Glossary · Biblical Hebrew

torah

תּוֹרָה

Instruction; direction; law.

Tagged: Jewish

Technical Meaning

God's instruction to Israel: narrowly the five books of Moses, broadly the whole body of teaching, written and oral. 'Law' renders it only in part; its root sense is a pointing of the way.

More Hebrew Terms

  • emet — Firmness; faithfulness; truth.
  • hesed — Steadfast love; covenant loyalty; mercy.
  • mashiach — Anointed one.
  • mitzvot — Commandments.
  • ruach — Breath; wind; spirit.

Related Across the Site

  • Biblical Aramaic Language — The Aramaic of Daniel and Ezra, distinct from the later Syriac dialect, and the language of the Targums.
  • Biblical Hebrew Language — The original language of the Hebrew Bible, preserved in the square script with Tiberian vocalization, and still the language of Jewish prayer.
  • St Andrews Encyclopaedia of Theology Library — An open-access, multi-author theological reference with advanced articles on Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
  • Amidah Prayer or Creed — The standing prayer at the center of every Jewish prayer service, recited silently while standing.
  • Birkat HaMazon Prayer or Creed — The Grace After Meals, a set of blessings of thanksgiving recited after eating a meal with bread.
  • Kaddish Prayer or Creed — An Aramaic prayer sanctifying God's name, best known in its form recited by mourners.
  • Shema Prayer or Creed — Judaism's central affirmation of the one God, drawn from Deuteronomy 6:4 and recited morning and evening.
  • Judaism World View — Judaism is the covenant faith of the people of Israel: one God chose them, gave them his Torah, and calls them to holiness and justice in this world.