What Is the Torah — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Is the Torah?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"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."
Matthew 5:17
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
2 Timothy 3:16-17
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Covenant Theology?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Anthropology in Theology?
Theology & Doctrine
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
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.