Old Testament

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English Olde Testament, calqued from Latin Vetus Testāmentum. Old refers to ancientness, not to obsolescence. Equivalent to a retronym, by comparison with the New Testament. === Pronunciation === === Proper noun === the Old Testament (religion, chiefly Christianity) The first major part of the Christian Bible, covering events before the coming of Christ, corresponding roughly to the Jewish Tanakh. Usually subdivided into the categories of law, history, poetry (or wisdom books), and prophecy. Coordinate term: New Testament ==== Usage notes ==== Old Testament is the most common English term used by Christians to refer to the first major part of the Christian Bible. Old means “ancient”, “having great(er) age” here, not “superseded” or “obsolete”. In Biblical scholarship the term Hebrew Bible is preferred nowadays. The use of this term is considered offensive by some Jews, based on the misconception that Old suggests that the Tanach has been superseded by Christian scriptures. The corresponding adjective is vetero-testamentary. ==== Derived terms ==== Old Testamental ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === Old Testament (comparative more Old Testament, superlative most Old Testament) (often humorous) Reminiscent of the content of the Old Testament, or of the behavior of God in it; especially dramatic, violent or vengeful. === See also === Hebrew Scriptures Tanakh Final Testament