Midrash Definition

Understanding midrash definition requires examining multiple perspectives and considerations. Midrash (/ ˈmɪdrɑːʃ /; [1] Hebrew: מִדְרָשׁ; pl. מִדְרָשִׁים midrashim or מִדְרָשׁוֹת ‎ midrashot) is an expansive Jewish Biblical exegesis [2] using a rabbinic mode of interpretation prominent in the Talmud. - My Jewish Learning. Another key aspect involves, (מדרשׁ) is an interpretive act, seeking the answers to religious questions (both practical and theological) by plumbing the meaning of the words of the Torah. (In the Bible, the root d-r-sh [דרשׁ] is used to mean inquiring into any matter, including occasionally to seek out God’s word.)

Is Midrash Meant To Be Taken Literally? The purpose of midrash is not to explain the simple meaning of the text, nor to determine historical fact. Rather, it is to reveal hidden meanings implied in the text. As well, the text of Tanach often includes anomalies that can only be understood as allusions to some deeper meaning.

What are the Mishnah and Midrash? The term “Midrash” (plural “Midrashim”) refers to a method and a body of works that interpret the Hebrew Scriptures. The earliest forms of Midrash began to appear around the same era as the Mishnah and continued to develop over the following centuries. Furthermore, mIDRASH Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster.

The meaning of MIDRASH is a haggadic or halachic exposition of the underlying significance of a Bible text. MIDRASH - JewishEncyclopedia.com. In contradistinction to literal interpretation, subsequently called "peshaṭ" (comp. 244), the term "midrash" designates an exegesis which, going more deeply than the mere literal sense, attempts to penetrate into the spirit of the Scriptures, to examine the text from all sides, and thereby to derive interpre... Midrash is a genre of Jewish literature that interprets and elaborates upon biblical texts.

While midrash began as an oral genre in the Second Temple period, the earliest rabbinic collections are from the third century.