A Subtle Distinction in the Meaning of “Gedi”
Rashi and the Gemara on “Lo Tevashel Gedi Bachalev Imo”
In Parshat Mishpatim (Shemot 23:19), the Torah states:
“Lo tevashel gedi bachalev imo” — Do not cook a kid in its mother’s milk.
At first glance, the word “gedi” would appear to mean a young goat. However, Rashi, quoting from the Gemara in Chullin 113b, clarifies:
“Kol makom shene’emar gedi stam, af egel ve-keves be-mashma.”
Wherever the Torah states “gedi” without specification, it includes not only a goat, but also a calf (egel) and a lamb (keves).
According to Rashi, “gedi” is not species-specific. Rather, it refers to a young, tender offspring (velad rach), whether from cattle, sheep, or goats.
Thus, in the simple meaning of the verse (pshuto shel mikra), the Torah is speaking about a young animal — not exclusively a goat.
The Gemara’s Different Language
In the Gemara (Chullin 113b), however, the wording differs. Instead of “egel ve-keves,” the Gemara states:
“Af parah ve-rachel be-mashma.”
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Parah – a cow
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Rachel – a ewe
These terms refer to adult animals, not their young.
Interestingly, even in his commentary on the Gemara (both on 113b and 114a), Rashi does not adopt the Gemara’s terminology verbatim. Instead, he writes “egel ve-taleh” — again emphasizing young animals.
This indicates that even at the halachic level, Rashi maintains that the word gedi fundamentally implies a young offspring.
The Question
If gedi denotes a young animal, why does the Gemara use the language of adult animals — parah and rachel?
One possible explanation is practical: halachically, there is no difference whether the animal is young or mature. The prohibition of cooking meat and milk applies equally. Therefore, the Gemara may not be concerned with specifying age.
However, the Gemara uses the expression “be-mashma” — meaning that these are included in the meaning of the word “gedi.” Linguistically, a mature cow or ewe is not naturally implied by the word “gedi,” which suggests youth and tenderness. The formulation therefore requires clarification.
A Deeper Understanding
A more precise explanation is that when the Gemara says “parah ve-rachel be-mashma,” it does not mean the adult animals themselves. Rather, it refers to the offspring of the parah and rachel — the calf and the lamb.
In other words, the Gemara identifies the young animals by referencing their mothers.
This also explains why the Gemara uses the feminine forms “parah” and “rachel,” rather than masculine terms such as par or shor. Since the discussion concerns offspring, it is appropriate to mention the mother, from whom the young emerge.
This understanding aligns with the Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Assurot 9:3), who writes:
“Gedi hu kolel velad ha-shor, velad ha-seh, velad ha-ez.”
“‘Gedi’ includes the offspring of cattle, sheep, and goats.”
Thus, the essential definition of gedi refers to a young offspring, regardless of species.
Conclusion
Rashi’s consistent choice of language reflects his precise understanding of the word gedi as denoting a young animal. Even where the Gemara uses broader terminology, the underlying intent can be understood as referring to offspring.
This discussion highlights the careful precision of Torah language. A subtle shift — from “parah” to “egel,” from adult to young — reflects a meaningful conceptual nuance in defining the scope of the prohibition.