely ˀwgyn “nobles”, qrb “military”, gwz “eunuchs”, sqṭ “tax-collectors”, gbynˀ “creditors”, rmyn “high ranks”, zhywtˀ “distinguished ones”, and ṭmr “treasurers”.

Unlike the official list, the spook list is not a contradiction to the previous section, but complements it: Rulership does not only include nobility in the strict sense, but all positions of power, even the lower ones. (Tax collectors are also specifically mentioned as an example in the 12 tribes parable.) So the laws of spookery cover all such positions, which are listed here.

Whenever you encounter seemingly arbitrary things listed together for no good reason, be suspicious. It might be an encryption.

Peah 1:5

Encrypted: Among leaders: nobility, [high-level] military, [court] eunuchs, tax collectors, creditors, high-ranking [people], distinguished / noble [ones], and treasurers are legally obligated to [the laws] of nobility.

Official: Among trees: sumac, carobs, nuts, almonds, grapevines, pomegranates, olives and date palms are legally obligated to [the law] of corners [of the field].

Among leaders:
b-: among; ˀyl: leader, chief, despot, power; -yn: (plural)
wbˀyln   ובאילן
b-: among; ˀyln: tree
Among trees:

nobility,
ˀwgyn: noble
hˀwg   האוג
ˀwg: sumac
sumac,

[high-level] military,
ḥrb: sword; qrbyˀ: military
whḥrwbyn   והחרובין
ḥrb: carob
carobs,

[court] eunuchs,
gwz: cut off, eunuch
whˀgwzym   והאגוזים
ˀgwz: nut
nuts,

tax collectors,
sqṭ: lictor, collector of taxes
whšqdym   והשקדים
šqd: almond
almonds,

creditors,
gbynˀ: collector; gby: creditor, lictor, tax-gatherer; -n: (suffix)
whgpnym   והגפנים
gpn: vine, tendril
grapevines,

high-ranking [people],
rm: elevated, supreme, high, high-ranking; -yn: (plural)
whrmwnym   והרמונים
rmwn: pomegranate
pomegranates,

distinguished / noble [ones],
zhywtˀ: nobility; zywtn: distinguished, noble, imposing
whzytym   והזיתים
zyt: olive
olives

and treasurers
ṭmr: hidden wealth; ṭmrˀ: treasure
whtmrym   והתמרים
tmr: date palm
and date palms

are legally obligated
ḥwb: obligated, legally bound
ḥybyn   חיבין
ḥwb: obligated, legally bound
are legally obligated

to [the laws] of nobility.
b-: among; pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
bpˀh   בפאה
b-: in; pˀh: end, edge, corner
to [the law] of corners [of the field].

Peah 1:5

He who admits his nobility is excluded from office, until it is smoothened up.

The literal text says that when you are donating, then you are excluded from mˁšr “tithing”, until the harvest stack has been mrḥ “smoothened”, i.e. finished.

The spook text says that when a spook is permitted to reveal his nobility, then he is excluded from mšrh “government offices”, until things have been mrḥ “smoothened up”, i.e. covered up so that the public doesn’t understand he got his office through aristocratic nepotism.

Peah 1:6.a

Encrypted: Always [may] one show [it] from the point of view [of the law about] nobility, but then be excluded from government offices, until [things] have been smoothened & plastered up. [If one] shows [it] from the point of view [of] being lawless / having forfeited [one’s rights?]. [then one] is excluded from government offices, until [things] have been smoothened & plastered up. [If one] reveals [it] to [human] cattle, to farmers, or to workers, then [one] is excluded from government offices, until [things] have been smoothened & plastered up.

Official: Always [may] one give [from the corners?] from the point of view [of the law about] the corners [of the field], and be exempt from tithing, until [the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished]. [If one] gives from the point of view [of the law about] ownerless [produce?], [then one] is exempt from tithing, until [the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished]. [One may] feed cattle, wild beasts and birds, and is exempt from tithing, until [the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished].

Always
lˁwlm: always
lˁwlm   לעולם
lˁwlm: always
Always

[may] one
hwˀ: he
hwˀ   הוא
hwˀ: he
[may] one

show [it]
ntn: show, display
nwtn   נותן
ntn: give
give [from the corners?]

from the point of view
mšwm: from point of view
mšwm   משום
mšwm: from point of view
from the point of view

[of the law about] nobility,
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
pˀh   פאה
pˀh: end, edge, corner
[of the law about] the corners [of the field],

but then be excluded
pṭr: dismiss, remove
wpṭwr   ופטור
pṭr: exempt, free
and be exempt

from
mn: from
mn   מן
mn: from
from

government offices,
mšrh: rule, government, office
hmˁšrwt   המעשרות
mˁšr: tithe
tithing,

until
ˁd: until
ˁd   עד
ˁd: until
until

[things] have been smoothened & plastered up.
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smear, plaster
šymrḥ   שימרח
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smoothen pile of grain, finish
[the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished].

[If one] shows [it]
ntn: show, display
wnwtn   ונותן
ntn: give
[If one] gives

from the point of view
mšwm: from point of view
mšwm   משום
mšwm: from point of view
from the point of view

[of] being lawless / having forfeited [one’s rights?].
hpqr: lawless; pqr: abandoned, forfeit
hpqr   הפקר
pqr: free, ownerless
[of the law about] ownerless [produce?],

[then one] is excluded
pṭr: dismiss, remove
wpṭwr   ופטור
pṭr: exempt, free
[then one] is exempt

from
mn: from
mn   מן
mn: from
from

government offices,
mšrh: rule, government, office
hmˁšrwt   המעשרות
mˁšr: tithe
tithing,

until
ˁd: until
ˁd   עד
ˁd: until
until

[things] have been smoothened & plastered up.
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smear, plaster
šymrḥ   שימרח
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smoothen pile of grain, finish
[the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished].

[If one] reveals [it]
m-: of; glˀ: reveal; glˁ: disclose, lay open
wmˀkyl   ומאכיל
m-: of; ˀkl: eat, food, feed
[One may] feed

to [human] cattle,
l-: to; bhm: dumb, servant
lbhmh   לבהמה
l-: to; bhmh: cattle
cattle,

to farmers,
l-: to; ḥwˀy: farmer
wlḥyh   ולחיה
l-: to; ḥyh: beast
wild beasts

or to workers,
l-: to; ˁwp: weak; ˁyp: working
wlˁwpwt   ולעופות
l-: to; ˁwp: wing, bird
and birds,

then [one] is excluded
pṭr: dismiss, remove
wpṭwr   ופטור
pṭr: exempt, free
and is exempt

from
mn: from
mn   מן
mn: from
from

government offices,
mšrh: rule, government, office
hmˁšrwt   המעשרות
mˁšr: tithe
tithing,

until
ˁd: until
ˁd   עד
ˁd: until
until

[things] have been smoothened & plastered up.
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smear, plaster
šymrḥ   שימרח
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smoothen pile of grain, finish
[the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished].

Peah 1:6.a

He who takes a wife from the plebs is excluded from office, exept the highest ranks.

Here the literal text says that if someone nṭl “takes” from the grn “threshing floor”, he is excluded from mˁšr “tithing”, until the stack is mrḥ “smoothened”. The only exeption are khn “priests” and lwy “Levites”.

The spook text says that when a spook nṭl “marries” someone from the grˁwn “servants”, then he is excluded from mšrh “government offices”, presumably because his spouse might find out things and could tell her common-birth family. The only exeption here are khn “rulers” and ˁlyw “majesties”, because the top-level corruptocrats are of course above all laws.

Peah 1:6.b

Encrypted: [If one] was takes [as a wife] [one] from the servants for offspring, [then one] is excluded from government offices, until [things] have been smoothened & plastered up. [Those are] the words of lord Akiva. [Only if] a ruler or a supreme majesty takes as a wife a servant [girl], [then their] office is [still] theirs until [things] have been smoothened & plastered up. [And when] a betrothed is divorced, [then one is again] deserving of [one’s] office, as long as [things] have been smoothened & plastered up [by one’s] superiors.

Official: [If one] takes from the threshing floor for [having] seeds, [then one] is exempt from tithing, until [the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished]. [Those are] the words of rabbi Akiva. [If] a priest or Levite buys [?] [produce from?] a threshing floor, [then] the tithe is theirs [to pay?] until [the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished]. [If one had] dedicated [one’s produce to the temple??] but sells [it?], [then one is] legally obligated for tithing until [the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished] [by] the treasurer [of the temple???].

[If one] was takes [as a wife]
nṭl: carry away, marry
wnwṭl   ונוטל
nṭl: receive, take
[If one] takes

[one] from
mn: from
mn   מן
mn: from
from

the servants
grˁwn: servant
hgrn   הגרן
grn: threshing floor, barn
the threshing floor

for offspring,
zrˁ: semen, offspring, sexual potential
wzwrˁ   וזורע
zrˁ: seed
for [having] seeds,

[then one] is excluded
pṭr: dismiss, remove
wpṭwr   ופטור
pṭr: exempt, free
[then one] is exempt

from
mn: from
mn   מן
mn: from
from

government offices,
mšrh: rule, government, office
hmˁšrwt   המעשרות
mˁšr: tithe
tithing,

until
ˁd: until
ˁd   עד
ˁd: until
until

[things] have been smoothened & plastered up.
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smear, plaster
šymrḥ   שימרח
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smoothen pile of grain, finish
[the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished].

[Those are] the words
dbr: word
dbry   דברי
dbr: word
[Those are] the words

of lord
rb: lord, master, noble
rby   רבי
rby: rabbi
of rabbi

Akiva.
ˁqybˀ: Akiva
ˁqybˀ   עקיבא
ˁqybˀ: Akiva
Akiva.

[Only if] a ruler
khn: stationed, officer, prince, ruler
khn   כהן
khn: priest
[If] a priest

or a supreme majesty
ˁlyw: majesty; ˁly: higher, supreme
wlwy   ולוי
lwy: Levite
or Levite

takes as a wife
š-: make; lqyḥh: taking to wife, marrying
šlqḥw   שלקחו
š-: make; lqḥ: take, buy
buys [?]

 
ˀt: to
ˀt   את
ˀt: to
 

a servant [girl],
grˁwn: servant, beneath one’s dignity
hgrn   הגרן
grn: threshing floor, barn
[produce from?] a threshing floor,

[then their] office
mˁšr: tithe
hmˁšrwt   המעשרות
mˁšr: tithe
[then] the tithe

is [still] theirs
š-: which; lhm: to them
šlhm   שלהם
š-: which; lhm: to them
is theirs [to pay?]

until
ˁd: until
ˁd   עד
ˁd: until
until

[things] have been smoothened & plastered up.
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smear, plaster
šymrḥ   שימרח
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smoothen pile of grain, finish
[the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished].

[And when] a betrothed
mqdš: betrothed
hmqdyš   המקדיש
mqdš: dedicated, consecrated
[If one had] dedicated [one’s produce to the temple??]

is divorced,
pdh: release, liberate, cut loose
wpwdh   ופודה
pdh: sell, redeem
but sells [it?],

[then one is again] deserving
ḥyb: deserving, liable
ḥyb   חיב
ḥwb: obligated, legally bound
[then one is] legally obligated

of [one’s] office,
b-: with; mšrh: rule, government, office
bmˁšrwt   במעשרות
b-: with; mˁšr: tithe
for tithing

as long as
ˁd: until, while, as long as
ˁd   עד
ˁd: until, while, as long as
until

[things] have been smoothened & plastered up
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smear, plaster
šymrḥ   שימרח
š-: make; mrḥ: smooth, smoothen pile of grain, finish
[the stack of produce] has been smoothened [finished]

[by one’s] superiors.
gzbrˀ: commander, steward
hgzbr   הגזבר
gzbr: manager, treasurer
[by] the treasurer [of the temple???].

Peah 1:6.b

Possession, ranks and succession should be separated off.

Peah 2:1.a

This paragraph lists things that “separate” a field for taxation purposes, most notably drk “roads”, šbyl “paths”, and zrˁ “seeds”.

The encrypted meaning is probably that profits must be “separated” in the public view from nepotist connections, namely drg “ranks” of nobility, šbl “leadership” titles, and being zrˁ “offspring” of some corrupt bigwig.

Encrypted: These [should be] separated off [from public view] for the nobility: possession & inheritance, ruling & dominion, a rank [that] is hidden, a rank [that] is public, leadership [that] is public, [even] leadership [that] is hidden, [if one is] permanently among the people observing and among the people being a spy, being offspring [of someone] prosperous, and being offspring of a nobleman.

Official: These divide [a field] for corner [donations]: a stream, a pond, a road of one [person], a road of many [persons], a path of many [persons], [even] a path of [just] one [person], [if it is] permanently [used] in times of heat and in times of rains, a field [that is] ploughed, and seed [that is] different.

These
ˀlw: these
wˀlw   ואלו
ˀlw: these
These

[should be] separated off [from public view]
m-: of; psq: cut off, sever connection
mpsyqyn   מפסיקין
m-: of; psq: divide, split, separate
divide [a field]

for the nobility:
l-: for; pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
lpˀh   לפאה
l-: for; pˀh: end, edge, corner
for corner [donations]:

possession & inheritance,
nḥl: possession, inherit; nḥlh: right of succession
hnḥl   הנחל
nḥl: torrent, stream
a stream,

ruling & dominion,
šlyṭ: ruler, commander; šlṭ: rule, master, dominion
whšlwlyt   והשלולית
šlwlyt: pool, pond
a pond,

a rank
drgˀ: degree, rank, status, office
wdrk   ודרך
drk: way, road
a road

[that] is hidden,
ˀḥd: closed up, hidden
hyḥyd   היחיד
ˀḥd: one
of one [person],

a rank
drgˀ: degree, rank, status, office
wdrk   ודרך
drk: way, road
a road

[that] is public,
rbym: public
hrbym   הרבים
rbym: many people
of many [persons],

leadership
šbl: lead, leader
wšbyl   ושביל
šbyl: way, path
a path

[that] is public,
rbym: public
hrbym   הרבים
rbym: many people
of many [persons],

[even] leadership
šbl: lead, leader
wšbyl   ושביל
šbyl: way, path
[even] a path

[that] is hidden,
ˀḥd: closed up, hidden
hyḥyd   היחיד
ˀḥd: one
of [just] one [person],

[if one is] permanently
qbwˁ: permanent
hqbwˁ   הקבוע
qbwˁ: permanent
[if it is] permanently [used]

among the people
b-: among; ˁm: people
bymwt   בימות
b-: in; ywm: time
in times

observing
ḥmh: see, observe
hḥmh   החמה
ḥmh: heat
of heat

and among the people
b-: among; ˁm: people
wbymwt   ובימות
b-: in; ywm: time
and in times

being a spy,
gšš: spy, scout; -ym: (plural)
hgšmym   הגשמים
gšm: rain; -ym: (plural)
of rains,

being offspring
br: son, offspring
whbwr   והבור
br: field
a field

[of someone] prosperous,
nyr: splendor, prosperity; nˀwr: glorious
whnyr   והניר
nyr: broken, ploughed
[that is] ploughed,

and being offspring
zrˁ: offspring, family
wzrˁ   וזרע
zrˁ: seed
and seed

of a nobleman.
ḥr: nobleman
ˀḥr   אחר
ˀḥr: different, other
[that is] different.

Peah 2:1.a

Simple oppression must only be separated if it really has to be secret.

Here’s a dispute whether šḥt “fodder” must always be “separated”, or only if it’s ḥrš “plowed”. This really makes no sense.

The encrypted text probably says that šḥt “oppression” only needs to be “separated” if there’s a need for special ḥrš “secrecy”.

Peah 2:1.b

Encrypted: [If one] harvests [by simple] corruption & squeezing out [the people], [then that must be] separated off, says lord Meir. But the advisors say: [It does] not [have to] be separated off, except if [it] [must be done] secretly.

Official: [If one] harvests for [animal] fodder, [then that field] divides [the others?], says rabbi Meir. But the sages say: [It does] not divide, except if [it] is plowed.

[If one] harvests
qṣr: cut, harvest
whqwṣr   והקוצר
qṣr: cut, harvest
[If one] harvests

[by simple] corruption & squeezing out [the people],
l-: for; šḥt: corruption; šḥṭ: corrupt, squeeze, press out
lšḥt   לשחת
l-: for; šḥt: green fodder
for [animal] fodder,

[then that must be] separated off,
m-: of; psq: cut off, divide off, sever connection
mpsyq   מפסיק
m-: of; psq: divide, split, separate
[then that field] divides [the others?],

says
dbr: say, word
dbry   דברי
dbr: say, word
says

lord
rb: lord, master, noble
rby   רבי
rby: rabbi
rabbi

Meir.
mˀyr: Meir
mˀyr   מאיר
mˀyr: Meir
Meir.

But the advisors
ḥkm: wise, advisor
wḥkmym   וחכמים
ḥkm: wise, advisor
But the sages

say:
ˀmr: say
ˀwmrym   אומרים
ˀmr: say
say:

[It does] not [have to]
ˀyn: no, not
ˀynw   אינו
ˀyn: no, not
[It does] not

be separated off,
m-: of; psq: cut off, divide off, sever connection
mpsyq   מפסיק
m-: of; psq: divide, split, separate
divide,

except
ˀlˀ: except, but, only
ˀlˀ   אלא
ˀlˀ: except, but, only
except

if
ˀm: if
ˀm   אם
ˀm: if
if

[it]
kn: thus
kn   כן
kn: thus
[it]

[must be done] secretly.
ḥrš: silently, secretly
ḥrš   חרש
ḥrš: plough
is plowed.

Peah 2:1.b

When the human cattle cannot overcome your goons, you can harvest profits openly.

Here’s a funny one: The literal text says that if bqr “cattle” with their kly “tools” cannot ˁbr “overcome” a hr “hill” that is ˁdr “hoed” with a ˁdr “hoe”, then separation laws can be waived. Totally senseless and cryptic.

But the encrypted text says that if (human) bqr “cattle” with their simple kly “tools” cannot ˁbr “overcome” a ḥr “nobleman” that is ˀdr “surrounded” by (armed) ˁdr “helpers”, then the separation laws can be waived for him. Because the human cattle cannot do anything anyway. That is the third-world model, where the regional governors commit many corruption crimes more or less openly, but in turn have to be defended by a larger army of goons.

Peah 2:2

Encrypted: When [there are] people which [make it] not possible to harvest [profits] like a [true] nobleman, lord Yehudah says: [then that should] be separated off. But all noblemen who with helpers are surrounded, [that is] also to say [it is those] which not the [human] cattle is capable to overcome with [their] tools, [then] they [can] show [official] nobility for everything.

Official: When [there is] water which [makes it] not possible to harvest [the field] as one [field], rabbi Yehudah says: [then it] divides. But all hills which [can] with a hoe be hoed, even though by saying [it is] which not the cattle is capable to pass over with [harnessed] tools, it [is to] give [one donation from] the corners for all [of the divided fields??].

When
ˀmty: when, whenever
ˀmt   אמת
ˀmty: when, whenever
When

[there are] people
ˁmym: people
hmym   המים
mym: water
[there is] water

which [make it] not
š-: which; ˀyn: no, not
šˀynh   שאינה
š-: which; ˀyn: no, not
which [makes it] not

possible
ykwl: capable, able
ykwlh   יכולה
ykwl: capable, able
possible

to harvest [profits]
l-: to; qṣr: cut, harvest
lhqṣr   להקצר
l-: to; qṣr: cut, harvest
to harvest

like a [true] nobleman,
k-: like; ˀḥd: command, rule; ˀḥydˀ: nobleman
kˀḥt   כאחת
k-: as; ˀḥt: one; ˀḥd: one
[the field] as one [field],

lord
rb: lord, master, noble
rby   רבי
rby: rabbi
rabbi

Yehudah
yhwdh: Yehudah
yhwdh   יהודה
yhwdh: Yehudah
Yehudah

says:
ˀmr: say
ˀwmr   אומר
ˀmr: say
says:

[then that should] be separated off.
m-: of; psq: cut off, sever connection
mpsqt   מפסקת
m-: of; psq: divide, split, separate
[then it] divides.

But all
kl: all
wkl   וכל
kl: all
But all

noblemen
ḥr: nobleman; -ym: (plural)
hhrym   ההרים
hr: hill; -ym: (plural)
hills

who
ˀšr: that, which, who
ˀšr   אשר
ˀšr: that, which, who
which

with helpers
b-: with; m-: of; ˁdr: help, helper, assist
bmˁdr   במעדר
b-: with; m-: of; ˁdr: hoe, pick
[can] with a hoe

are surrounded,
ˀdr: surround
yˁdrwn   יעדרון
ˁdr: hoe, pick
be hoed,

[that is] also
ˀp: also, too
ˀp   אף
ˀp: even, though
even though

to
ˁl: to, upon
ˁl   על
ˁl: to, upon
by

say
ph: speech, saying, command
py   פי
ph: speech, saying, command
saying

[it is those] which not
š-: which; ˀyn: no, not
šˀyn   שאין
š-: which; ˀyn: no, not
[it is] which not

the [human] cattle
bqr: cattle, herd
hbqr   הבקר
bqr: cattle, herd
the cattle

is capable
ykwl: capable, able
ykwl   יכול
ykwl: capable, able
is capable

to overcome
l-: to; ˁbr: violate, remove, overcome
lˁbr   לעבר
l-: to; ˁbr: cross, pass over
to pass over

with [their] tools,
b-: with; kly: vessel, utensil, tool
bklyw   בכליו
b-: with; kly: vessel, utensil, tool
with [harnessed] tools,

[then] they
hwˀ: he, it
hwˀ   הוא
hwˀ: he, it
it

[can] show
ntn: show, display
nwtn   נותן
ntn: give
[is to] give

[official] nobility
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
pˀh   פאה
pˀh: end, edge, corner
[one donation from] the corners

for everything.
l-: for; kl: all
lkl   לכל
l-: for; kl: all
for all [of the divided fields??].

Peah 2:2

Family should be separated, military nobles can be visible.

Here the literal text says that zrˁ “seeds” must be separated, but ˀyln “trees” do not when they have šˁr-ktš “touching crowns”, or when they are ḥrb “carobs”. However, zyt “olives” need to be separated according to their rwḥ “directions” they are facing.

The encrypted text seems to say that zrˁ “family” must be separated (from public offices), but ˀylyn “leaders” do not when they are šr-ktš “fighting noblemen”, i.e. when they are qrb “soldiers” (of high rank). That’s probably because the subjects always easily believed the lie that nobles would actually fight for them, instead of against them. Public separation is then only needed for zhywtˀ “nobles” according to their rwḥ “profitable” business.

Peah 2:3.a

Encrypted: All [those] [should] be separated off for the family, but do not [have to be] separated off for the leaders [themselves], except [when they must] be walled off [completely]. If [there] are noblemen [of] the fighting [forces?], [then this] does not [have to] be separated off, but [they may publicly] show to be noblemen for [them] all.

Official: All [those] divide [a field] [planted] with seeds, but [do] not divide [a field] for trees, except [with] a fence. If [there] are crowns [of trees] touching [over the fence?], [then it] does not divide [the field], but one gives [one donation for] the corners for all [of the field?].

All [those]
kl: all
hkl   הכל
kl: all
All [those]

[should] be separated off
m-: of; psq: cut off, divide off, sever connection
mpsyq   מפסיק
m-: of; psq: divide, split, separate
divide [a field]

for the family,
l-: for; zrˁ: offspring, family; -ym: (plural)
lzrˁym   לזרעים
l-: for; zrˁ: seed; -ym: (plural)
[planted] with seeds,

but do not [have to be]
ˀyn: no, not
wˀynw   ואינו
ˀyn: no, not
but [do] not

separated off
m-: of; psq: cut off, divide off, sever connection
mpsyq   מפסיק
m-: of; psq: divide, split, separate
divide [a field]

for the leaders [themselves],
l-: for; ˀyl: leader, chief, despot, power; -n: (suffix)
lˀyln   לאילן
l-: for; ˀyln: tree
for trees,

except
ˀlˀ: except, but, only
ˀlˀ   אלא
ˀlˀ: except, but, only
except

[when they must] be walled off [completely].
gdr: wall, fence, fence in, enclose
gdr   גדר
gdr: wall, fence, fence in, enclose
[with] a fence.

If
ˀm: if
wˀm   ואם
ˀm: if
If

[there] are
hyh: be
hyh   היה
hyh: be
[there] are

noblemen
šr: ruler, prince, nobleman
šˁr   שער
šˁr: crown of tree, stem
crowns [of trees]

[of] the fighting [forces?],
ktš: fight, contest
kwtš   כותש
ktš: touch
touching [over the fence?],

[then this] does not
ˀyn: no, not
ˀynw   אינו
ˀyn: no, not
[then it] does not

[have to] be separated off,
m-: of; psq: cut off, divide off, sever connection
mpsyq   מפסיק
m-: of; psq: divide, split, separate
divide [the field],

but
ˀlˀ: except, but, only
ˀlˀ   אלא
ˀlˀ: except, but, only
but

[they may publicly] show
ntn: show, display
nwtn   נותן
ntn: give
one gives

to be noblemen
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
pˀh   פאה
pˀh: end, edge, corner
[one donation for] the corners

for [them] all.
l-: for; kl: all
lkl   לכל
l-: for; kl: all
for all [of the field?].

Peah 2:3.a

Peah 2:4.a

Encrypted: As for military [ranks], all [that] are associates this [one] to that [one].

Official: As for carob [trees], all [that] see [each other] this [one] to that [one].

As for military [ranks],
l-: for; ḥrb: sword, war; qrb: soldier; qrbyˀ: military
wlḥrwbyn   ולחרובין
l-: for; ḥrb: carob
As for carob [trees],

all [that]
kl: all
kl   כל
kl: all
all [that]

are associates
: comrade, associate
hrwˀyn   הרואין
rˀh: see, show
see [each other]

this [one]
zh: this
zh   זה
zh: this
this [one]

to
ˀt: to
ˀt   את
ˀt: to
to

that [one].
zh: this
zh   זה
zh: this
that [one].

Peah 2:4.a

Peah 2:4.b

Encrypted: Says lord Gamliel: [This] custom existed [in] the house of my father: [We would] show the nobility [as] one [family?] for [each group] of nobles which [would] be to them in each profitable [business], and for the military [ranks] [one for?] all [that were] associates this [one] to that [one].

Official: Says rabban Gamliel: [This] custom existed [in] the house of my father: [We would] give [of] the corners one [donation?] for [each group] of olive [trees] which [would] be to them in each direction, and for the carob [trees] [one for?] all [that] saw this [one] to that [one].

Says
ˀmr: say
ˀmr   אמר
ˀmr: say
Says

lord
rbn: lord
rbn   רבן
rbn: rabban
rabban

Gamliel:
gmlyˀl: Gamliel
gmlyˀl   גמליאל
gmlyˀl: Gamliel
Gamliel:

[This] custom
nwhg: custom
nwhgyn   נוהגין
nwhg: custom
[This] custom

existed
hyh: be, exist
hyw   היו
hyh: be, exist
existed

[in] the house
byt: house
byt   בית
byt: house
[in] the house

of my father:
ˀb: father
ˀbˀ   אבא
ˀb: father
of my father:

[We would] show
ntn: show, display
nwtnyn   נותנין
ntn: give
[We would] give

the nobility
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
pˀh   פאה
pˀh: end, edge, corner
[of] the corners

[as] one [family?]
ˀḥd: closed up, hidden
ˀḥt   אחת
ˀḥt: one; ˀḥd: one
one [donation?]

for [each group] of nobles
zhywtˀ: nobility; zywtn: distinguished, noble, imposing; -ym: (plural)
lzytym   לזיתים
l-: for; zyt: olive; -ym: (plural)
for [each group] of olive [trees]

which [would] be
š-: which; hyw: be
šhyw   שהיו
š-: which; hyw: be
which [would] be

to them
lhm: to them
lhm   להם
lhm: to them
to them

in each
b-: in; kl: all, each
bkl   בכל
b-: in; kl: all, each
in each

profitable [business],
rwḥ: profit, gain
rwḥ   רוח
rwḥ: wind, direction
direction,

and for the military [ranks]
l-: for; ḥrb: sword, war; qrb: soldier; qrbyˀ: military
wlḥrwbyn   ולחרובין
l-: for; ḥrb: carob
and for the carob [trees]

[one for?] all
kl: all, each
kl   כל
kl: all, each
[one for?] all

[that were] associates
: comrade, associate
hrwˀyn   הרואין
rˀh: see, show
[that] saw

this [one]
zh: this
zh   זה
zh: this
this [one]

to
ˀt: to
ˀt   את
ˀt: to
to

that [one].
zh: this
zh   זה
zh: this
that [one].

Peah 2:4.b

Peah 2:4.c

Encrypted: Lord Eliezer son of lord Zadoq said in his name: Even for the military [ranks] which were to them in the whole city.

Official: Rabbi Eliezer son of rabbi Zadoq said in his name: Even for the carob [trees] which were to them in the whole city.

Lord
rb: lord, master, noble
rby   רבי
rby: rabbi
Rabbi

Eliezer
ˀlyˁzr: Eliezer
ˀlyˁzr   אליעזר
ˀlyˁzr: Eliezer
Eliezer

son of lord
br: son; rb: lord, master, noble
brby   ברבי
br: son; rby: rabbi
son of rabbi

Zadoq
ṣdwq: Zadoq
ṣdwq   צדוק
ṣdwq: Zadoq
Zadoq

said
ˀmr: say
ˀwmr   אומר
ˀmr: say
said

in his name:
m-: by, of; šm: name
mšmw   משמו
m-: by, of; šm: name
in his name:

Even
ˀp: even, though
ˀp   אף
ˀp: even, though
Even

for the military [ranks]
l-: for; ḥrb: sword, war; qrb: soldier; qrbyˀ: military
lḥrwbyn   לחרובין
l-: for; ḥrb: carob
for the carob [trees]

which were
š-: which; hyh: be
šhyw   שהיו
š-: which; hyh: be
which were

to them
lhm: to them
lhm   להם
lhm: to them
to them

in the whole
b-: in; kl: all, whole
bkl   בכל
b-: in; kl: all, whole
in the whole

city.
ˁyr: city
hˁyr   העיר
ˁyr: city
city.

Peah 2:4.c

Offices of two kinds must be shown as two noble clans.

Here the literal text discusses whether a šdh “field” with one or two “kinds” of zrˁ “seed” must be “separated”, when the owner ˁšh “makes” one or two grn “threshing floors”.

The encrypted text seems to discuss whether šdh “offices” of one or two “kinds” run by several zrˁ “families” must be publicly “separated”, when they ˁšh “act” as one or two krn “clans”.

The rule seems to be that one “family” must be shown per public “office”. The subjects wouldn’t like it if they knew that one aristocratic clan had taken over several offices, trades or industries. And apparently, it also wouldn’t look good if several clans publicly nested inside the same office. Both cases occur regularly in reality though, to the present day, and Miles has often encountered this in his research. Nepotism is what nobility is all about.

Peah 2:5.a

Encrypted: [If one has] family with offices [of] a kind a single one, even though to say that one is acting [as] two clans [one] shows a [family] of nobility [only] one.

Official: [If one] plants the field [of] a kind a single one, even though to say that one is making two threshing floors [full of grain?], [one] gives corner [donation] [only] one.

[If one has] family
zrˁ: offspring, family
hzwrˁ   הזורע
zrˁ: plant, seed
[If one] plants

with
ˀt: with
ˀt   את
ˀt: to
 

offices
šdh: position, office, status
šdhw   שדהו
šdh: field, land
the field

[of] a kind
myn: kind, species
myn   מין
myn: kind, species
[of] a kind

a single one,
ˀḥd: single, one
ˀḥd   אחד
ˀḥd: single, one
a single one,

even though
ˀp: even, though
ˀp   אף
ˀp: even, though
even though

to
ˁl: upon
ˁl   על
ˁl: upon
to

say
ph: speech, saying, command
py   פי
ph: speech, saying, command
say

that one
š-: that; hwˀ: he, it
šhwˀ   שהוא
š-: that; hwˀ: he, it
that one

is acting [as]
ˁšh: act, perform
ˁwšhw   עושהו
ˁšh: do, make
is making

two
šty: two
šty   שתי
šty: two
two

clans
krn: clan, nation
grnwt   גרנות
grn: threshing floor, barn
threshing floors [full of grain?],

[one] shows
ntn: show, display
nwtn   נותן
ntn: give
[one] gives

a [family] of nobility
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
pˀh   פאה
pˀh: end, edge, corner
corner [donation]

[only] one.
ˀḥt: one; ˀḥd: one
ˀḥt   אחת
ˀḥt: one; ˀḥd: one
[only] one.

Peah 2:5.a

Peah 2:5.b

Encrypted: [If one has] family [of] two kinds [of offices], even though to say that [one] is acting [as] a clan one, [one must] show two noble [families].

Official: [If one] plants two kinds [of seeds], even though to say that [one] is making a threshing floor one, [one must] give two corner [donations].

[If one has] family
zrˁ: offspring, family
zrˁh   זרעה
zrˁ: plant, seed
[If one] plants

[of] two
šny: two
šny   שני
šny: two
two

kinds [of offices],
myn: kind, species
mynyn   מינין
myn: kind, species
kinds [of seeds],

even though
ˀp: even, though
ˀp   אף
ˀp: even, though
even though

to
ˁl: upon
ˁl   על
ˁl: upon
to

say
ph: speech, saying, command
py   פי
ph: speech, saying, command
say

that [one] is acting [as]
š-: which; ˁšh: act, perform
šˁšˀn   שעשאן
š-: which; ˁšh: do, make
that [one] is making

a clan
krn: clan, nation
grn   גרן
grn: threshing floor, barn
a threshing floor

one,
ˀḥt: one; ˀḥd: one
ˀḥt   אחת
ˀḥt: one; ˀḥd: one
one,

[one must] show
ntn: show, display
nwtn   נותן
ntn: give
[one must] give

two
šty: two
šty   שתי
šty: two
two

noble [families].
pḥh: governor, grandee, nobleman
pˀwt   פאות
pˀh: end, edge, corner
corner [donations].

Peah 2:5.b

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