MASSORA Meaning and
Definition
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Massora refers to an ancient Jewish tradition and a body of Jewish textual scholarship focused on preserving the accurate transmission and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh. The term "Massora" comes from the Hebrew word מַסּוֹרָה (masora) which means "tradition" or "handing down."
The Massora encompasses various aspects related to the written text of the Jewish scriptures. It involves meticulous attention to the details of the text, including its letters, words, and even individual marks or accents. The primary goal of the Massora is to ensure the accurate preservation of the sacred texts, safeguarding them from any corruption or changes over time.
This tradition emerged during the time when handwritten scrolls were the primary medium for preserving the Hebrew Bible. Scribes dedicated themselves to meticulously copy and reproduce the text with utmost precision, adhering to specific rules and methods developed by earlier scholars. These rules, collectively known as the Massora, involved counting the occurrence of letters and words, noting grammatical irregularities, and recording textual variations, as well as other minutiae.
The Massora also served as a guide for correct vocalization and pronunciation of the Hebrew words, especially in the absence of vowel markings in the original Hebrew script. This helped maintain the correct oral recitation of the texts in Jewish liturgical settings.
Today, the Massora is preserved in various manuscripts, marginal notes, and annotations found in early Torah scrolls and biblical manuscripts. Its study and analysis continue to provide valuable insights into the textual history and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible.
Common Misspellings for MASSORA
Etymology of MASSORA
The word "Massora" (also spelled "Masorah" or "Masora") is derived from the Hebrew root "סור" (pronounced "sur"), which means "to count" or "to determine". The Masorah is a traditional body of Jewish biblical interpretation and textual notes, which was developed by Jewish scribes and scholars known as the Masoretes between the 6th and 10th centuries CE. The Masoretes meticulously preserved and transmitted the Hebrew Bible, focusing on the details of its text, pronunciation, and grammar, as well as providing additional annotations and comments. The term "Massora" was used to refer to this tradition of textual transmission and preservation, and it later became the term for the textual notes and annotations themselves.
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