The Intricate Relationship Between Targum Jonathan and the New Testament Exemplified by “Targumic” Statements in Acts 13:21–22 and James 5:7–8

Abstract

There are similarities between the way Targum Jonathan explains the Hebrew texts and the way the New Testament authors use the same texts. However, it is hard to identify the exact relationship between Targum Jonathan and the New Testament. Two examples of “Targumic” translations in the New Testament are explored in this article: Acts 13:21–22 and James 5:7–8. All in all, we can say that (1) it is hard to find identical forms of exegesis, although there are several similar cases and parallels; (2) we must do our best to describe similar cases as precise as possible, because there are both similarities and contradictions in all these cases; (3) there is no direct relationship between Targum Jonathan and the New Testament; but (4) they can be used cautiously as a means to better understand each other and (5) to better understand how Jewish authors – I include the New Testament Jewish followers of Jesus here – read and understood their Scriptures.