Abstract

The article furnishes a survey of some literary forms in Mishna, based on the studies by Neusner and Goldberg. After some general remarks on the study of Mishna from a formal point of view, the survey begins with an introductory example. MPesahîm 10 is given in translation, followed by a short commentary pointing out some of the literary characteristics of the chapter. The description of literary forms unfolds in the following way: Halachic sayings, utterances, anonymous sayings, Halachic narratives, precedence, ordinances, interpretation of Scripture, Midrash, Scriptural proof etc.