What does the term ‘Torah’ literally mean in Hebrew?

The term ‘Torah’ literally means 'Law' in Hebrew. In the context of Judaism, the Torah refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, which are considered the foundation of Jewish law and teachings. The content of the Torah includes commandments (mitzvot), narratives, and instructions that are central to Jewish religious life.

While 'guidance,' 'wisdom,' and 'history' may describe aspects of the Torah's content or the role it plays in guiding moral and ethical behavior, they do not capture the specific legal connotation that 'law' conveys. The Torah is fundamentally seen as a legal document outlining the covenant between God and the people of Israel, and thus, the literal translation as 'law' aligns closely with its role in Jewish tradition as a source of religious legal authority.