What Is the Torah — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Deuteronomy 6:6-7, sits inside Deuteronomy 6. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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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.
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