The Aramaic Version of Ruth

In antiquity, the populace assimilated not the written word of the Hebrew Bible, but the Aramaic paraphrase that was publicly read to them. For as Hebrew became increasingly unintelligible to the masses, the custom arose of translating the scriptural reading into Aramaic vernacular. During the New Testament period, therefore, most Jews as well as Christians relied upon the targum for their understanding of the Hebrew Old Testament scripture lesson. The targum to Ruth both translates and elaborates upon the Hebrew text, containing, in a less developed stage, the essential themes and structure of full midrash. As an evolving text with accretions added through the centuries, it constitutes a valuable tool for students of Semitic Philology, Biblical Exegesis and the History of Religion. Fortunately, the text has not been edited, so that early elements contradicting the Pharisaic-Rabbinic tradition have not been harmonized or excised. It is an eclectic arrangement of diverse sources intended to address doctrinal problems, fill lacunae, illustrate abstractions, inspire faith, eulogize the Torah, and convey that the book was written to show how great is the reward for those who perform deeds of loving-kindness (Ruth R. II,14).