The Targums

Targums are ancient Jewish translations and paraphrases of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Created around the time of the Second Temple (roughly 2,000 years ago), they were originally spoken aloud in synagogues to help Hebrew-speaking audiences understand the Hebrew scriptures in Aramaic, the common language of the time. Targums often include additional explanations, interpretations, and clarifications to make the text more accessible and meaningful. While they are not considered canonical like the Bible itself, they offer valuable insights into how Jewish communities understood and engaged with their sacred texts historically.