MASSORAH Meaning and
Definition
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Massorah refers to the collection of annotations, critique, and traditions that developed alongside the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Masoretic Text. It is an essential component of Jewish textual criticism and exegesis, aiming to interpret, preserve, and transmit the precise pronunciation, interpretation, and punctuation of the biblical text.
The term "Massorah" originates from the Hebrew word "masar," which means "to hand over" or "to transmit." In this context, it represents the meticulous transmission of the biblical text from generation to generation. It covers various elements, including vowel points, accentuation, marginal notes, and lists of textual variants.
The Massorah can be divided into two distinct categories: the Massorah Ketanah (Minor Massorah) and the Massorah Gedolah (Greater Massorah). The Minor Massorah consists of textual notes and minor corrections added to individual manuscripts or ancient translations. On the other hand, the Greater Massorah comprises a set of critical and interpretive annotations that were collected in the margins and interlinear spaces of the biblical text.
The Massorah played a vital role in preserving the precise reading and understanding of the Hebrew Bible, particularly after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. By meticulously documenting and perpetuating various aspects of the biblical text, the Massorah ensured its accurate transmission over centuries, safeguarding it against errors and ensuring its integrity.
Through the Massorah, scholars and scribes sought to maintain the sacredness and accuracy of the biblical text, as well as guarantee continuity and homogeneity across different manuscripts. The Massorah's rich annotations and traditions continue to provide crucial insights into the interpretation and transmission of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Common Misspellings for MASSORAH
- massora
- masora
- masorah
- Mesorah
- nassorah
- kassorah
- jassorah
- mzssorah
- msssorah
- mwssorah
- mqssorah
- massirah
- masskrah
- masslrah
- massprah
- mass0rah
- mass9rah
- massoeah
- massodah
- massofah
Etymology of MASSORAH
The word "Massorah" (also spelled "Masorah") has its roots in Hebrew. The term comes from the Hebrew word מַסּוֹרָה (massorah), which means "tradition" or "conveyance". The Hebrew root of the word is סר (S.R), which conveys the idea of passing down or transmitting something from one generation to another.
In Jewish tradition, the Massorah refers to the traditional Hebrew text of the Bible (Tanakh or Old Testament) as well as the collection of notes, explanations, and annotations that were passed down alongside the text. The Massorah was meticulously preserved by Jewish scribes known as Masoretes, who ensured the accuracy and fidelity of the sacred Hebrew scriptures.
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