Targum

The targumim (singular: "targum"‎), were spoken paraphrases, explanations, and expansions of the Jewish scriptures that a Rabbi would give in the common language of the listeners, which during the time of this practice was commonly, but not exclusively, Aramaic. This had become necessary near the end of the last century before the Christian era, as the common language was in transition and Hebrew was used for little more than schooling and worship.

Eventually it became necessary to give explanations and paraphrases in the common language after the Hebrew scripture was read. The noun Targum is derived from early semitic quadriliteral root 'trgm', and the term 'Targummanu' refers to "translator". It occurs in the Hebrew Bible in Ezra 4:18 "The document which you sent us has been read in translation before me". Besides denoting the translations of the bible, the term Targum also denote the oral rendering of Bible lections in synagogue, while the translator of the Bible was simply called as hammeturgem (he who translates). Other than the meaning "translate" the verb Tirgem also means "to explain". The word Targum refers to "translation" and argumentation or "explanation". Writing down the targum was prohibited, nevertheless some targumatic writings appeared as early as the middle of the first century AD.

In spite of the wordiness above, the point is that everything is this document is forbidden because it is written down, and writing has a way of making the statements appear factual. So, why was it written? It would be a grave mistake if this were assumed to be a factual account of the Passover in the time of Jesus or in any other time. But it is a starting point for the discussion, and a calling to memory what the Lord did for us when we left Mitzrayim (Egypt, or more generally, the World.) We lack the oral tradition, and this might possibly be a poor substitute.