Bible

The Hebrew Bible, also known as the Tanakh or Jewish Bible, is the foundational collection of Hebrew scriptures. It is traditionally divided into three parts: the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), the Nevi'im (the Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). Throughout history, various Jewish traditions and related groups have recognized different versions of this canon. Notable among these are the Septuagint, a Greek translation from the 3rd century BCE; the Samaritan Pentateuch; the Dead Sea Scrolls; and the Masoretic Text, a medieval compilation from the 7th to 10th centuries CE that is currently authoritative in Rabbinic Judaism.

Scholars often use the term 'Hebrew Bible' to refer to these scriptures neutrally, acknowledging their original language and transmission by Jewish people. While the Masoretic Text is the most recent authoritative version, ancient texts like the Septuagint and Samaritan Pentateuch show significant differences, leading some to theorize the existence of an earlier, undiscovered 'Urtext'. The Hebrew Bible shares many similarities with the Christian Old Testament, though arrangements and inclusions of certain books (like the Deuterocanonical books) differ.

The Tanakh is an acronym derived from the initial Hebrew letters of its three main divisions: Torah ('Instruction' or 'Law'), Nevi'im ('Prophets'), and Ketuvim ('Writings'). This tripartite structure is well-documented in Rabbinic literature. During the period when the Masoretic Text was compiled, the term 'Mikra' or 'Miqra', meaning 'reading', was more common, as these texts were read publicly. The acronym 'Tanakh' emerged later. While 'Hebrew Bible' is often preferred by scholars for its neutrality, 'Tanakh' remains widely used. The scriptures are primarily in Biblical Hebrew, with some passages in Biblical Aramaic, particularly in the books of Daniel and Ezra.

The Tanakh encompasses a diverse range of literary genres, including historical narratives, legal codes within the Torah, wisdom literature (like Proverbs), hymns (Psalms), and prophecy. Some prophetic works are considered apocalyptic or proto-apocalyptic. A central and revolutionary theme is monotheism, the worship of a single God, which distinguished Israelite religion from the polytheistic cultures of the ancient Near East. The relationship between God and Israel is often described as a covenant, involving divine guidance, protection, and the promise of the Land. Ethical requirements such as social justice, care for the vulnerable, and ritual purity are also prominent, alongside discussions of theodicy—the problem of evil and suffering in the presence of a just God.

The biblical narrative begins with creation and the patriarchal lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, tracing the origins of the twelve tribes of Israel. The story continues with the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, their miraculous Exodus, and a 40-year period of wandering in the wilderness, during which the Law of Moses was given. After conquering the Promised Land, the Israelites were led by judges. The establishment of a monarchy, beginning with King Saul and continuing with King David, marks a significant shift, leading to the united Kingdom of Israel. The narrative details divine promises, covenants, ethical demands, and the consequences of adherence or deviation from God's commands.