The Three-Fold Division of Scripture

[Spyridon]

How old is the three-fold division of the Tanakh? How did it originate?

[Spyridon]

Does anyone know? I appreciate it.

[Majorthinker]

It is a natural division: The first five books were what Moshe himself wrote. The next section, Neviim, is from the prophets, a bit later. These were what the prophets themselves, or their students, wrote down. And the third section is everything else- Tehillim, megilot, etc.

IIRC, the Anshei Kneset Hag'dola went through everything and weeded out that which was not necessary for generations.

[Spyridon]

Is there evidence of the three-fold division dating before the first century?

[Majorthinker]

As I am not a history maven, and do not know exactly when the first century C.E. starts, I cannot say. Also, unless you are Israeli, you should not be posting right now, since the holiday is not yet out.