What is the Hebrew Bible?

Definition and Terminology

The Hebrew Bible, often referred to in Jewish tradition as the Tanakh, is the collection of sacred Scriptures originally written in Hebrew (with small portions in Aramaic). In Christian contexts, this same compilation aligns with the books commonly called the Old Testament, though the order and grouping of the books differ. The word “Tanakh” is an acronym formed from its three main sections: Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

Canonical Scope and Organization

While many Christian Old Testaments contain thirty-nine books, the Hebrew Bible typically numbers them as twenty-four. Each of the same writings is present, but certain books that Christians separate (such as 1 and 2 Samuel) are combined in the Hebrew Bible. The order in the Tanakh also differs, placing some of the writings and prophets in different positions. Regardless of arrangement, these texts share a unified narrative from creation to the post-exilic era, detailing historical events, moral teachings, and covenants between God and His people.

Language and Manuscript Tradition

Originally recorded primarily in Biblical Hebrew, select passages—such as portions of Ezra and Daniel—are in Aramaic. Scripture was meticulously transmitted through the scribal tradition, culminating in the Masoretic Text. The Masoretes, active around the 6th to 10th centuries AD, added vowel points and pronunciation marks to standardize reading. This scrupulous care is evident when comparing ancient manuscripts, such as those discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, which attest to the overall consistency and reliability of the text.

Major Sections of the Hebrew Bible

1. Torah (Law): Comprising Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These five books narrate the creation (Genesis 1:1), the patriarchal histories (Genesis 26:3–5), Israel’s exodus from Egypt (Exodus 14:29–31), and the giving of the Law at Sinai (Exodus 20:1–17).

2. Nevi’im (Prophets): Divided into the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) and the Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets). They recount Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:1–2), their governance under judges and kings, the covenantal calls through prophets, and warnings about exile.

3. Ketuvim (Writings): Encompassing poetic and wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs, Job), the five Megillot (Ruth, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, Esther), and concluding historical books (Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles). These works include prayers, songs, and reflections on human experience, highlighting themes of faith, suffering, and divine sovereignty.

Historical Transmission and Preservation

Over centuries, scribes carefully copied each letter. Textual checks and balances, such as counting characters and cross-checking copies, aimed to ensure minimal variance. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the mid-20th century provided a significant window into the textual faithfulness of the Hebrew Bible, confirming passages from Isaiah, the Psalms, and other books with an accuracy that remains highly regarded in the field of textual criticism.

Relationship to Christian Old Testament

Most Christian traditions affirm the same content but often re-arrange the books into a four-part structure: Pentateuch, Historical Books, Wisdom/Poetical Books, and Prophets. While the theological focus may include direct connections to New Testament revelation, the Hebrew Bible itself maintains a central position in Judaism, informing doctrine, ethics, and worship.

Foreshadowing and Messianic Expectation

Passages within the Hebrew Bible often carry themes that many interpret as allusions or direct prophecies of redemption and a coming Messiah (e.g., Isaiah 53:3–5; Psalm 22:16–18). Such texts have long been studied for their spiritual and historical import, indicating a divine plan from the earliest chapters of Genesis (Genesis 3:15) onward.

Use in Worship and Study

Jewish and Christian communities alike treat the Hebrew Bible as foundational Scripture. In synagogues, public readings follow a yearly or triennial cycle, focusing primarily on the Torah and selected portions from the Prophets (called Haftarah). In Christian churches, teachings from the Old Testament are often integrated with New Testament references, providing a complete canonical perspective.

Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

Artifacts such as the Tel Dan Stele (which references the “House of David”) and the Moabite Stone (mentioning Israel’s ancient conflicts) offer external historical witness to figures and events mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. The Siloam Inscription, discovered in Hezekiah’s tunnel in Jerusalem, further demonstrates the accuracy of the biblical account regarding King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:20).

Theological and Devotional Value

The Hebrew Bible teaches key doctrines about the nature of God, the purpose of creation, the moral framework set forth in the Law, and the covenantal relationship extending from ancient Israel to the present. It establishes the underpinnings for the concept of redemption, culminating in the narrative of salvation.

Conclusion

As the sacred Scriptures shared by both Jewish and Christian traditions, the Hebrew Bible presents a comprehensive account of history, law, poetry, and prophecy. Its careful preservation across millennia and consistent message of divine faithfulness and human responsibility display a remarkable coherence. Whether studied for historical context, theological truth, or devotional growth, the Hebrew Bible stands as a foundational cornerstone, maintaining a vital influence on religious belief and practice worldwide.