What does "midrash" mean?
A Rabbinic commentary on a text from the Hebrew Scripture.
Midrash
/ˈmɪdrɑːʃ/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A Rabbinic commentary on a text from the Hebrew Scripture.
- Grammar: midrash is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: anthology, biblical exegesis, collection, compilation.
- Useful contrasts: literal interpretation, original composition.
- Usage evidence: In other stories of the midrashim, Adam, in penance for his fall, abstains from sexuality for 130 years, but he is not able to control his nocturnal emissions; in his dream state female spirits, the succubae, come and have intercourse with him, and with Adam's seed they give birth to demons.
How to use "midrash"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "midrash" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "midrash" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "midrash" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "anthology" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A Rabbinic commentary on a text from the Hebrew Scripture.
"In other stories of the midrashim, Adam, in penance for his fall, abstains from sexuality for 130 years, but he is not able to control his nocturnal emissions; in his dream state female spirits, the succubae, come and have intercourse with him, and with Adam's seed they give birth to demons."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of Midrash. alt-of
"You could call the Gospels a midrash on the Hebrew Bible, the lives of the saints a midrash on the Christ story, the Koran a midrash on all of the above."
- 3 (Judaism) an ancient commentary on part of the Hebrew scriptures that is based on Jewish methods of interpretation and attached to the biblical text wordnet
- 4 The Rabbinic technique or tradition of such exegesis.
"Midrash was not a purely intellectual pursuit and study was never an end in itself: it had to inspire practical action in the world."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
literal interpretationoriginal composition
Example
"In other stories of the midrashim, Adam, in penance for his fall, abstains from sexuality for 130 years, but he is not able to control his nocturnal emissions; in his dream state female spirits, the succubae, come and have intercourse with him, and with Adam's seed they give birth to demons."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "midrash"?
Common synonyms include: anthology, biblical exegesis, collection, compilation, rabbinic interpretation, talmudic commentary.
How do you use "midrash" in a sentence?
In other stories of the midrashim, Adam, in penance for his fall, abstains from sexuality for 130 years, but he is not able to control his nocturnal emissions; in his dream state female spirits, the succubae, come and have intercourse with him, and with Adam's seed they give birth to demons.
How do you pronounce "midrash"?
Pronounced /ˈmɪdrɑːʃ/.
Etymology
From Hebrew מִדְרָשׁ (midrásh, “Midrash”), in turn from Aramaic דרש.