Definition for Midrash
Glossary
Midrash
“What did the term ‘midrash’ mean precisely to the author of Chronicles? The ancient Greek version translated it simply as ‘book, writing,’ and it is likely that at this stage it means nothing more than that. The underlying Hebrew verb means to inquire or study, and accordingly the noun could signify ‘a result of research, a study.’ Alternatively it may mean ‘commentary’ in the sense of a presentation of history from a certain angle of thought.” [Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, “Midrash,” in Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1457.]