Is the Term “Savar” in the Babylonian Talmud Ever Used to Indicate an Opinion that Is Not Ultimately Rejected?

Abstract

The term “savar” in the Babylonian Talmud indicates an opinion that is ultimately rejected. According to some Rishonim, however, in certain places this term introduces an opinion that is not rejected. This article examines these instances and concludes that indeed in these places the term “savar” is references an opinion that is not ultimately rejected. In most of these places, the reading in most of the textual witnesses was emended, and the word “savar” was erased, apparently in accordance with the other approach. In those places where the text was not emended, some of the commentators interpreted the passage not in accordance with its plain meaning, and, according to their interpretation, the opinion that was introduced by the “savar” was indeed rejected.