7 Difference between Hebrew Bible and Torah (With Table)

There are so many religions with different types of scriptures. These holy books provide a source where the followers seek spiritual nourishment.

Hebrew Bible and Torah are two terms commonly used by Jewish people. These terms can be confusing to those people without a clue about the Jewish religion.

So, what is the main difference between Hebrew bible and torah? A Hebrew bible is a collection of scriptures whereas Torah refers to teachings derived from the first five books of the holy bible.

Hebrew Bible is the holy book of Jewish people and has some close similarities to the Christian bible. This sacred book is structured into Torah, Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim.

Torah is a section of the Hebrew bible and comprises Numbers, Leviticus, Exodus, Genesis, and Deuteronomy. These subdivisions of the Torah are accredited to Moses and play a vital role in Jewish people’s culture.

This article provides a detailed insight into the differences between the Hebrew Bible and Torah in a tabular form. Take the time to also read the similarities between the Hebrew Bible and Torah.

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Comparison Table (Hebrew Bible vs Torah)

Basic Terms	Hebrew Bible	Torah
Meaning	It is a sacred book for Jewish people and contains a set of 24 books.	It is a section of the Hebrew bible that offers teachings on the laws of Moses.
Collection	Has a total of 24 books	Has a total of five books
Significance	Provide spiritual nourishment in all circumstances	Offer teachings on various laws.
Author	The 24 books have been written by different authors.	All five books were written by Moses.
Main Divisions	Have three sections such as Torah, Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim.	Have five sections such as Genesis, Deuteronomy, Numbers, Leviticus, and Exodus.
Public Reading Started	2^nd Century CE	4^th Century CE
Alternative Name	Tanakh	Law of Moses

What Is a Hebrew Bible?

A Hebrew bible is also known as Tanakh. It is a collection of holy books of Jewish people. It is structured into Torah, Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim.

The holy book is quite similar to the Christian bible and it consists of old writings or scriptures. These writings provide spiritual nourishment to the Jewish people in any circumstance.

The first six books of the Hebrew bible provide the past and study of the Israelites. The next seven books of the Hebrew bible give a vivid description of the life story of the Israeli people.

The last eleven books contain verses, past stories, and greed. If you are looking to understand the Jewish culture, consider reading the Hebrew Bible.

What Is Torah?

Torah is an important section of the Hebrew people. It is further subdivided into Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Numbers, and Leviticus.

These subsections have been accredited to Moses. Torah is also known as the Laws of Moses according to the Jewish people.

Torah provides teachings on the Jewish people’s culture and living. Many people believe that Torah was paradise before it was given to Moses.

The section of the Hebrew Bible contains about 613 orders of God. It is written in Hebrew language and got to the public about the 4^th century CE.

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Main Difference between Hebrew Bible and Torah

Hebrew Bible is the holy scripture of Jewish people. Torah is a section of the Hebrew bible.
Hebrew bible has a set of 24 books. Torah is subdivided into five books.
Hebrew Bible is also called Tanakh. Torah is also known as the Laws of Moses.
Hebrew bible main units are Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim. Torah’s main units are Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Numbers, and Leviticus.
Hebrew bible offer teaching relating to the culture and tradition of the Jewish religion. Torah provides teachings on human life and the way of living.

Similarities between Hebrew Bible and Torah

Both written in the Hebrew language
Both contain holy scriptures for Jewish people
Both provide teachings on human life and Jewish people’s culture.

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In Conclusion (Tanakh vs Torah)

Both the Hebrew Bible and Torah contain religious texts on human living, culture, and way of life. These religious texts are followed by Jewish people and have close similarities to Christian Bible.

The core difference between the Hebrew Bible and Torah is that the former is a sacred book of the Jews while the latter is a section of the Hebrew bible.

Hebrew Bible is also known as Tanakh and Torah as Books of Moses. Hebrew bible contains religious texts and prayers for spiritual nourishment.

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