Meforshim
/məˈfɔːrʃɪm/noun
A plural Hebrew-derived term for Jewish biblical or rabbinic commentators and their commentaries.
Did you know?Meforshim can refer collectively to commentators such as Rashi, Ibn Ezra, and Nachmanides, whose layered interpretations became a central tradition of Jewish textual study.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew and Jewish Aramaic
Hebrew/Aramaic
פרשׁ / פְּרַשׁ
“To explain, interpret, or make something clear; the related Semitic root also carries senses of separating or distinguishing in other contexts.”
Talmudic Period
Rabbinic Hebrew
פֵּרוּשׁ (perush)
“An explanation, interpretation, or commentary on a text.”
Medieval Hebrew
Hebrew
מְפָרֵשׁ (mefaresh)
“An interpreter or commentator; literally, one who explains.”
Medieval to Early Modern Hebrew
Hebrew
מְפָרְשִׁים (meforshim)
“Plural form meaning commentators or interpreters, especially those explaining sacred texts.”
Modern English
English/Jewish Studies
meforshim
“A loanword used for Jewish biblical and rabbinic commentators, or their collected commentaries.”