Differences in the Order of the TaNaK and the Four-Part Division of the English Bible

Lesallan – August 20, 2024

Differences in the Order of the TaNaK and the Four-Part Division of the English Bible

The TaNaK, also known as the Hebrew Bible, is not simply a collection of books; it reflects the historical context in which it was written. It is divided into three main sections. The first section is the Torah, which includes the first five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The second section is the Nevi’im, or Prophets, which is divided into the Former Prophets (Joshua et al. and Kings) and the Latter Prophets (Isaiah et al. and the Twelve Minor Prophets). The third section, known as the Ketuvim, or Writings, consists of a diverse collection of books, including Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles.

The Old Testament in the traditional English (Protestant) Bible is not only a religious text, but also a spiritual journey divided into four main sections, each holding its own spiritual significance. The first section comprises the Pentateuch (Law), consisting of the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The next section consists of the Historical Books, including Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. The third section encompasses the Poetical Books, featuring Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Songs. The fourth section includes the Prophetical Books: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets (NIV).

The primary distinction lies in the scholarly approach to organizing and classifying books. The TaNaK arranges the books according to their literary genre and historical context, a methodology that embodies the academic rigor of biblical studies. This approach stimulates intellectual curiosity and deepens understanding. In contrast, the English Bible categorizes them based on their content and purpose.

Evidence from the New Testament:  In Luke 24:44 (NIV), Jesus refers to the Hebrew Scriptures using the three-part division: ‘He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.’ This spiritual connection to the TaNaK’s order when reading the Hebrew Scriptures (New International Version, 2019) is a powerful testament to the enduring significance of the TaNaK. It underscores the weight of its importance and its lasting impact on biblical literature, making the audience feel the profound weight of its importance.

Importance of the Torah for the Rest of the Old Testament. The Torah, or the Pentateuch, is not just a part of the Bible, it is the foundation upon which the entire Bible is built. It lays the groundwork for the themes, laws, and narratives that are expanded upon in the rest of the Old Testament. The Torah introduces key concepts such as creation, covenant, sin, and redemption, which are essential for understanding the rest of the biblical narrative. The laws and commandments given in the Torah serve as the basis for the moral and ethical teachings found throughout the Bible (Thirdmill, 2020).

One of the interpretative approaches highlighted in the ThirdMill Ministries video is the “Historical-Grammatical Method” (Thirdmill, 2020). This method emphasizes comprehending the historical context and grammatical structure of the text. It involves scrutinizing the original language, cultural backdrop, and the author’s intention to accurately interpret the text’s meaning. This approach aids in grasping the Bible within its original context and applying its insights to contemporary life (Thirdmill, 2020).

In conclusion, understanding the differences in the order and division of the TaNaK and the English Bible enhances our comprehension of the biblical texts and their historical contexts. The TaNaK’s three-part division reflects the Jewish tradition and emphasizes the literary genres and historical settings of the books. In contrast, the English Bible’s four-part division categorizes the books based on their content and purpose, aligning with the Christian tradition. Recognizing these distinctions allows us to appreciate the richness and diversity of the biblical canon and underscores the importance of the Torah as the foundation for the entire biblical narrative. By employing interpretative methods like the Historical-Grammatical Method, we can delve deeper into the original context of the scriptures and apply their timeless truths to our contemporary lives.

Blessings In Christ,

Lesallan

References:

New International Version. (2019). New international version Bible – read free online. Bible

 Study Tools. https://www.biblestudytools.com/niv/

The Bible Project. (2018). Overview: TaNaK / Old Testament. In YouTube.

Thirdmill. (2020). The Pentateuch: Lesson 1 – Introduction to the Pentateuch. In YouTube.