Targums: Aramaic Translations

Though there's no single verse in Jude that explicitly mentions "Targums," understanding these ancient translations is crucial for grasping some of Jude's allusions. The Targums were Aramaic paraphrases, expansions, and interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures. They served a vital role in synagogues because Aramaic had become the common language for many Jews, while Hebrew was increasingly reserved for scholarly or liturgical use. As the Hebrew text was read, a Targum would often be recited or explained, making the ancient words accessible and relevant to the congregation.
During the Second Temple period and beyond, Aramaic grew in prominence, necessitating these interpretive translations. The original Hebrew Scriptures, though sacred, became less immediately understandable to the average person. The Targums, therefore, weren't mere word-for-word translations but included midrashic (interpretive) elements, clarifying difficult passages, filling in narrative gaps, and even adding legendary material. This practice ensured that the congregation not only heard the Law and the Prophets but also comprehended its meaning and implications, often through the lens of established Jewish tradition and theological understanding prevalent at the time Jude was written.
For us today, recognizing the existence and function of Targums helps us understand the rich interpretive tradition that influenced early Jewish and Christian thought. When Jude references figures like Michael and the dispute over Moses' body, or alludes to extra-canonical stories like those found in the Book of Enoch, he is often drawing from a shared cultural and religious reservoir that included material akin to or even found within the Targums. This broader understanding enriches our discernment of Jude's short, intense epistle, showing us how deeply rooted its warnings and affirmations are in the comprehensive biblical narrative and its ancient interpretations, guiding our worship and daily walk with a more complete grasp of enduring truth.