The Real Meaning of Torah

The Giving of the Torah

This week Jews around the world celebrated the biblical festival of Shavuot or Pentecost, commemorating the giving of the Torah (תורה) on Mount Sinai. The word Torah is usually used as Jewish synonym for Scripture. But it does not only refer to the Five Books of Moses. It can refer more broadly to all religious learning, from Genesis to the most modern commentary. In Hebrew, the word means "instruction" and comes from a surprising source.

An Arrow of faith

The Hebrew word Torah comes from the root YRH (ירה), literally meaning "to shoot an arrow." In the Bible this word is usually reserved for military or hunting exploits, like the famous biblical account of David and Jonathan. We read, "I will shoot three arrows to the side of it, as though I were shooting at a target" (1 Samuel 20.20). The word "shoot" in Hebrew is Yoreh, from the same root YRH. But how is shooting connected to instruction?
 

Let Hebrew instruct you

Hitting the target is the common denominator. A great teacher - in Hebrew moreh מורה - must be an accurate "shooter." He must approach his prey quietly and only then fire arrows of wisdom into the student’s heart and mind, allowing the instruction to take hold. This is the educational philosophy of the Jewish people - enroll in our live online courses and let Biblical Hebrew give you new instruction of the Scriptures.