📖 Biblical Definition
A targum is a Jewish Aramaic paraphrase-translation of the Hebrew Bible, produced for synagogue reading once Aramaic had displaced Hebrew as the spoken language of the Jewish people. Targums often add interpretive expansions reflecting rabbinic theology. The Targum of Onkelos (Pentateuch) and Targum Jonathan (Prophets) are the most famous; targums of the Writings are more diverse. Some Targumic readings light up New Testament citations of the Old.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
(Aramaic.) Jewish Aramaic paraphrase-translation of the Hebrew Bible, with interpretive expansions.
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Originated in the post-exilic synagogue, where Aramaic translation accompanied Hebrew reading (Neh 8:8 may reflect early targum practice). Major written collections from the rabbinic era forward.
Significance for New Testament study: Targumic interpretations often parallel apostolic uses of the Old Testament, suggesting common Second-Temple Jewish reading patterns. Christ and His apostles likely heard Aramaic Targum readings in synagogue.
📖 Key Scripture
Nehemiah 8:8 — "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."
Luke 4:16 — "And, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read."
Acts 13:15 — "And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on."
John 19:13 — "When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often forgets the Targumic background of Christ's synagogue context; understanding it sharpens reading of His preaching and the apostles' citations.
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When Christ stood up to read in the Nazareth synagogue (Lk 4:16-21), He likely read the Hebrew text and a Targum reading was given alongside. His this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears claimed not just the Hebrew but the synagogue's living reading tradition.
Targumic studies have illuminated several New Testament passages where the apostolic citation matches a Targumic rather than the strictly Hebrew or Septuagint reading. The household's appreciation of Second-Temple context deepens appreciation of the New Testament's Old Testament use.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Aramaic targum.
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Aramaic targum — translation, interpretation.
Note: same word in modern Hebrew for translation generally.
Usage
"Christ likely heard Targum readings in synagogue."
"Targumic interpretations often parallel apostolic uses of the OT."
"Aramaic paraphrase with interpretive expansion."