Tanaj

The Tanakh, also Tanaj, is the canonical collection of Hebrew scriptures sacred in Judaism. The name is an acronym of Torah ("Law"), Nevi'im ("Prophets"), and Ketuvim ("Writings"). It comprises 24 books and is the core of Jewish religious study and law.

Structure: The Torah contains the five books of Moses. Nevi'im includes Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) and Latter Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve). Ketuvim includes poetry, wisdom, and writings (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Chronicles). The arrangement differs from the Christian Old Testament; the 24-book count reflects combined volumes (Samuel, Kings, etc.).

Language and transmission: Written mainly in Biblical Hebrew, with portions in Aramaic (notably in Daniel; Ezra-Nehemiah sometimes cited). Text is transmitted through manuscripts; the Masoretic Text is the standard rabbinic Hebrew text, supplemented by ancient manuscripts such as the Dead Sea Scrolls. Dates of composition span roughly between the 12th and 2nd centuries BCE, with the final canonical form emerging in late antiquity.

Use and influence: Central to Jewish liturgy, theology, and law; studied in synagogue and study houses. The Tanakh also served as the basis for later Jewish commentaries and traditions. It has influenced Christian Old Testament translations; in Christianity the books are often arranged differently and include additional deuterocanonical books in some traditions. The Tanakh has been translated into numerous languages; key translations include the Septuagint and the Masoretic-based Hebrew Bible.