Questions and Answers
How many books does the Hebrew Bible contain?
24 books according to the Jewish tradition; 39 books according to the Christian tradition.
What are the three divisions of the Hebrew Bible according to Jewish tradition?
What are the four divisions of the Bible according to Christian tradition?
What does Tanakh refer to?
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What is the Old Testament?
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Which books are included in the Pentateuch (Torah)?
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What does the term 'Torah' mean?
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What is the main theme of the book of Genesis?
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What does the book of Exodus document?
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What is the primary focus of the book of Leviticus?
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What does the book of Numbers cover?
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Study Notes
Hebrew Bible Overview
- The Hebrew Bible comprises 24 books in Jewish tradition but 39 books as the Old Testament in Christian tradition.
Divisions of the Bible
- The Jewish Bible is organized into three main sections: the Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Kethuvim (Writings).
- Christian Bibles are categorized into four divisions based on content: Law, History, Poetry, and Prophecy.
Tanakh
- Tanakh is the acronym for the Torah, Nevi'im, and Kethuvim, representing the Jewish Bible's tripartite arrangement.
- Unlike the Christian arrangement, which is genre-based, the Tanakh's grouping reflects different social groups in ancient Israel.
Old Testament
- The Old Testament is the initial segment of the Christian Bible, often encompassing 39 books written in Hebrew by the Israelites, including historical, legal, and literary texts.
- Written between 800 and 200 BCE, it outlines the history and heritage of the Israelite people.
Pentateuch (Torah)
- The Pentateuch consists of five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, traditionally believed to be revealed to Moses.
- Modern scholarship suggests these books originate from multiple authors across various time periods in Israel's history.
- The Pentateuch narrates the history of Israel, including creation, foundational figures, and laws, culminating with Moses' death.
Individual Books of the Torah
- Torah: The Hebrew term for the Pentateuch, central to Jewish teaching and law.
- Genesis: The first book detailing creation, early humanity, and key figures like Cain, Abraham, and Joseph.
- Exodus: The second book, chronicling the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt under divine guidance.
- Leviticus: The third book focused primarily on laws regarding religious practices, societal rights, and priestly duties.
- Numbers: The fourth book, recounting the Israelites' 38-year journey in the wilderness, continuing the narrative from Exodus.
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Test your knowledge of the Hebrew Bible with these flashcards. Explore its structure, the number of books, and the divisions recognized in both Jewish and Christian traditions. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of religious studies.