Targum (Aramaic dialects)

A Targum (plural: Targumim) is an Aramaic paraphrase or interpretive translation of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). The term "Targum" derives from the Aramaic word meaning "interpretation" or "translation." Targumim originated in the Second Temple period, likely stemming from the need to make the Hebrew scriptures accessible to the common people who primarily spoke Aramaic.

After the Babylonian exile, Aramaic gradually became the lingua franca of the Jewish people in Palestine and Babylonia, supplanting Hebrew as the everyday language. Consequently, while Hebrew remained the language of religious texts and scholarship, the need arose for oral translations of the scriptures during synagogue services. These oral translations eventually evolved into written Targumim.

The Targumim are not simply literal translations. They often expand upon the Hebrew text, providing explanations, interpretations, and applications relevant to the context of the time. They frequently include halakhic (Jewish law) and aggadic (narrative and homiletical) material, reflecting the theological and cultural perspectives of the translators.

Several important Targumim exist, including:

• Targum Onkelos: Considered the official Targum to the Pentateuch (Torah). It is known for its relatively literal approach and is generally attributed to Babylonian origin.
• Targum Jonathan: The official Targum to the Prophets (Nevi'im). Though attributed to Jonathan ben Uzziel, it likely underwent considerable editorial revision over time.
• Targum Pseudo-Jonathan: A more expansive and aggadic Targum to the Pentateuch, incorporating numerous legends and interpretive elaborations.
• Targum Neofiti: Another Targum to the Pentateuch, discovered relatively recently. It contains a unique blend of literal and interpretive elements.
• Targumim to the Writings (Ketuvim): Targumim also exist for some books of the Writings, though they are generally later and less authoritative than the Targumim to the Torah and Prophets.

The Targumim are valuable resources for understanding Jewish thought and practice in the Second Temple and Talmudic periods. They provide insights into the evolving interpretations of the Hebrew Bible, the development of Jewish law and lore, and the linguistic and cultural context of the time. They also offer a window into the relationship between the spoken and written word in ancient Judaism.