Law (Torah)
תּוֹרָה (torah)
Instruction, teaching, and divine guidance — God's revealed will for righteous living.
Torah is the Hebrew word for law, but its root meaning is 'instruction' or 'teaching.' It refers to God's revealed will, encompassing the Mosaic law and, more broadly, all of God's guidance for life.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." — Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Key Verses
Romans 3:20
“Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”Read in context
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.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H8451 — Law (Torah) (תּוֹרָה (torah))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where תּוֹרָה (torah) appears.
Open Strong's H8451Etymology and Original Meaning
Torah comes from the Hebrew verb yarah, meaning 'to throw' or 'to shoot' — specifically 'to point the way.' Torah is therefore 'direction' or 'instruction' — it points people toward the right path. Reducing torah to 'law' misses its warmth: it is a loving parent's guidance, a wise teacher's instruction, a caring God's direction for abundant living.
Torah as Israel's Treasure
For Israel, the Torah was not a burden but a delight. Psalm 119 — the longest chapter in the Bible — is an extended love poem to God's torah. 'O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day' (Psalm 119:97). The Torah revealed God's character, defined the covenant relationship, and distinguished Israel from surrounding nations.
The Law's Purpose
Paul explains that the law serves as a mirror — revealing sin rather than curing it (Romans 3:20; 7:7). It was a 'schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ' (Galatians 3:24). The law demonstrates God's holiness, exposes human inability, and drives people to the grace found only in Christ. It diagnoses the disease but cannot provide the cure.
Christ and the Torah
Jesus did not abolish the Torah but fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). He kept it perfectly, satisfied its demands, and revealed its deepest intentions. He summarized the entire law in two commands: love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). For believers, the law's moral principles remain as guides for grateful, Spirit-empowered living — no longer as a system of earning favor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Torah mean?
Torah means 'instruction,' 'teaching,' or 'direction' — not merely 'law.' It refers to God's revealed guidance for living rightly, encompassing the Mosaic law and all divine instruction.
Are Christians under the law?
Christians are not under the law as a system of justification (Romans 6:14; Galatians 3:24-25) but the law's moral principles remain relevant as guides for Spirit-led living. Christ fulfilled the law and believers follow Him.
What is the Hebrew word for "Law (Torah)" in the Bible?
תּוֹרָה (torah), pronounced "toh-RAH." It means instruction, teaching, and divine guidance — god's revealed will for righteous living. Its Strong's number is H8451. It is the word behind "Law (Torah)" in both Testaments, for example in Psalm 119:105.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Law (Torah)"?
Psalm 119:105 — "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 3:20, Matthew 5:17.
Related Words
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Continue your study with related content from across our library:
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.
Selah (סֶלָה (Selah))
A musical or liturgical pause meaning 'stop and reflect'
Strong's H5542 — Selah
סֶלָה (Selah) • A musical or liturgical pause meaning 'stop and reflect'
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Life, atonement, and covenant with God.
Biblical Meaning of Fire in a Dream (KJV)
God's presence, purification, and judgment.
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