מִדְרָשׁ (mid.rash)
mid.rash
story
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun midrash refers to a written account or exposition, often with a didactic purpose. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only twice, both in the book of 2 Chronicles (13:22 and 24:27). In these contexts, it denotes historical records or stories that preserve the deeds and teachings of kings like Jeroboam and Joash.
Its root relates to seeking or inquiring, suggesting that these texts were not merely dry chronicles but interpretations meant to instruct the reader. The word highlights how ancient scribes compiled events to teach spiritual lessons, preserving memory for future generations through structured narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word midrash appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of 2 Chronicles. It refers to a written account or commentary that preserves the deeds and teachings of kings like Abijah and Joash. These texts were not simple lists of dates but structured narratives designed to instruct readers about spiritual realities.
When you read these passages, remember that ancient scribes compiled events to teach lessons for future generations. This shows how God’s people valued memory and interpretation. The stories we keep are meant to shape our understanding of who God is and how He works in history.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ [the] record of1×
- [the] record of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִדְרַ֖שׁ1×
- בְּ/מִדְרַ֖שׁ1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 13:22
The rest of the acts of Abijah, his ways, and his sayings are written in the commentary of the prophet Iddo.
This verse shows midrash preserving the sayings of King Abijah, linking royal speech to lasting instruction.
-
II Chronicles 24:27
Now concerning his sons, the greatness of the burdens laid on him, and the rebuilding of God’s house, behold, they are written in the commentary of the book of the kings. Amaziah his son reigned in his place.
Here midrash records Joash’s rebuilding of God’s house, highlighting how historical acts serve as teaching tools.