How Do You Spell MASORA?

Pronunciation: [mˈasɔːɹə] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the Hebrew word "Masora" is a matter of debate. Some sources spell it with one "s" while others use two, but the most common spelling has two "s"s. The IPA phonetic transcription of Masora is məˈsɔːrə. The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, the second syllable with a stress on the "so," and the third with a "ruh" sound. The final "a" is pronounced with an "uh" sound. The word refers to the tradition of Jewish scribes who maintained the precise spelling and pronunciation of biblical texts.

MASORA Meaning and Definition

  1. Masora, also spelled Massora, is a term used in the field of Hebrew biblical studies to refer to a body of traditions, rules, and annotations that serve as a guide for preserving and interpreting the Hebrew Scriptures or the Masoretic Text. The Masora is considered a crucial element in the study of the Hebrew Bible as it provides important insights into the vocalization, reading traditions, and textual variations of the biblical text.

    The Masora originated during the early centuries of the Common Era, when the Hebrew Scriptures were in danger of being lost or corrupted. Jewish scholars known as Masoretes dedicated themselves to meticulously preserving and transmitting the sacred text as accurately as possible. The Masora serves as a record of their efforts and provides invaluable information about the pronunciation, grammar, and spelling of biblical Hebrew.

    This body of traditions and annotations is primarily found in the margins and interlinear spaces of Hebrew Bibles, although some manuscripts contain written notes or symbols within the text itself. The Masora covers a wide range of topics, including the division of the biblical text into verses, the numbering of words and letters, and the identification of textual variants. It also includes remarks on unusual or irregular forms of words, alternative readings, and grammatical observations.

    Scholars and scribes studying the Hebrew Bible rely on the Masora to aid in the accurate transmission and interpretation of the sacred text. It continues to be a vital tool for understanding the intricacies and complexities of the Hebrew Scriptures, ensuring the preservation of the biblical tradition and its faithful transmission through generations.

Common Misspellings for MASORA

Etymology of MASORA

The word "Masora" (also spelled "Masorah" or "Masorah") comes from Hebrew מָסוֹרָה (Masorah), which means "tradition" or "transmission". It is derived from the Hebrew root סָרָה (sarah), meaning "to hand down" or "to deliver". The word Masora is used to refer to the traditional, meticulous methods of preserving and transmitting the Hebrew Bible, including the accurate replication of the text, the notation of vowels and accent marks, and the preservation of various textual variants. It is often associated with the work of the Masoretes, an ancient group of Jewish scribes who played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of the Hebrew Bible.

Similar spelling words for MASORA

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