Targum definitions
| Word backwards | mugraT |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | Tar-gum |
| Plural | The plural of the word Targum is Targums. |
| Total letters | 6 |
| Vogais (2) | a,u |
| Consonants (4) | t,r,g,m |
Targum refers to the Aramaic paraphrases or translations of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament. These ancient texts were used by Jews in various communities to provide a vernacular translation of the holy scriptures.
Targum is a term that comes from the Hebrew verb "targem," which means "to translate" or "to interpret." The Targums were created to help Jewish communities understand the Hebrew scriptures, which were becoming less familiar to many people who spoke Aramaic as their primary language.
History of Targum
The origins of Targum can be traced back to the time when Aramaic became the lingua franca of the Jewish people after the Babylonian exile. As Hebrew was no longer widely spoken, the need for a translation of the scriptures arose, leading to the development of the Targums.
Types of Targum
There are several different Targums that exist, each with its own unique characteristics and methods of interpretation. The most well-known Targums include Targum Onkelos, which focuses on the Torah, and Targum Jonathan, which covers the Prophets.
Significance of Targum
The Targums played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the Jewish scriptures to future generations. They provided a valuable resource for understanding the biblical text, especially for those who were not familiar with Hebrew.
Today, scholars and students of the Bible continue to study the Targums to gain insights into the interpretation and transmission of the Hebrew scriptures.
In conclusion, the Targums are essential sources for understanding the history of biblical interpretation and the linguistic diversity of ancient Jewish communities. These Aramaic translations have left a lasting impact on the study of the Old Testament and continue to be a subject of scholarly research and exploration.
Targum Examples
- The Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel is the official Aramaic translation of the Torah.
- Scholars study the Targumim to better understand the Hebrew Scriptures.
- The Targums were written and used by Jewish communities around the world.
- Many ancient synagogues have Targum scrolls on display.
- The Targumim provide insight into ancient Jewish interpretations of biblical texts.
- Students of Judaism often examine the Targum to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible.
- The Targums were an important part of Jewish liturgy and study in the ancient world.
- Some Targumim include interpretive expansions on certain biblical passages.
- The Targum Neofiti is a well-known Aramaic translation of the Torah.
- There are Targum fragments dating back to the first century BCE.