mishnah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical/Religious
Quick answer
What does “mishnah” mean?
The earliest major written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions and the first major work of Rabbinic literature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The earliest major written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions and the first major work of Rabbinic literature.
The collective name for the six orders of Jewish oral law, compiled around 200 CE by Rabbi Judah the Prince. It serves as the foundational text of the Talmud.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. The term is used identically within Jewish scholarly and religious contexts in both regions.
Connotations
Scholarly, religious, historical, foundational.
Frequency
Exclusively used within Jewish religious, historical, and academic contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “mishnah” in a Sentence
The Mishnah + verb (teaches, discusses, records)study + the MishnahVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mishnah” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Mishnaic law
- Mishnaic period
American English
- Mishnaic literature
- Mishnaic Hebrew
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The Mishnah is central to the study of Second Temple Judaism and the development of Halakha.
Technical
The Mishnah is divided into six orders (Sedarim), which are further subdivided into tractates (Masekhtot).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mishnah”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mishnah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mishnah”
- Misspelling as 'Mishna' (although a common variant), 'Mishnah' is the standard transliteration.
- Using it as a common noun without capitalisation when referring to the specific text.
- Confusing it with the later Talmud.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Mishnah' is the standard scholarly transliteration from Hebrew, though 'Mishna' is also a common variant.
The Mishnah is primarily written in Mishnaic Hebrew, with some passages in Jewish Palestinian Aramaic.
The Mishnah was compiled, organised, and redacted by Rabbi Judah the Prince (Yehudah HaNasi) around 200 CE in the Land of Israel.
The Torah refers to the Five Books of Moses, the written law. The Mishnah is the first major written redaction of the oral law and traditions that developed alongside and interpreted the Torah.
The earliest major written redaction of the Jewish oral traditions and the first major work of Rabbinic literature.
Mishnah is usually technical/religious in register.
Mishnah: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪʃnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪʃnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From the Torah to the Mishnah (referring to progression of Jewish law)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mishnah rhymes with 'wish na' - I wish I knew the law (na).
Conceptual Metaphor
The foundation or bedrock (of Rabbinic Judaism).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary relationship between the Mishnah and the Talmud?