[Havoc]

Actually, you are both right. 'Binding and loosing' does refer to interpretation of the Law. Now, the Law clearly deals with matters of religious obligation, so interpretation of the Law necessarily entails imposing and releasing people from these obligations.

The point I was seeking to make in the exchange is that Binding and loosing in the original sense would have allowed creation of new law *only* insofar as it was meant to clarify existing law. Is that not correct; because as of this date, that is my understanding of the matter. Which I don't mind researching further - not like there are no jewish rabbis in this town to ask LOL.

[malakhi]

Binding and loosing in the original sense would have allowed creation of new law *only* insofar as it was meant to clarify existing law.

This is correct.