Bava Basra 89b

בבא בתרא פ״ט ע״ב

Bava Batra 89b

Learn Bava Basra 89b step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

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Topic

Honest scales, weights and measures: building rules, materials, leveling, the פסוק in ויקרא, and the ban on keeping wrong measures

Overview

This amud is all about honest scales, weights and measures. רב פפא explains a word from the earlier ברייתא about scales. רבי מני בר פטיש then teaches that the building rules for scales also decide when their parts become טמא. The גמרא shows that this adds something the משנה in כלים does not cover: the beam and its cord. A series of ברייתות follows. Weights may not be made of metal, and the leveler must be made of medium-weight wood, be even on both sides, and be used at a normal pace. רבן יוחנן בן זכאי worried that teaching these rules might help cheaters, but he taught them anyway, relying on a פסוק in הושע. A ברייתא then explains the honest-measure פסוק in ויקרא and uses a קל וחומר to show that every measure must be honest. Finally, רב forbids keeping a wrong-sized measure at home. The גמרא rejects רב פפא's exceptions and supports רב with a ברייתא whose list of proper measures continues on the next amud.

Opening lines

The steps (16)

1. Statementרב פפא explains a word: a blacksmiths' scale
2. StatementThe building rules for scales also apply to their טומאה
3. ChallengeWhy say it? A משנה already teaches this
4. ResolutionHe was needed for the beam and its cord
5. StatementWhich materials may be used to make weights
6. StatementWhat material a leveler may be made of
7. StatementThe leveler's shape and how to level fairly
8. Statementרבן יוחנן בן זכאי's dilemma about teaching these rules
9. QuestionDid he end up teaching the rules?
10. ResponseHe taught them, based on a פסוק in הושע
11. StatementExplaining measure, weight, and liquid measure in the פסוק
12. StatementIf the Torah cares about a tiny measure, surely it cares about all measures
13. StatementYou may not keep a wrong-sized measure in your house
14. Statementרב פפא limits the rule to places with no stamps and no inspectors
15. RejectionThe גמרא rejects the limits: a buyer may not check at twilight
16. ProofA ברייתא supports רב's rule and lists the measures one may make