midrashic

Midrashic refers to the methods and products of midrash, the classical Jewish exegetical tradition of interpreting the Hebrew Bible. The term is derived from the Hebrew word midrash, from darash, meaning to seek, study, or investigate. In traditional usage, midrashic interpretation goes beyond the plain meaning (peshat) of the text to explore questions of meaning, intention, and implication, often addressing legal, ethical, or theological concerns.

Midrashic work is generally divided into aggadic and halakhic strands. Aggadic midrash expands narratives, fills gaps in biblical accounts with homilies, parables, and dialogues, and elaborates cosmology, ethics, and character studies. Halakhic midrash seeks to derive or justify legal rulings, often by connecting verses or motifs to practical commandments. Techniques include harmonizing passages, re-using motifs across books, midrashic dialogue, and allegorical readings (remez and sod).

Collections such as Midrash Rabbah, Midrash Tanhuma, and various smaller midrashim assemble the literature, though the scope extends into medieval and modern scholarship, where midrashic methods influence interpretation and commentary. The term is often used to describe texts or interpretive styles that resemble or adopt these rabbinic techniques, even when not part of a formal Midrash corpus. While rooted in Jewish tradition, the concept of midrashic interpretation has also informed broader scholarly and literary approaches that seek deeper or multi-layered readings of sacred texts.