The Bible, specifically the Hebrew Bible, is called the Tanakh in Hebrew.
The term Tanakh is an acronym formed from the first Hebrew letter of each of its three traditional divisions:
- Torah (תּוֹרָה), meaning "Teaching" or "Law"
- Nevi'im (נְבִיאִים), meaning "Prophets"
- Ketuvim (כְּתוּבִים), meaning "Writings"
This term succinctly encompasses the entire collection of sacred scriptures revered in Judaism, which largely corresponds to the Old Testament in Christian traditions.
Components of the Tanakh
The three main divisions of the Tanakh represent different types of literature and periods of prophetic revelation and wisdom. Each section plays a crucial role in the spiritual and historical narrative of the Hebrew people.
- Torah (תּוֹרָה): Often referred to as the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses, the Torah contains the foundational laws, commandments, and narratives from creation through the death of Moses. It is considered the most sacred part of the Hebrew scriptures.
- Nevi'im (נְבִיאִים): This section includes the historical books that recount the history of Israel from the entry into the Promised Land to the Babylonian exile, as well as the teachings and prophecies of major and minor prophets.
- Ketuvim (כְּתוּבִים): Comprising a diverse collection of poetic books, wisdom literature, historical accounts, and prophetic visions, the Ketuvim includes Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot (Scrolls), and other writings.
The relationship between these components can be visualized as follows:
| Hebrew Name | English Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Torah | Teaching/Law | Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy – the foundational books. |
| Nevi'im | Prophets | Historical books (e.g., Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) and prophetic books (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah). |
| Ketuvim | Writings | Diverse collection including Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles. |
Understanding the Term
While "Bible" is a widely recognized term for these scriptures, using "Tanakh" specifically refers to the Hebrew canon, emphasizing its structure and significance within Judaism. It highlights the distinct arrangement and sometimes different textual traditions compared to the Christian Old Testament. For more information, you can explore the topic of the Bible on Wikipedia.
