Targum
Targum (defined as translation or interpretation) is the term for the various Aramaic translations of the Pentateuch and other writings of the Jewish scriptures written and compiled in Israel and Babylon from the Second Temple period through the early Middle Ages.
Aramaic is one of the Semitic languages, which include Arabic, Ethiopic, Hebrew and the Akkadian of ancient Assyria and Babylon. An ancient language, it is not spoken in the vernacular today. A number of biblical stories, particularly in the books of Daniel and Ezra were written and maintained in Aramaic. There are instances in the New Testament also where Aramaic phrases have been maintained.
Aramaic is one of the Semitic languages, which include Arabic, Ethiopic, Hebrew and the Akkadian of ancient Assyria and Babylon. An ancient language, it is not spoken in the vernacular today. A number of biblical stories, particularly in the books of Daniel and Ezra were written and maintained in Aramaic. There are instances in the New Testament also where Aramaic phrases have been maintained.
Onkelos
The most well known translation of the Hebrew Bible in Aramaic is that of Onkelos, whose translation and commentary are still well respected. This edition is called the Targum Onkelos. The Onkelos commentary is often studied in conjunction with that of the great Rabbi and scholar Rashi. Onkelos wrote his translation and commentary in the 2nd century of the Common Era. The translation gained the respect of leading scholars of the time and the edition was given almost as much authority as the Pentateuch (Greek) itself. This is especially remarkable as Onkelos was still a proselyte and had not yet made his full conversion to Judaism.
The most well known translation of the Hebrew Bible in Aramaic is that of Onkelos, whose translation and commentary are still well respected. This edition is called the Targum Onkelos. The Onkelos commentary is often studied in conjunction with that of the great Rabbi and scholar Rashi. Onkelos wrote his translation and commentary in the 2nd century of the Common Era. The translation gained the respect of leading scholars of the time and the edition was given almost as much authority as the Pentateuch (Greek) itself. This is especially remarkable as Onkelos was still a proselyte and had not yet made his full conversion to Judaism.
Jonathan ben Uzziel
The 1st century Rabbi Jonathan ben Uzziel translated much of the Writings and the books of the Prophets into Aramaic. These translations are referred to as the Targum Jonathan. He was a student of the famous Rabbi Hillel.
The 1st century Rabbi Jonathan ben Uzziel translated much of the Writings and the books of the Prophets into Aramaic. These translations are referred to as the Targum Jonathan. He was a student of the famous Rabbi Hillel.
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