8452. torah

Lexical Summary

torah: Law, Instruction, Teaching

Original Word: תּוֹרָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: towrah
Pronunciation: toh-RAH
Phonetic Spelling: (to-raw')
KJV: manner
Word Origin: [probably feminine of H8448 (תּוֹר - Dove)]

1. a custom

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

law

Probably feminine of towr; a custom -- manner.

see HEBREW towr

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
probably fem. of tor, q.v.

Topical Lexicon

Biblical Setting

The solitary occurrence of תּוֹרָה (H8452) appears in 2 Samuel 7:19 during the pivotal scene in which the prophet Nathan delivers the Davidic Covenant: “Yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD. You have also spoken about the future of Your servant’s house. Is this the law for mankind, O Lord GOD?”. David responds in awe that the covenant promises given to him constitute a divinely established “law” or “charter” that reaches far beyond his own dynasty.

Context in 2 Samuel 7:19

1. Covenant Framework: The term functions within covenant language. It encapsulates the newly revealed divine policy for the king’s house—an enduring dynasty culminating in an eternal King (2 Samuel 7:12–16).
2. Universal Horizon: David recognizes that the covenant is not parochial but “for mankind,” indicating that the scope of the promise ultimately enfolds all nations (compare Genesis 12:3; Isaiah 55:3–5).
3. Worshipful Response: David’s prayer (2 Samuel 7:18–29) models how revelation of God’s purposes fuels adoration, thanksgiving, and humble petition.

Theological Significance

• Revelation of Divine Intent: The word underscores that God’s redemptive plan is not improvised; it is codified instruction, fixed and reliable.
• Continuity with Mosaic Instruction: While distinct from the Sinai legislation, this covenant “law” harmonizes with earlier Torah by advancing the storyline toward messianic fulfillment rather than replacing prior revelation (Psalm 89:3–4, 34–37).
• Foundation for Messianic Hope: The promised eternal throne finds its ultimate realization in Jesus Christ, “the root and the offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16). New Testament writers repeatedly ground Jesus’ kingship in this covenant (Luke 1:32–33; Acts 2:30–36).

Messianic and Eschatological Implications

The Davidic “torah” secures:

1. An eternal kingly line (1 Chronicles 17:14).
2. A perpetual kingdom characterized by justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6–7).
3. Universal blessing as Gentiles share in Davidic salvation (Acts 15:15–18; Romans 15:8–12).

Intertextual Echoes

Though H8452 is unique, its conceptual relatives recur:
• “Statute for Israel” (1 Samuel 30:25).
• “Covenant of peace” (Ezekiel 37:26).
• “New covenant” (Jeremiah 31:31–34).

These passages highlight a pattern—God grants authoritative directives that shape His people’s destiny and worship.

Practical Ministry Applications

1. Gospel Preaching: Show that the gospel traces back to the Davidic Covenant; Christ fulfils the promised charter (Romans 1:1–4).
2. Worship Leadership: Emulate David’s posture—receive revelation with humility, recount God’s past faithfulness, and appeal to His covenant word in prayer.
3. Discipleship: Ground assurance in God’s unbreakable covenant commitments, fostering confidence amid unstable earthly circumstances.

Summary

Strong’s H8452 marks the Davidic Covenant as a divinely authored “instruction” that secures an everlasting throne, propels the messianic hope, and extends blessing to all humanity. Its lone appearance magnifies its weight: one word, strategically placed, anchors centuries of biblical theology and calls the church to trust and proclaim the King whose reign it guarantees.

Forms and Transliterations

תּוֹרַ֥ת תורת tō·w·raṯ toRat tōwraṯ

Englishman's Concordance

2 Samuel 7:19
HEB: לְמֵֽרָח֑וֹק וְזֹ֛את תּוֹרַ֥ת הָאָדָ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֥י
KJV: for a great while to come. And [is] this the manner of man,
INT: the distant likewise the manner of man Lord

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 8452
1 Occurrence

tō·w·raṯ — 1 Occ.