תִּרְגַּם
𐤕𐤓𐤂𐤌
tirgam
H8638 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To render speech or text from one language into another; to translate or interpret in the linguistic sense. The term specifically denotes the act of verbal or written translation in an official or formal context, often with emphasis on the precision or fidelity of the transfer. In post-biblical usage, it relates to translation of Hebrew into Aramaic (as in the Targumim).
Semantic Range
to translate, to render from one language to another, to interpret (especially translation or paraphrase), to produce a Targum
Root / Etymology
The term is a denominative verb derived from רֶגֶם (regem), meaning 'stone heap,' but in this context likely from רָגַם (ragam), 'to throw'—understood metaphorically as 'to throw across' (i.e., to transfer meaning across languages). The formation with the תִּ– prefix marks it as a denominative verb.
Historical & Contextual Notes
תִּרְגַּם appears in late biblical and primarily post-biblical Hebrew, especially in the context of formal translation, such as the production or recitation of a Targum (interpretive translation into Aramaic during synagogue services or study). The concept of translation as a professional or ecclesiastical practice became prominent in the Second Temple period and especially among Judeans under Hellenistic and later Roman rule, when Hebrew and Aramaic were both in use. In classical biblical literature, interpretive terms like פֵּרֵשׁ (peresh, 'to explain, interpret') are more common; תִּרְגַּם reflects later language development as the role of translation grew. English 'interpret' in some older translations blurs modern distinctions between explaining meaning (interpretation) and rendering between languages (translation); תִּרְגַּם is more precisely 'to translate.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a denominative from רָגַם in the sense of throwing over; to transfer, i.e. translate; interpret.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רגם (r-g-m) — to throw, heap up, stone; to throw across
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4773 | מַרְגֵּמָה | in a stone-heap |
| H7275 | רָגַם | to stone |
| H7276 | רֶגֶם | Regem |
| H7277 | רִגְמָה | their stone-heap |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8638-01 |
וּ/מְתֻרְגָּ֥ם | umeturegam | HC/VPsmsa |
and translated | and being translated | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8638-01 |
Ezra 4:7 | וּ/מְתֻרְגָּ֥ם | umeturegam | HC/VPsmsa |
and translated | and being translated |