from דָּרַשׁ; properly, an investigation, i.e. (by implication) a treatise or elaborate compilation; story.
Transliteration:midrâsh
Pronunciation:mid-rawsh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term *midrâsh* (מִדְרָשׁ, `{{H4097}}`) is a noun derived from the verbal root *dârash* (דָּרַשׁ, `{{H1875}}`), which signifies "to seek," "to inquire," "to investigate," "to study," or "to interpret." As a noun, *midrâsh* therefore properly denotes the *result* or *product* of such an investigation or inquiry. Its core meaning is an "investigation" or "inquiry." By implication, it extends to mean a "treatise," an "elaborate compilation," or a "story" in the sense of a narrative or exposition resulting from diligent research or instruction. It points to a scholarly or detailed exploration of a subject, particularly one that yields a written account or commentary.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *midrâsh* is notably rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only twice, both within the book of 2 Chronicles. In both instances, it refers to a written source or compilation:
1. [[2 Chronicles 13:22]]: "Now the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his ways, and his sayings, are written in the *midrash* of the prophet Iddo."
* Here, *midrâsh* refers to a specific written work or compilation authored by the prophet Iddo. It functions as a source document for the Chronicler, suggesting a more elaborate or interpretive account of King Abijah's reign than a simple chronological record. It implies a detailed "investigation" or "treatise" by the prophet.
2. [[2 Chronicles 24:27]]: "Now concerning his sons, and the greatness of the burdens laid upon him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the *midrash* of the book of the kings."
* In this context, *midrâsh* again points to a written compilation or commentary. The phrase "the *midrash* of the book of the kings" suggests an interpretive or supplementary work associated with the standard "book of the kings." This could indicate a more detailed exposition, a collection of insights, or an interpretive narrative that provided additional information or context beyond the basic historical annals.
In both biblical occurrences, *midrâsh* denotes a literary work that is a product of diligent inquiry, serving as a source of more detailed or elaborated information about historical events or figures. It is not merely a record but implies a degree of investigation and perhaps even interpretation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related term is the verbal root **דָּרַשׁ (dârash, `{{H1875}}`)**, from which *midrâsh* is derived. This root emphasizes the act of "seeking," "inquiring," "studying," or "interpreting," which is the foundational activity that produces a *midrâsh*.
Other related concepts include:
* **סֵפֶר (sepher, `{{H5612}}`):** "Book" or "scroll." A *midrâsh* is a type of *sepher*, a written compilation.
* **דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים (divrei hayyamim):** "Chronicles" or "annals." The books of Chronicles themselves are historical compilations, and the *midrâsh* mentioned in them represents the underlying sources or more detailed accounts that contributed to or elaborated upon the main historical narrative.
Crucially, while rare in the Hebrew Bible, the concept of *midrash* developed profoundly in post-biblical Judaism. It became the technical term for a vast body of rabbinic literature that engages in the meticulous interpretation and exposition of the Hebrew Scriptures, often through homiletical or narrative expansion. This later development of *Midrash* (capitalized to distinguish the literary genre) reflects an extension of the biblical sense of "investigation" and "compilation" into a comprehensive method of scriptural exegesis and application, demonstrating the enduring value placed on deep engagement with the divine text.
### Theological Significance
The biblical occurrences of *midrâsh*, though few, subtly underscore the importance of *investigated truth* and *recorded knowledge* within the divine order. That the Chronicler refers to such "treatises" as sources for his own divinely inspired history indicates that detailed inquiry and the preservation of elaborate accounts were valued. God's interactions with humanity, the lives of His chosen leaders, and the history of His people are not presented as mere fleeting events but as matters worthy of careful study, documentation, and even interpretive reflection.
The term implies that historical accounts were not always simple chronologies but could involve deeper inquiry, perhaps aimed at discerning divine purpose or moral lessons embedded within the events. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on remembering God's mighty acts and diligently teaching them to successive generations (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 6:7]]). The existence of "midrashim" points to a valuing of scholarly diligence in understanding and transmitting divine revelation and historical precedent.
Furthermore, while not explicitly theological in its direct biblical usage, the term *midrâsh* foreshadows the later Jewish tradition of *Midrash* as a primary method of engaging with God's Word. This tradition embodies a profound commitment to the ongoing revelation and interpretation of the sacred text, demonstrating that God's Word is inexhaustible in its meaning and perpetually relevant for guiding life and faith. The biblical *midrâsh* thus lays a conceptual groundwork for the profound reverence for and diligent study of Scripture that characterizes much of biblical faith.
### Summary
The Hebrew word *midrâsh* (מִדְרָשׁ, `{{H4097}}`) derives from *dârash* (`{{H1875}}`), meaning "to seek" or "to investigate." Its core meaning is an "investigation" or "inquiry," which extends to signify a "treatise," "elaborate compilation," or "story." Appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible ([[2 Chronicles 13:22]], [[2 Chronicles 24:27]]), it consistently refers to a specific written work—a detailed historical or prophetic account that serves as a source for the Chronicler. These biblical uses underscore the value of diligent inquiry and the careful preservation of detailed records concerning God's people and their history. Conceptually, *midrâsh* prefigures the later, extensive body of rabbinic interpretive literature known as *Midrash*, which exemplifies deep and ongoing engagement with the divine text, highlighting the enduring commitment to studying and understanding God's revealed truth.
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