Aramaic Targums

Definition

Aramaic Targums are ancient translations of the Hebrew Bible into Aramaic, created to make the scriptures accessible to Jewish communities that spoke Aramaic. These translations serve not only as linguistic tools but also reflect the cultural and religious context of the time, often incorporating interpretations and expansions that elucidate the original Hebrew text.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Aramaic Targums were primarily composed during the late Second Temple period, around the 1st century CE.
2. They were used in synagogues to help those who spoke Aramaic understand the Hebrew scriptures during readings.
3. The most well-known Targum is Targum Onkelos, which focuses on translating the Torah, while Targum Jonathan deals with the Prophets.
4. Targums often include interpretative elements that reflect contemporary Jewish thought and theology at the time of their writing.
5. The use of Targums was significant in shaping Jewish liturgy and textual tradition, influencing later translations of the Bible.

Review Questions

• How do Aramaic Targums differ from direct translations of the Hebrew Bible?
  • Aramaic Targums differ from direct translations by not only converting Hebrew text into Aramaic but also by including interpretations and expansions that clarify or elaborate on the original meaning. This reflects an attempt to make the scriptures more relevant to their audience, providing cultural context and theological insights that may have developed over time. This approach indicates how language can evolve to meet the needs of its speakers while preserving core religious beliefs.
• Discuss the significance of Targum Onkelos within Jewish liturgical practices.
  • Targum Onkelos holds significant importance in Jewish liturgical practices as it serves as the standard Aramaic translation for reading the Torah in synagogues. Its use allows those who are not fluent in Hebrew to engage with and understand the sacred texts during services. Additionally, its authoritative status has shaped how subsequent translations and interpretations of biblical texts have been approached within Jewish tradition, reinforcing its role as a bridge between languages and cultures.
• Evaluate the impact of Aramaic Targums on the development of Jewish thought and scripture interpretation in subsequent centuries.
  • The impact of Aramaic Targums on Jewish thought and scripture interpretation has been profound, as they not only provided access to sacred texts for Aramaic-speaking communities but also influenced rabbinical teachings and Midrashic literature. By incorporating interpretive elements, Targums offered a dynamic way for Jewish scholars to engage with scripture, allowing for ongoing discussion and evolution of theological concepts. As a result, they helped shape Jewish identity and practice through their role in both communal worship and scholarly discourse well into later centuries.

Related terms

Talmud: A central text in Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of a compilation of teachings, laws, and traditions, which often includes commentary on the Hebrew Bible.

Septuagint: An ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, produced for the Jewish community in Egypt during the 3rd century BCE.

Midrash: A form of Jewish biblical interpretation that seeks to explain and expand upon the narratives and laws found in the Hebrew Bible.