Significant Biblical Figures

[bnewman]

Inspired by online conversations about whether the Bible implies that π = 3, and a Havurah Institute workshop by Adam Levine exploring rabbinic sources on the same subject.  This paper cites many of the same sources if you want to read further.

lyrics and music by Benjamin Newman

listen to this song

/ G - C G / C G D - / C - G - / A - D - /

 

The Bible suggests that pi equals three

We all know that that isn't true

Just hand a round jar and an arm's length of string

To anyone with half a clue

 

/ C - G - / C - D - / G D C G / C D G - /

 

But if you would prove the good book is all bunk

You'll get no assistance from me

'Cause I think you don't know what you're talking about

When you say it says pi equals three

 

The Bible suggests that pi equals 3

It doesn't say 3.0

When you're asking a rabbi what's kosher

How many digits do you need to know?

 

And yet there's a word in that verse that's not read

As it's written — if you multiply

By their letters' sums' ratio the Bible will get you

A thousand times closer to pi

 

If the Bible suggests that pi equals three

Our sages and scholars weren't moved

Rambam declared it irrational

Long before it ever was proved

 

And the Talmud records that our rabbis

Quite well geometrically versed

Were familiar with several approximate values

For pi, of which three was the first

 

The Bible's suggestion that pi equals three

Is only a rule of thumb

Some people today may think otherwise

But our ancestors weren't that dumb!

 

So if people believe that pi equals three

It's not scripture that's causing the stink

The blame rather falls on those G-d-fearing folks

Who've forgotten G-d wants us to think!