What is the Jewish Bible called?

This blog post will explore what the Jewish Bible is called, its contents, historical development, and its ongoing importance in Jewish life and tradition.

The Name of the Jewish Bible

In the Jewish tradition, the Bible is not referred to as the "Old Testament," a term commonly used in Christian contexts. Instead, it is called the "Tanakh." The word "Tanakh" is an acronym based on the initial Hebrew letters of its three main sections: Torah (Teaching or Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). Together, these form the canon of the Hebrew Scriptures and constitute the core sacred texts of Judaism.

The Structure of the Tanakh

Torah (Teaching or Law)

The Torah is the first and most significant section of the Tanakh. It consists of five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Sometimes called the "Five Books of Moses" or the "Pentateuch," the Torah contains foundational narratives about the creation of the world, the patriarchs and matriarchs of the Jewish people, the Exodus from Egypt, the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, and the journey to the Promised Land. The Torah is central to Jewish worship, religious practice, and identity.

Nevi'im (Prophets)

The Nevi'im, or Prophets, is the second section of the Tanakh. It is divided into two parts: the Former Prophets, which include the historical books of Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, and the Latter Prophets, which include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets. Nevi'im recounts the history of the Israelites in their land, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the messages delivered by prophets who called the people to faithfulness, justice, and repentance.

Ketuvim (Writings)

Ketuvim, meaning "Writings," is the third and final section of the Tanakh. It is a diverse collection that includes poetry, wisdom literature, and historical accounts. Books in this section include Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles. The Writings reflect the breadth of Jewish experience, from spiritual longing and praise to philosophical inquiry and historical record.

The Tanakh Versus the Christian Old Testament

While the Christian Old Testament and the Tanakh contain much of the same material, there are important differences in order, grouping, and sometimes translation. For example, the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles are each divided into two in Christian Bibles, whereas they are single books in the Tanakh.

The order of the books also differs, with the Prophets preceding the Writings in the Tanakh, while the Christian Old Testament concludes with the prophets. Additionally, some Christian traditions include additional books, known as the Apocrypha or Deuterocanonical books, which are not part of the Jewish canon.

The Language of the Jewish Bible

The Tanakh was written primarily in Hebrew, with some sections—particularly in Daniel and Ezra—written in Aramaic. The ancient Hebrew language of the Tanakh is not only a vehicle for religious teachings, but also a cornerstone of Jewish culture and identity. Over time, the Tanakh has been translated into many languages, but Hebrew remains the primary language of study and liturgical use.

The Development and Canonization of the Tanakh

The process by which the books of the Tanakh were written, collected, and canonized took several centuries. The Torah likely reached its final form by the fifth century BCE. The Prophets and Writings were compiled and recognized as authoritative texts over the following centuries. The canonization of the Ketuvim was a gradual process, likely completed by the second century CE.

Jewish tradition holds that the canon was divinely inspired and established by ancient sages. The process involved careful debate and discernment, with criteria such as language, content, and longstanding community acceptance playing key roles. By the time of the early rabbinic period, the contents of the Tanakh were widely recognized within Jewish communities.

The Torah Scroll and Other Formats

While the entire Tanakh is studied and revered, the Torah holds a special place in Jewish worship. It is traditionally written by hand on a scroll (Sefer Torah) by a trained scribe (sofer) in accordance with strict religious laws. The Torah scroll is read in synagogue services and treated with great reverence. The rest of the Tanakh is often found in bound books known as "Chumash" (for the Torah) or "Mikraot Gedolot" (for the full text with commentary).

The Role of the Tanakh in Jewish Life

The Tanakh is not only a religious text, but also a source of law, ethics, inspiration, and cultural identity. Its stories, laws, poetry, and wisdom have shaped Jewish life for millennia. Jewish liturgy, holidays, and rituals are deeply connected to the narratives and commandments found in the Tanakh. Rabbinic tradition has produced extensive commentaries and interpretations, ensuring the Tanakh remains a living document in every generation.

The weekly Torah portion (Parashat HaShavua) is read and studied in synagogues around the world, ensuring that the entire Torah is read each year. The Prophets and Writings are incorporated into prayers, festivals, and life-cycle events. The Tanakh’s teachings continue to inform Jewish responses to contemporary challenges, social justice, and personal growth.

Conclusion

The Jewish Bible is called the Tanakh, an acronym for Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim—the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. More than a collection of ancient texts, the Tanakh is the foundation of Jewish faith, practice, and identity.