Targum Onkelos in Rashi's exegetical consciousness

The widespread argument that Rashi sometimes criticized the way in which Targum Onkelos translated the Hebrew verses is fundamentally wrong. Rather, Rashi was aware that Targum Onkelos did not always translate literally. Rashi saw a connection between the character of the Targum and its origin and addressees. This article compares the place of Targum Onkelos in Rashi's exegesis with that of other sources he used and examines specific items from his commentary to the Bible and the Talmud. It shows that the place of Targum Onkelos in Rashi's exegetical consciousness influenced other commentators in the medieval period.