masora: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowAcademic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “masora” mean?
The body of notes, rules, and commentary on the text of the Hebrew Bible (especially the manuscript of the Tanakh) produced by Jewish scholars between the 7th and 10th centuries CE to standardise the text, vocalisation, and cantillation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The body of notes, rules, and commentary on the text of the Hebrew Bible (especially the manuscript of the Tanakh) produced by Jewish scholars between the 7th and 10th centuries CE to standardise the text, vocalisation, and cantillation.
A system or body of authoritative tradition; by extension, a text or collection established with meticulous precision and authority. It can refer specifically to the Masoretic Text, the authoritative Hebrew version of the Jewish Bible.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term in identical scholarly contexts.
Connotations
Scholarly, precise, historical, religious, authoritative.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language; used almost exclusively within specific academic fields in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “masora” in a Sentence
the Masora of [text/manuscript]the Masora as [authority/standard]according to the MasoraVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “masora” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Masoretic vowel points are crucial for pronunciation.
- He is an expert in Masoretic scholarship.
American English
- The Masoretic vowel points are critical for pronunciation.
- She specialises in Masoretic scholarship.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central term in biblical textual criticism and Jewish studies, e.g., 'The research compares readings from the Dead Sea Scrolls with the later Masora.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely to denote the specific corpus of Masoretic notes and the resulting authoritative text in theology, philology, and manuscript studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “masora”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “masora”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “masora”
- Misspelling as 'masorah', 'massora', or 'mazorah'. Confusing it with the Mishnah or Talmud.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. The Masora is the body of scholarly notes and rules developed to preserve the accurate text of the entire Hebrew Bible, including the Torah.
The Masora was compiled by groups of Jewish scribes and scholars known as Masoretes, working mainly in Tiberias and Babylonia between the 7th and 10th centuries CE.
Yes, though it originated as a proper noun, it can be used in lowercase (e.g., 'a masora of the text') to refer to any similar system of meticulous textual preservation, though this is rare.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are much older manuscripts (c. 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE). The Masora represents a later, standardised textual tradition. Comparing the two shows both remarkable consistency and some textual variations over time.
The body of notes, rules, and commentary on the text of the Hebrew Bible (especially the manuscript of the Tanakh) produced by Jewish scholars between the 7th and 10th centuries CE to standardise the text, vocalisation, and cantillation.
Masora is usually academic / technical in register.
Masora: in British English it is pronounced /məˈsɔːrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈsɔːrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as meticulous as the Masora”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MASters Of Religious Authority' created the MaSORA.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITATIVE TEXT IS A FIXED/PRESERVED STRUCTURE (e.g., the Masora is the bedrock of the biblical text).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the Masora?