Shulchan Aruch: Chapter 116 - Meaning of Blessing Refaeinu and Laws Relating to It

SECTION 116 The Meaning of the Blessing Refaeinu and the Laws Relating to It. (1)

1 [The request we make in Shemoneh Esreh,] “Heal us, O G‑d, and we will be healed; deliver us...,” is an adaptation of the verse,1 “Heal me, O G‑d, and I will be healed; deliver me and I will be saved, for You are my praise.” One should therefore not say, “Heal us G‑d, our L‑rd,” but should echo the wording of the verse.

Even though [as a rule, when] a verse is written in the singular, we should not paraphrase it in the plural, here we use plural terms for a verse that uses the singular. In explanation, some authorities argue that the above prohibition applies only when one intends to read a verse or translate it; only then is one not permitted to change the wording of Scripture. When, by contrast, one recites it as a prayer or a request, [the wording of] the verse may be adapted to one’s current needs and to the nature of the supplication or request.

Other authorities maintain that the rationale [for the above leniency] is that the prohibition against changing [the wording] applies only when one is reciting the entire psalm or passage in order. In such an instance, even if one is reciting it as a prayer or a request, it is forbidden to alter [its wording]. When, however, one is praying and citing verses here and there, one may change [the wording] from the singular to the plural and from the plural to the singular.

One should be stringent [and follow] their rulings, never to change an entire psalm from singular to plural or the reverse, even when reciting it as a prayer. In addition, one should not alter [the wording] of even a [single] verse unless it is being recited as a prayer or a request, as explained according to the first opinion. ([The rationale is that] even according to the latter opinion, it is possible that license [to alter the wording of a verse] was granted only in such a situation.)2