How Do You Spell TARGUM?

Pronunciation: [tˈɑːɡəm] (IPA)

The word "Targum" is spelled with a silent letter "g" at the end. It is pronounced as "tar-guhm," with the emphasis on the first syllable. The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈtɑːɡəm/. In Hebrew, "Targum" means "translation," and it refers to the translations of the Hebrew Bible into Aramaic. Today, the term "Targum" is also used to refer to any translation or interpretation of biblical texts, particularly those written in Hebrew.

TARGUM Meaning and Definition

1. Targum is a noun originating from Hebrew, and it refers to a translation or paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Old Testament, into the Aramaic language. This term is primarily associated with the Jewish tradition of translating the biblical text as a means of making it more accessible to the general populace, who may not have been fluent in Hebrew. Targums were developed over centuries and were passed down orally before being written down.

   These translations were not merely literal renderings of the Hebrew text, but rather interpretive and often expanded versions that aimed to provide a clearer understanding of the scripture. The Targums included explanatory notes, stories, and additional interpretations that were intended to elucidate the meaning of the original Hebrew text.

   Targums were typically recited alongside the Hebrew Bible during public readings in Jewish synagogues, serving as a way to ensure that the audience could comprehend and connect with the scripture. They played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating biblical teachings, as well as in maintaining the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish community throughout history.

   Furthermore, as a genre of writing, Targum refers to the collection of ancient translations and paraphrases of various books of the Hebrew Bible, with the most prominent and influential examples being the Targums of Onkelos, Jonathan, and Jerusalem. These Targums continue to hold significance in the study of ancient Jewish interpretation and are valuable sources for textual and historical analysis.

2. One of the ancient translations or paraphrases of portions of the Old Testament Scriptures in the Chaldee language or dialect.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TARGUM

• torqum
• targuim
• targumim
• rargum
• fargum
• gargum
• yargum
• 6argum
• 5argum
• tzrgum
• tsrgum
• twrgum
• tqrgum
• taegum
• tadgum
• tafgum
• ta5gum
• ta4gum
• tarfum
• tarvum

Etymology of TARGUM

The word "Targum" derives from the Hebrew term "תְּרַגּוּם" (targum), which itself is derived from the Semitic root "רגם" (rgm) meaning "to translate" or "to interpret". In Jewish tradition, the term refers to the practice of translating the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh) into Aramaic, the language spoken by many Jews in ancient times. These Aramaic translations were known as Targums and served to provide explanations, interpretations, and paraphrases of the original text, aiding those who were not fluent in Hebrew. Over time, "Targum" has come to refer to these specific translations as well as the overall practice of translation and interpretation in Judaism.