derash

Jewish hermeneutics

Also known as: interpretation

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

In Judaism, derash refers to a homily or sermon, typically delivered by a rabbi in a synagogue. It is a form of biblical interpretation that goes beyond the literal meaning to derive ethical lessons, parables, or allegorical insights. The practice dates back to Ezra in the 5th century BCE, who provided vernacular explanations of the Torah for the common people.12

Derash is one of four primary interpretive principles in Jewish hermeneutics, alongside peshat (plain meaning), remez (hint or allusion), and sod (secret or mystical interpretation). While peshat focuses on the literal and obvious meaning of a text, derash seeks deeper meanings and applications. Early derashot are preserved in the Talmud and Midrash, often serving to inspire, encourage, or admonish congregations, with ethical teachings forming their core.231

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

peshaṭ
…to typological or allegorical interpretations), derash (meaning “search,” in reference to biblical study according to the middot, or rules), and sod (meaning “secret,” or mystical interpretation). The first letters (PRDS) of these four words were first used in medieval Spain as an acronym forming the word PaRaDiSe to designate a…
Read More
…to typological or allegorical interpretations), derash (meaning “search,” in reference to biblical study according to the middot, or rules), and sod (meaning “secret,” or mystical interpretation). The first letters (PRDS) of these four words were first used in medieval Spain as an acronym forming the word PaRaDiSe to designate a…
Read More

biblical literature
Early stages
>derash, “interpretation,” by which religious or social morals were derived, often artificially, from the text. There was, however, no sense of conflict between the two.
Read More
>derash, “interpretation,” by which religious or social morals were derived, often artificially, from the text. There was, however, no sense of conflict between the two.
Read More