Hillel's Rules

Hillel’s Rules of Interpretation (From Gary Hall, Lincoln Christian Seminary)
1. A meaning applied to a lesser case will certainly apply to a more important case. (Qal wahomer)
2. Verbal analogy from one verse to another. The same consideration can be given to same words in different verses. (Gezerah shawah)
3. Building up a family from a single text. The same phrase found in several texts allows the consideration given to it in one place to apply to all. (Binyan ab mikathub ‘ehad)
4. Building up a family from two texts. A principle derived from relating two passages together can be applied to others. (Binyan ab mishene kethubim)
5. The general and the particular. A general rule may be restricted in application by another verse, or conversely, a particular rule may be extended to a general principle. (Kelal upherat)
6. A difficulty in one text may be solved by comparing it with another that is similar. (Kayoze bo bemaqom ‘aher)
7. A meaning may be established by its context. (Dabar halarned me’inyano)