The Four Levels of Pardes
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV In rabbinic Judaism there are four types or levels of study called pardes. These are: P’shat (פְּשָׁט) – “surface” is the literal or direct interpretation, taking the words at their most basic and literal meaning. Remez (רֶמֶז) – “hints” the allegoric. the hidden or symbolic meaning when we look a little deeper, just beyond the…