Targum of Onkelos
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The Targum of Onkelos is an Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible, specifically the Pentateuch. It emerged after Aramaic became the common spoken language for Jews following the Babylonian Exile, making the original Hebrew text unintelligible to many. The Targums served a liturgical purpose in synagogues, where a translator (meturgeman) would render the readings into Aramaic for the congregation. While initially oral, these translations were eventually written down. The Targum of Onkelos is known for being a relatively literal translation, though it also reflects rabbinic interpretations and sometimes omits anthropomorphic descriptions of God. It was finalized around the 3rd century CE and became highly authoritative, particularly in Babylonia.12
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- Targum
…the earliest Targum is the Targum of Onkelos on the Pentateuch, which appeared in its final revision in the 3rd century ad. Other Targums include the Targum of Pseudo-Jonathan, the Samaritan Targum, and the Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel.
Read More…the earliest Targum is the Targum of Onkelos on the Pentateuch, which appeared in its final revision in the 3rd century ad. Other Targums include the Targum of Pseudo-Jonathan, the Samaritan Targum, and the Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel.
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biblical literatureThe Aramaic TargumsThere are several Targums (translations) of the Pentateuch. The Babylonian Targum is known as “Onkelos,” named after its reputed author. The Targum is Palestinian in origin, but it was early transferred to Babylon, where it was revised and achieved great authority. At a later date, probably not before…
Read MoreThere are several Targums (translations) of the Pentateuch. The Babylonian Targum is known as “Onkelos,” named after its reputed author. The Targum is Palestinian in origin, but it was early transferred to Babylon, where it was revised and achieved great authority. At a later date, probably not before…
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