The word “Torah” is a Hebrew term meaning “instruction” or “teaching,” though it is most commonly translated into English as “the Law.”

Specifically, the Torah refers to the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These books are also known as the Pentateuch (a Greek word meaning the “five scrolls”). Jewish and Christian tradition attributes the authorship of the Torah to Moses, as received from God.

The Torah is a broad revelation, addressing the creation of all things, the entrance sin into the world, God’s covenants with humanity and the giving of divine decrees. It has a variety of literary contents.

• Poetry
• Narrative prose
• Moral Law
• Ceremonial Law
• Civil Law

In the New Testament, the Torah is affirmed as God’s inspired word (2 Tim 3:16). Jesus stated He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfil it (Matt 5:17). The apostle Paul explains that the Law’s primary purpose is to reveal sin (Rom 3:20) and act as a “tutor to lead us to Christ” (Gal 3:24), showing humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness on its own and its need for God’s grace.