The meaning of “תּוֹרָה”
Understanding tôwrâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or תֹּרָה tôrâh (to-raw'); from יָרָה law. - a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch 1) law, direct...
תּוֹרָה
or תֹּרָה tôrâh (to-raw'); from יָרָה law. - a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 26:5 | “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Word: תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh) | |
| Joshua 8:34 | “And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law.” Word: תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh) | |
| Ezra 7:10 | “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Word: תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh) | |
| Isaiah 30:9 | “That this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord:” Word: תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh) | |
| Hosea 8:1 | “Set the trumpet to thy mouth. He shall come as an eagle against the house of the Lord, because they have transgressed my covenant, and trespassed against my law.” Word: תּוֹרָה (tôwrâh) |
Usage Statistics
Theological Word Study: Law
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Law, instruction
The Hebrew Torah (תּוֹרָה) means law or instruction—God's revealed will for His people. The Law includes moral, civil, and ceremonial commandments, revealing God's character and humanity's need for a Savior.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Law
The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10).