Topical Encyclopedia The Gemara is a critical component of the Talmud, which is a central text in Rabbinic Judaism. The Talmud consists of two parts: the Mishnah and the Gemara. The Mishnah, compiled around 200 AD by Rabbi Judah the Prince, is a written collection of Jewish oral traditions. The Gemara, on the other hand, is a commentary on the Mishnah, elaborating on its teachings and discussing various aspects of Jewish law, ethics, philosophy, customs, and history. The Gemara was developed over several centuries, with the Babylonian Gemara being completed around 500 AD and the Jerusalem Gemara around 400 AD.The term "Gemara" itself is derived from the Aramaic word "gamar," meaning "to study" or "to complete." It reflects the Gemara's role in completing the study of the Mishnah by providing detailed analysis and discussion. The Gemara is written primarily in Aramaic, the lingua franca of the Jewish people during the time of its compilation. While the Gemara is not a biblical text, it holds significant importance in Jewish tradition and religious practice. It serves as a guide for interpreting the Torah and applying its commandments to daily life. The discussions within the Gemara often reference biblical passages, providing insight into how Jewish scholars understood and applied Scripture. From a Christian perspective, the Gemara is viewed as part of the broader context of Jewish tradition and thought. While it is not considered authoritative in the same way as the Bible, it offers valuable historical and cultural insights into the Jewish world during the time of Jesus and the early church. Understanding the Gemara can enhance one's comprehension of the New Testament, particularly in areas where Jesus and the apostles interacted with Jewish law and customs. The Gemara's discussions often revolve around key biblical themes such as justice, mercy, and the nature of God. For example, the Gemara explores the concept of justice in the context of the biblical commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18). It delves into the practical implications of this commandment, examining how it should be applied in various situations. Additionally, the Gemara addresses the interpretation of biblical laws, such as those found in the Ten Commandments. It provides detailed analysis and debate on how these laws should be understood and implemented, reflecting the diverse opinions and interpretations within the Jewish scholarly tradition. The Gemara also contains narratives and parables that illustrate moral and ethical teachings. These accounts often draw on biblical characters and events, offering a deeper understanding of the lessons conveyed in Scripture. For instance, the Gemara might recount a account about King David to highlight themes of repentance and forgiveness, drawing on the biblical account of David's life. In summary, the Gemara is a vital part of Jewish religious literature, offering commentary and interpretation of the Mishnah and, by extension, the Hebrew Bible. While not a biblical text itself, it provides valuable insights into the Jewish understanding of Scripture and its application to life. For Christians, studying the Gemara can enrich their understanding of the cultural and religious context of the Bible, particularly the New Testament. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The second part of the Talmud, or the commentary on the Mishna (which forms the first part or text).International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GEMARAge-ma'-ra. Library Judaism. Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature The Talmud. List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings ... Criticism of the Sacred Text. Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud The Church of Christ Synagogues in the City; and Schools. The Difference of Some Customs of the Galileans from those of ... Ecdippa. Achzib. Joshua 19:29; Judges 1:31 Climax of the Tyrians. Thesaurus Gemara... the commentary on the Mishna (which forms the first part or text). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. GEMARA. ge-ma'-ra. See TALMUD. ... /g/gemara.htm - 6k Talmud Pharisees (86 Occurrences) Gemariah (5 Occurrences) Sadducees (14 Occurrences) Nehelamite (4 Occurrences) Languages (36 Occurrences) Gemal'li (1 Occurrence) Magi (4 Occurrences) Resources What is the Mishnah? What is a midrash? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Talmud? | GotQuestions.org Gemara: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |