The word "Masorah" is spelled phonetically as /məˈsɔːrə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as 'muh', and the second syllable is pronounced as 'sor-uh'. The word is derived from Hebrew and refers to the system of annotations and notes about the pronunciation, spelling, and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. The spelling of "Masorah" remains unchanged in most languages, indicating its origins in Hebrew and its significance in the study of Jewish religious texts.
Masorah refers to the systematic compilation and transmission of vocalization, punctuation, and other textual features in the Hebrew Bible. It is a comprehensive term that encompasses various elements, including the vocalization signs (niqqūd), accents (teamim), and notes or annotations (masoretic glosses), which were meticulously preserved by Jewish scribes and scholars. In essence, the Masorah serves as a tradition or body of knowledge set up to protect the integrity of the biblical text and maintain its accurate transmission over generations.
The Masorah played a crucial role in preserving the precise pronunciation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible. Its purpose was to ensure the correct reading and transmission of the sacred text, preventing any unintended distortions or changes from occurring. The Masoretic scholars developed complex methods to count, tally, and annotate various features of the text, providing a meticulous system of checks and balances to safeguard its accuracy.
The Masorah includes both the written notes and verbal traditions passed down by Jewish scholars from antiquity. These annotations served as a guide for future scribes, enabling them to accurately reproduce the text and ensuring consistency across numerous copies. The Masorah is considered a cornerstone in Jewish biblical scholarship as it helped maintain textual accuracy and preserved the vast majority of textual variants that arise from human error or alternative traditions.
Overall, the Masorah is an invaluable resource that forms the backbone of the Hebrew Bible's text and its transmission. It represents centuries of meticulous work by dedicated scholars who sought to faithfully preserve and transmit the divine word for future generations.
A Hebrew critical work on the text of the Bible by several Rabbins of the 8th or 9th century.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Masorah" comes from Hebrew and has its roots in the Hebrew verb "sawar", which means "to count" or "to keep". In Jewish tradition, the term "Masorah" refers to the body of marginal notes, annotations, and traditions that were transmitted orally during the process of copying the Hebrew Bible. These notes included details about spelling, pronunciation, and grammar, as well as information about textual variations and potential errors. The Masorah played a significant role in preserving the accuracy and integrity of the Hebrew Bible throughout centuries of copying.