'''Peshat''' (also '''P'shat''', פשט{{lang|heHebrew|פשט}}) is one of four classical methods of Jewish biblical [[exegesis]] used by [[rabbis]] and Jewish bible scholars in reading the [[Hebrew Bible]], also known as the [[Tanakh]]. It is the first of the four exegetical methods known together as [[Pardes (Jewish exegesis)|PaRDeS]]. While Peshat is commonly defined as referring to the surface or literal (direct) meaning of a text,<ref name="Goldin">Goldin, S. (2007). Unlocking the Torah Text: Bereishit. Gefen Publishing. {{ISBN|978-965-229-412-8}}</ref> numerous scholars and rabbis have debated this for centuries, giving Peshat many uses and definitions.<ref name="Garfinkel">Garfinkel, Stephen. "Clearing Peshat and Derash." Hebrew Bible/Old Testament - The History of Its Interpretation. Comp. Chris Brekelmans and Menahem Haran. Ed. Magne Sæbø. Göttingen: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, 2000. 130-34. Print.</ref>
