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Pentateuch - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

The Pentateuch refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is also called the Torah in Judaism.

pentateuch

/ˈpɛn.tə.tuk/ /ˈpɛn.tə.tjuːk/

Definition:

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament, traditionally ascribed to Moses.

Synonyms:

Torah, Five Books of Moses, Law of Moses

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

New Testament, Gospels

Common Collocations:

study the Pentateuch, Pentateuch commentary, Pentateuch scrolls

Derivatives:

Pentateuchal, Pentateuchist

Usage Tips:

Use "Pentateuch" when referring to the foundational Jewish scriptures; avoid in casual conversation unless discussing biblical texts.

Common Phrases:

Law of Moses, Books of the Law, Mosaic Code

Etymology:

From Greek "pentateukhos," meaning "five scrolls," referring to the five books attributed to Moses.

Examples:

  • 1. The Pentateuch includes Genesis and Exodus.
  • 2. Scholars debate the authorship of the Pentateuch.
  • 3. The synagogue read from the Pentateuch weekly.
  • 4. Her thesis focused on themes in the Pentateuch.

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