Tanakh.Info is a polyglot online Bible that presents the Hebrew Bible alongside its ancient versions in parallel: the Masoretic Text, Samaritan Pentateuch, Aramaic Targums, Syriac Peshitta, Greek Septuagint, Old Latin, and Latin Vulgate, as well as the Greek translations of Aquila of Sinope, Theodotion, and Symmachus. Not everyone is proficient in the languages of these ancient versions of the Tanakh, nor does everyone possess sufficient knowledge to evaluate their textual evidence. Therefore, Tanakh.Info aims to provide English translations of all the important ancient versions of the Tanakh and seeks to assist students in evaluating the textual evidence effectively.
The Original Text of the Hebrew Bible
We do not possess the original manuscripts of the Holy Scriptures. What we have today are copies of the copies of the copies of the autographs. As careful as copyists may be, when something is copied by hand over a few thousand years, mistakes are bound to happen. For example, the copyist of the Masoretic text made an error of omission in Genesis 4:8 :
וַיֹּאמֶר קַיִן אֶל־הֶבֶל אָחִיו וַֽיְהִי בִּהְיֹותָם בַּשָּׂדֶה וַיָּקָם קַיִן אֶל־הֶבֶל אָחִיו וַיַּהַרְגֵֽהוּ׃
And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. (King James Version)
In order to make sense of the sentence, the translator of KJV had to translate
וַיֹּאמֶר קַיִן אֶל־הֶבֶל as “And Cain talked with Abel” instead of “And Cain said to Abel”;
compare KJV’s translation of
וַיֹּאמֶר קַיִן אֶל־הֶבֶל (And Cain talked with Abel) in Gen 4:8
with KJV’s translation of
וַיֹּאמֶר קַיִן אֶל־יְהוָה (And Cain said unto the LORD) in Gen 4:13.
Fortunately, we have ancient versions of the Bible that can be used for cross checking and verification of the accuracy of textual transmission of the Hebrew Bible. Based on the Hebrew text of Gen 4:8 preserved by the Samaritans, the Hebrew text is corrected to
ויאמר קין אל הבל אחיו נלכה השדה ויהי בהיותם בשדה ויקם קין אל הבל אחיו ויהרגהו׃
And Qayin said to Habel his brother, “Let us go to the field.” And it came to pass when they were in the field, that Qayin rose up against Habel his brother, and killed him.
This reading is supported by the Septuagint, the Peshitta, the Vetus Latina, and the Vulgate.
Gen 4:8 [Septuagint]
καὶ εἶπεν Κάιν πρὸς Ἅβελ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ Διέλθωμεν εἰς τὸ πεδίον. καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτοὺς ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ καὶ ἀνέστη Κάιν ἐπὶ Ἅβελ τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀπέκτεινεν αὐτόν.
And Kain said to Habel his brother, “Let us go to the plain.” And it came to pass that when they were in the plain Kain rose up against Habel his brother, and killed him.Gen 4:8 [Peshitta]
ܘܐܡܼܪ ܩܐܝܢ ܠܗܒܝܠ ܐܚܘܗܝ܂ ܢܪܕܐ ܠܦܩܥܬܐ܂ ܘܗܘܼܐ ܕܟܕ ܗܼܢܘܢ ܒܚܩܠܐ ܂ ܩܡ ܩܐܝܢ ܥܠ ܗܒܝܠ ܐܚܘܗܝ ܘܩܛܠܗ܂
And Qayin said to Habil his brother, “Let us go to the plain.” And it came to pass when they were in the field, that Qayin rose up against Habil his brother, and killed him.Gen 4:8 [Old Latin (Vetus Latina)]
Et dixit Cain ad Abel fratrem suum : Eamus in campum. Et factum est, cum essent ipsi in campo, insurrexit Cain super Abel fratrem suum, et occidit eum.
And Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let us go to the field.” And when they were by themselves in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and killed him.Gen 4:8 [Vulgate]
Dixitque Cain ad Abel fratrem suum egrediamur foras cumque essent in agro consurrexit Cain adversus fratrem suum Abel et interfecit eum.
And Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let us go outside.” When they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him.
Tanakh.Info’s Hebrew Bible Project aims at producing:
- A new critical text of the Hebrew Bible that is as close as possible to the original text.
- A new English translation for the Hebrew Bible and its ancient versions (Septuagint, Peshitta, Targums, Vetus Latina, and Vulgate).
- A comprehensive critical apparatus.
- A textual commentary for every verse in the Tanakh.
- A PDF version of the Tanakh that will be made available for download.
What does TaNaKh mean?
TaNaKh (תַּנַ”ךְ) also spelled Tanach, Tenakh, or Tenak is an acronym formed from the initial Hebrew letters of the three traditional subdivisions of the Hebrew Bible:
- Torah תּוֹרָה (Law)
- Nevi’im נְבִיאִים (Prophets)
- Ketuvim כְּתוּבִים (Writings)
Tanakh is also called “Miqra” (מקרא), meaning “that which is read.” The term Miqra emphasizes the oral and public reading tradition of the Hebrew Scriptures, reflecting their use in worship, study, and community gatherings. This designation highlights the significance of the text being actively engaged with through reading and interpretation, rather than just being a static written work.
A Guide to the Hebrew Bible
The term TaNaKh (תַּנַ״ךְ) is the traditional Jewish designation for the Hebrew Bible. It’s an acronym, combining the initial Hebrew letters of its three sections: Torah (תּוֹרָה), Nevi’im (נְבִיאִים), and Ketuvim (כְּתוּבִים). Each part carries unique literary and spiritual significance, forming the foundation of Jewish theology, ethics, and identity. Let’s explore each section to understand what makes the TaNaKh a cornerstone of religious heritage and literary brilliance.
1. Torah (Teaching or Law)
The Torah, often translated as “Teaching” or “Law,” comprises the first five books of the Bible—Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. In Jewish tradition, these books are known collectively as the Chumash (חומש), meaning “five-part,” and are considered divinely revealed teachings given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
The Torah is more than a historical narrative; it is the spiritual and ethical bedrock of Judaism. It contains the creation story, the accounts of the patriarchs and matriarchs, the Exodus from Egypt, and the commandments, which guide Jewish life and values. The Torah addresses fundamental questions about God, humanity, and the covenant between God and the people of Israel.
2. Nevi’im (Prophets)
The Nevi’im or “Prophets” make up the second section of the TaNaKh, and it includes both historical narratives and prophetic teachings. This section is divided into two parts: the Former Prophets—books like Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings, which continue the story of Israel’s history—and the Latter Prophets, which include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the Twelve Minor Prophets.
The Nevi’im explore Israel’s relationship with God, especially focusing on themes like justice, repentance, and divine guidance. The prophets called upon the people to return to ethical conduct and obedience to God’s covenant. Their messages are often poetic, filled with vivid imagery and powerful calls for social justice and moral responsibility.
3. Ketuvim (Writings)
The Ketuvim, or “Writings,” is a diverse collection of books, reflecting various literary forms and themes. It includes poetry (such as Psalms and Lamentations), wisdom literature (such as Proverbs and Ecclesiastes), and narrative works (such as Ruth, Esther, and Job). The Ketuvim also contains the book of Daniel, which combines narrative and visions of apocalyptic prophecy, as well as the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which recount the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem after exile.
Each book in Ketuvim offers unique insights into human experiences and emotions, whether through Psalms’ lyrical expressions of praise and lament or Job’s exploration of suffering and divine justice. Together, the Ketuvim capture the breadth of Jewish thought, celebrating life’s joys, pondering its mysteries, and confronting its challenges.
The Structure and Significance of TaNaKh
The TaNaKh is distinct in both structure and content from the Christian Old Testament. Jewish tradition arranges the books differently, reflecting different theological emphases and literary categories. Moreover, the TaNaKh’s canonical sequence—from Torah, through Nevi’im, to Ketuvim—tells a story of creation, covenant, prophecy, and wisdom, weaving together the diverse voices and genres that form the Hebrew Bible.
Legacy and Influence
The TaNaKh is not only the primary religious text of Judaism but also a foundational text of Western civilization. Its influence extends beyond religious boundaries, inspiring countless generations in areas of law, literature, art, and ethics. The TaNaKh’s teachings on justice, mercy, and the pursuit of holiness continue to resonate in various cultures and traditions.
In summary, the TaNaKh—the Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim—is a profound work of divine wisdom and literary artistry, cherished as the sacred narrative and covenant of the Jewish people. Its stories, laws, and wisdom have shaped and inspired generations, making the TaNaKh not only a religious text but a timeless contribution to human culture and understanding.