TARGUM ONKELOS Meaning and
Definition
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Targum Onkelos is a term that refers to a specific Aramaic translation and paraphrase of the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). It is regarded as one of the most authoritative and widely used translations of the Hebrew Bible into Aramaic. The name "Onkelos" is derived from the supposed author of the translation, Onkelos the convert.
Targum Onkelos serves as an important tool for scholars and students of Judaism and biblical studies to understand and interpret the text of the Hebrew Bible. It provides a bridge between Hebrew and Aramaic, as Aramaic was the lingua franca of the Jewish people during the time when Targum Onkelos was created. It offers insights into the meaning of the Hebrew text and includes explanatory additions that aid comprehension.
The Targum not only seeks to translate the Hebrew words into Aramaic equivalents but also incorporates interpretations and explanations that were common within the Jewish community at the time. This makes Targum Onkelos a valuable resource for understanding the religious and cultural context of ancient Judaism.
Its popularity and widespread use in Jewish communities can be attributed to its simplicity and faithfulness to the Hebrew text. Targum Onkelos has been an essential reference for Jewish scholars, teachers, and followers alike for centuries, and it continues to play a significant role in the study and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible.
Etymology of TARGUM ONKELOS
The word "Targum" originates from Aramaic, a Semitic language related to Hebrew. It means "translation" or "interpretation". "Onkelos", on the other hand, refers to a specific person -- Onkelos ben Kalonikos, a convert to Judaism who lived in the 1st century CE. He is traditionally considered the author of an Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible known as "Targum Onkelos". The etymology of "Onkelos" itself is uncertain, and it may be derived from a Greek name or have Persian origins.
