The spelling of the word "Masorite" is derived from the Hebrew word "Masorah", which refers to the tradition of vocalization and accentuation in the Jewish biblical texts. The pronunciation of "Masorite" is /ˈmæsəraɪt/. The "a" sound is pronounced as in "cat", the "s" sound is pronounced as in "sit", and the stress is on the second syllable. This term is used to describe a group of Jewish scholars who were in charge of preserving and transmitting the Hebrew biblical text for centuries.
Masorite refers to a member of an ancient group of Jewish scribes who meticulously preserved and transmitted the Hebrew Bible with meticulous accuracy. The term "Masorite" is derived from the Hebrew word "masora," meaning "tradition" or "transmission." The Masorites were active during the period between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, playing a crucial role in the development and standardization of the biblical text.
The Masorites were responsible for adding vowel points, called "nikud," to the Hebrew Scriptures, as well as the introduction of the system of Hebrew accents, known as "trop," to indicate the proper pronunciation and chanting of the text. By doing so, they aimed to preserve the correct vocalization and pronunciation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which had originally been written without vowel markings.
In addition to vocalization, the Masorites meticulously and scrupulously recorded detailed information about the text, such as the number of verses, words, and letters in each book, as well as the middle letters and words. They also made note of any textual variations or irregularities they encountered during their work. These annotations, known as "masorah," provide important information for textual scholars who study the Hebrew Bible.
The Masorites' arduous and dedicated efforts ensured the accurate preservation and transmission of the Hebrew Bible across generations. The text produced by the Masorites, known as the Masoretic Text, serves as the authoritative Hebrew text of the Old Testament or the Hebrew Bible for the Jewish tradition, forming the basis for many modern translations and interpretations.
One of the writers of the masorah.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Masorite" is derived from the Hebrew term "מסורה" (masorah), which means "tradition" or "transmission". The Masorites were a group of Jewish scribes and scholars who lived between the 6th and 10th centuries CE and were responsible for the preservation and transmission of the Hebrew Bible. They meticulously copied the biblical manuscripts and developed a system of vowel pointing and diacritical marks known as the Masoretic Text, ensuring the accurate pronunciation and reading of the Hebrew Bible. The term "Masorite" is used to identify these important figures, as well as their work and historical contributions.