Jewish 101: Tanakh
What Is the Tanakh?
The Tanakh is the Hebrew Bible, the foundational collection of sacred writings for the Jewish people, and the scriptures that Yeshua and his disciples knew, quoted, and lived by. The word Tanakh is an acronym formed from its three parts: Torah, the law or teaching; Nevi'im, the prophets; and Ketuvim, the writings. Together, they tell the story of God's creation, the covenant, and the redemption, from Genesis to the return from exile.
The Three Parts
The Torah lays the foundation: the story of creation, the call of Abraham, the Exodus, and the giving of the law at Sinai. The prophets continue the narrative, describing Israel's life in the land, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and God's call through his messengers to return to faithfulness. The writings include poetry, wisdom, and reflection: the songs of David, the proverbs of Solomon, and the laments and praises that shaped Israel's worship and hope.
One Revelation Over a Thousand Years
The Tanakh was written in Hebrew, with a few passages in Aramaic, over a period of more than a thousand years. It is not merely a record of history, but a revelation of God's character, his justice, mercy, and steadfast love. It reveals a God who acts in history and invites his people into covenant relationship.
The Tanakh in the Time of Yeshua
By the time of Yeshua, the Tanakh was, for the most part, already considered complete and authoritative. He refers to it simply as the scriptures, often quoting from it and explaining his mission through it:
Everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.
One Continuous Story
For believers today, the Tanakh remains essential, the background and foundation of the New Testament. It is not a separate book, but the first part of the same divine story, one continuous revelation that begins in Genesis and finds its fulfillment in Revelation.
The Tanakh is the living word that points to the Messiah and shows how God's promises to Israel continue to unfold, giving hope to all people.
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Yehuda Bachana
Netivyah Staff
Yehuda is the director of Netivyah and leader of ‘Roeh Israel.’ An IDF reservist and certified tour guide born into the original homegroup in 1979, he has served since 2002, teaching globally with deep scriptural passion. Lydia and Yehuda have three children.
Glossary
Covenant (brit, בְּרִית) means a sacred agreement or bond between parties, such as between God and His people.
Ketuvim (כְּתוּבִים) means “Writings” and refers to the third major section of the Tanakh. The Ketuvim consist of poetical and historical books, such as Proverbs, Psalms, and 1 and 2 Chronicles.
Nevi’im (נְבִיאִים) means “Prophets” and refers to the second major section of the Tanakh, which consists of prophet books such as 1 & 2 Samuel, Jeremiah, and the Twelve Minor Prophets.
Redemption (ge'ulah, גְּאֻלָּה) means being rescued or bought back, and refers to God delivering His people from sin, slavery, and death.
Tanakh (תַּנַ״ךְ) is the Hebrew Bible and refers to the three-part collection of Scripture: Torah “Instruction,” Nevi’im “Prophets,” and Ketuvim “Writings.”
Torah (תּוֹרָה) means “instruction” or “teaching” and often refers especially to the Five Books of Moses. Psalm 119:1 reminds us that those who walk in God's Torah are blessed.
Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) is the Hebrew name of Jesus, meaning "salvation"
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