What Is the Torah?
What Is the Torah? The Torah is the first five books of the Bible — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy — also called the Law of Moses.
Key verse: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV)
The Torah is the first five books of the Bible — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy — also called the Law of Moses.
The Torah is the first five books of the Bible — Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy — also called the Law of Moses.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." — Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Torah (תּוֹרָה) is a Hebrew word meaning 'instruction,' 'teaching,' or 'law.' In its narrowest sense it refers to the Pentateuch — the five books written by Moses: Genesis (Bereshit), Exodus (Shemot), Leviticus (Vayikra), Numbers (Bamidbar), and Deuteronomy (Devarim). In a broader sense it encompasses all of God's revealed instruction to Israel. The Torah contains creation, the fall, the flood, the patriarchs, the Exodus, the giving of the Law at Sinai, the tabernacle, the sacrificial system, and Israel's wilderness wanderings. Jesus said He came not to destroy the Law but to fulfill it. Paul calls the Torah a 'schoolmaster' that led to Christ, showing Israel their need for a Savior. For Christians, the Torah is Scripture — 'all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness' — and every page points forward to the Messiah.
Key Scripture References
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
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Deep Dive Commentary
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Law (Torah) (תּוֹרָה (torah))
Instruction, teaching, and divine guidance — God's revealed will for righteous living.
Strong's H8451 — Law (Torah)
תּוֹרָה (torah) • Instruction, teaching, and divine guidance — God's revealed will for righteous living.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Deuteronomy. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Deuteronomy on day 49 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is the Torah?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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