The Difference Between tôwrâh and mitsvâh

Within the Hebrew of the Bible, tôwrâh (תּוֹרָה, H8451) and mitsvâh (מִצְוָה, H4687) are related but distinct concepts. tôwrâh is most often rendered "law.", while mitsvâh emphasizes "commanded". Understanding the difference between these words illuminates the precise shade of meaning the original author intended.

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תּוֹרָה vs מִצְוָה

tôwrâh and mitsvâh

תּוֹרָה

a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch

H8451

Exegetical Meaning

a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch | Etymology: or תֹּרָה; from H3384 (יָרָה); | KJV: law.

Origin

Root form

English Glosses

law.

Canon Usage

No data

Context Themes

No clusters available

מִצְוָה

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the Law)

H4687