Chumash
/ˈhʊmɑːʃ/noun
A Jewish printed edition of the Torah, often accompanied by translations or commentary.
Did you know?The Hebrew word comes from ḥomeš, “a fifth,” because the Torah is divided into five books; in synagogue tradition, its text is read aloud in an annual cycle.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
ḥomeš
“A fifth; one-fifth of something”
Late Hebrew
Hebrew
ḥummāš
“A five-part book, especially the five books of Moses”
Medieval Jewish usage
Hebrew
חומש
“The Torah in a five-book arrangement, commonly with interpretation”
19th Century
Yiddish/English
Chumash
“A Jewish printed edition of the Torah”
Modern English
English
Chumash
“A Torah edition containing the Pentateuch, often with commentary”
Explore more surprising origins