The Methods and Techniques of the Targumic Exegesis of the Song of Songs

The texts included in the biblical canon were evaluated based on specific criteria and a specific interpretation assigned to them. In the case of the Song of Songs, the book might have been read as an allegory an allegory from the outset, which was crucial in maintaining the orthodox position of this interpretation in the Jewish as well as in the Christian traditions. The targumist followed the Hebrew text of the Song of Songs not only verse by verse, or sentence by sentence, but sometimes even word by word. Not all the methods and techniques of interpretation, such as the change in pointing, the use of similar-sounding consonant or consonant substitution and adjustment, can be clearly identified and classified. It can therefore be stated that the text of the Targum to the Song of Songs has a very complex character but nevertheless contains the whole biblical text and refers to the entire Song. Despite the fact that the primary method of interpretation used by the author of Targum to the Song of Songs is primarily an allegory, forming a highly developed paraphrase, the relationship between the Hebrew text of the Song of Songs and Aramaic text of Targum to the Song of Songs has not been lost. It is justified, therefore, to speak of the Targum to the Song of Songs as a version of the Song of Songs.