Targumist
/ˈtɑːrɡəmɪst/noun
A scholar or interpreter who produces or studies a Targum, an Aramaic translation or paraphrase of a Hebrew biblical text.
Did you know?In ancient synagogue practice, the meturgeman or Targumist translated the Hebrew reading aloud into Aramaic, often rendering difficult passages interpretively rather than word for word.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Semitic period
Aramaic
רגם (rgm)
“A root associated with speaking, declaring, or interpreting; its precise prehistoric development is debated.”
Second Temple period
Aramaic
תַּרְגּוּם (targūm)
“Translation or interpretation, especially an Aramaic rendering of Hebrew scripture.”
Late Second Temple–Rabbinic period
Aramaic
מְתֻרְגְּמָן (meturgəmān)
“An interpreter or translator, particularly the person who rendered a Hebrew reading into Aramaic for listeners.”
Medieval Hebrew
Hebrew
תַּרְגּוּמִיסְט (targumist)
“A person concerned with translating or interpreting a Targum; the form reflects the learned suffix -ist.”
17th Century
English
targumist
“An English noun for a writer, scholar, or interpreter of Targums.”
Modern English
English
Targumist
“A scholar or interpreter associated with Targumic translation and commentary.”