midrash: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic / Religious
Quick answer
What does “midrash” mean?
An ancient Jewish interpretation, commentary, or homiletic exposition of the Hebrew scriptures (especially the Torah).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ancient Jewish interpretation, commentary, or homiletic exposition of the Hebrew scriptures (especially the Torah).
The body of classical rabbinic literature or methodology dedicated to such exegesis. Can also refer, in modern usage, to a contemporary or creative reinterpretation of a biblical text.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant orthographic or definitional differences. Usage is confined to theological, historical, and Judaic studies contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scholarly, or reverent depending on context.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, appearing almost exclusively in specialized discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “midrash” in a Sentence
Midrash on [scriptural passage]Midrash about [topic]Midrash [verb: explains, interprets, expounds]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “midrash” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- midrashic interpretation
- midrashic literature
American English
- midrashic approach
- midrashic tradition
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Common in religious studies, theology, and Jewish history. E.g., 'The professor's thesis focused on eschatology in tannaitic midrash.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A precise term in Judaic studies and hermeneutics, referring to specific literary collections (e.g., Midrash Rabbah) or methodological approaches.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “midrash”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “midrash”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “midrash”
- Mispronouncing it as /maɪˈdræʃ/ or /ˈmɪdræʃ/.
- Using it as a synonym for any religious sermon or lecture.
- Treating it as a proper noun (Midrash) when referring to the genre/corpus in general (it is usually lowercase).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a genre of literature. There are many specific books of Midrash (e.g., Midrash Rabbah), but the term itself refers to the interpretive method and its literary products.
By strict definition, no; it is a Jewish exegetical tradition. However, the term is sometimes applied metaphorically to creative, interpretive engagements with other foundational texts (e.g., 'a midrash on Shakespeare').
The Talmud is a vast legal and homiletic compilation that includes midrash. Midrash is often more focused on narrative expansion and ethical teaching (aggadah), while the Talmud is more focused on legal debate and decision (halakha).
Generally, no. Midrash is primarily theological, ethical, and homiletic. It is concerned with deriving meaning and lessons, not with providing a historical record, though it may use historical settings.
An ancient Jewish interpretation, commentary, or homiletic exposition of the Hebrew scriptures (especially the Torah).
Midrash is usually academic / religious in register.
Midrash: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪdraʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪdrɑːʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A midrash on [something]”
- “In the spirit of midrash”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MIDnight RASH. A scholar gets a 'rash' of inspiration at 'mid'night writing a MIDRASH on a difficult text.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCRIPTURE IS A LIVING CONVERSATION (Midrash engages in dialogue with ancient text). TEXT IS A MULTI-FACETED GEM (Midrash explores its many hidden facets).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'midrash' primarily used?