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Glite Dictionary
📚 Detailed debate 🧐 Overly fine argument
pilpul

pilpul

9.9
A careful, detailed way of reading and discussing texts in Jewish religious study
  • noun
  • /ˈpɪlpəl/
  • Jargon
translation icon : pilpul
  • He was trained in the pilpul—the argumentation—of the Talmud, not the politics of the temple.

Examples

  • That is an example of pilpul.

    Blog text (29)

  • In traditional Jewish study, pilpul involves a deep analysis of the Talmud, exploring various interpretations.

  • Also, I always hear "criticism of Israel is not anti-Semitic," yet one of the first responses was to bring up a "pilpul package," whatever that is.

    Blog text (29)

  • "Also, I always hear 'criticism of Israel is not anti-Semitic,' yet one of the first responses was to bring up a 'pilpul package,' whatever that is.

    Blog text (29)

  • The scholars engaged in pilpul to debate the finer points of the ancient texts with great precision.

  • Through pilpul, they examined every detail of the argument, uncovering layers of meaning in the discussion.

Synonyms

deep dive
vspilpul
  • Jargon
8 4.1

A detailed look at a topic to learn more about it

is a specialized debate focused method used in traditional religious study
disquisition
vspilpul
  • Formal
1 9.9

A long, detailed talk or essay about one subject

is a debate oriented technique used in religious study not a written essay
analyzation
vspilpul
  • US
5.0

A careful study of something in detail to understand it

is an established argumentative method rather than a general examining process

Surface Forms

pilpul singular
pilpuls plural

Etymology

Pilpul comes from the Hebrew word pilpel, which means 'pepper' or 'sharpness'. The idea is of a 'sharp' or 'spicy' style of study with quick, pointed questions that sharpen understanding, so pilpul refers to careful, detailed debate in study.