BAVA BATRA Meaning and
Definition
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Bava Batra is a legal tractate within the Mishnah and Talmud, two important texts of Jewish law. The phrase "Bava Batra" is of Aramaic origin, meaning "Last Gate" or "Last Gatehouse" in English. It is the third tractate in the order of Nezikin ("damages") and focuses on laws related to civil and property matters.
Within Bava Batra, various topics are discussed, including the division of inheritances, the rights and responsibilities of landowners, the sale and acquisition of property, and the establishment of communal structures and systems. The tractate also covers issues related to finance, lending, and contractual obligations.
The content of Bava Batra is presented through a series of debates, discussions, and legal rulings by the Talmudic sages. These discussions often center around interpreting biblical and rabbinic texts to derive legal principles and to apply them to real-world situations and disputes.
Bava Batra is considered an essential text in the study and practice of Jewish law, providing guidance and principles for resolving legal matters, particularly those related to property and finance. It is studied extensively by scholars and students of Jewish law, and its teachings influence decisions made by Jewish courts and authorities.
In summary, Bava Batra is a significant tractate within the Mishnah and Talmud that focuses on laws pertaining to civil and property matters. It provides valuable insights and rulings on inheritance, property rights, sales, and other legal obligations, serving as an authoritative source for Jewish legal practice.
Etymology of BAVA BATRA
The term "bava batra" is derived from Hebrew. In Hebrew, "bava" (בָּבָא) means "gate" or "entrance", and "batra" (בַּתְרָא) means "later" or "last". Therefore, "bava batra" refers to the "last gate" or the "final entrance".
In Jewish scripture, "bava batra" is the name of the third and final section of the Talmud's tractate "Nezikin", which deals with civil laws related to property, inheritance, and other legal matters. The title "bava batra" is used to indicate that it is the final gate or section within the tractate.
