Commentary for Avodah Zarah 47:16
אמר רב יוסף מאי קרא (צפניה ג, ט) כי אז אהפוך אל עמים שפה ברורה וגו' אמר ליה אביי ודלמא מעבודת כוכבים הוא דהדור בהו אמר ליה רב יוסף לעבדו שכם אחד כתיב
R. Joseph said: What is the verse [for this]? For then will I turn to the peoples a pure language, [that they may all call upon the name of the Lord]” (Zephaniah 3:9). Abaye said to him: Perhaps this merely means that they will turn away from idolatry? And R. Joseph answered him: The verse continues, “and to serve Him with one consent.”
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
R. Joseph uses the verse from Zephaniah to prove that the non-Jews will convert in the future. Abaye tries to interpret the verse as referring to simply turning away from idolatry, but not necessarily conversion. R. Joseph then uses the end of the verse to prove that it refers to conversion to Judaism, not just rejection of idolatry.
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