targuman

A targuman was a translator or interpreter, particularly in the context of ancient Near Eastern cultures and biblical studies. The term derives from the Aramaic word "targem," meaning "to translate" or "to interpret." Targumim were essential for facilitating communication and understanding, especially when religious texts were read or discussed in languages different from their original composition.

In Jewish tradition, the most well-known targumim are those of the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Aramaic Targumim. These translations were developed over centuries and were used in synagogues and during religious study, particularly after Aramaic became a common vernacular in Judea. They helped make the scriptures accessible to the populace who might not have understood biblical Hebrew. Different targumim exist for various parts of the Tanakh, with Targum Onkelos for the Torah and Targum Jonathan for the Prophets being prominent examples. These were not merely literal translations but often included interpretive elements, explanations, and expansions on the original text. The practice of oral translation of scripture during public readings, which eventually led to the written targumim, highlights the importance of the targuman in bridging linguistic and cultural divides.