Derash

(Heb. "exposition"). A homiletical method of interpreting Scripture. The rabbis devised rules and techniques for elucidating non-literal meanings in the biblical text that would underscore its legal implication or ethical message. This approach to Scripture is known as derash (or derush) and constitutes one of the four traditional methods whereby the Bible may be interpreted (see Pardes). It gave rise to the derashah (i.e., "sermon"), the expository kernel of a rabbinic discourse. Darshan was one name for a preacher. See also Midrash and Homiletics.

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