08/19/2026
What is Hebrew Roots
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
“What is the Hebrew Roots Movement?”
This is an important question, and it will be addressed throughout this book. However, a brief overview is necessary at the outset.
The following should be kept in mind as you read the rest of the book. Not all adherents to Hebrew Roots concepts will believe everything noted in this book.
The HRM is not a single unified organization. There is a wide array of varying beliefs among those who espouse some form of Hebraic Roots. This fact can make it challenging to identify and discuss some HRM doctrines. It also contributes to significant variation in how the movement is expressed, as some will appear to embrace solid Bible doctrines more consistently than others.
Therefore, readers should not assume that a disagreement with the descriptions in this book invalidates its general observations, as others hold the positions described.
What the Hebrew Roots Movement is NOT
It is not a single organization
Hebrew Roots is not an organized “movement” in the traditional sense of the word. “Movements” are generally identifiable, united groups of people with shared goals and leadership structures. Often, such groups form an organization, at which point the movement may become an institutionalized cult.
At the time of this writing, Hebrew Roots is a loosely connected movement rather than a centralized organization. Some structured groups exist within the broader category; however, there is currently no overarching organization to which they all (or most) belong.
Many within the movement reject formal organizational structures, particularly non-profit corporations, which are often viewed as compromises with governmental oversight.
It is NOT “unified”
This movement is also not fully unified in its beliefs. Broadly, individuals and communities may share overlapping doctrines, but significant differences exist among some of them.
It is not inherently “Christian” in doctrine
To be clear, saying it is not a “Christian” movement does not mean all adherents are not Christians. Many are believers who have been sincerely led into these teachings or have not yet fully examined their implications.
Their teachings often sound highly spiritual and are attractive to those who genuinely love Jesus. Sincere followers of Christ are also lovers of Scripture, and many will eventually come to reevaluate these doctrines in light of the broader testimony of the New Testament.
However, taken as a whole, many of its teachings do not align with sound, Bible-based Christian doctrine.
What the Hebraic Roots movement IS
It is a return to “Judaism”
Hebrew Roots is an effort to return to the perceived “roots” of Christianity. The name itself is fundamentally misleading (which will be discussed in detail in the chapter entitled Heresy in the Name). The underlying philosophy often assumes that Judaism is the foundational root of Christianity and that believers have drifted away from it.
Note: This is not a critique of the Old Testament or the study of Scripture. Jesus Himself affirmed the necessity of all Scripture:
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
(Matthew 4:4)
All of the Bible is valuable and should be studied.
However, caution is needed when human interpretive traditions are placed alongside or above what the Word of God clearly teaches. (See the chapter entitled Sola Scriptura, particularly The Bible Only Debate, for further discussion.)
It is a return to “legalism”
In some expressions of Hebrew Roots teaching, there is the belief that Jesus did not come to fulfill the Law in the sense of completing and fully satisfying it, but rather to enable believers to keep it themselves.
While these ideas may sound spiritual, the question remains: Is this what the Scriptures actually teach? Does the New Testament present the Law of Moses as the believer’s covenant standard, or as something fulfilled in Christ?
It is a return to “Pharisaism”
Some adherents to this movement may view strict observance as evidence of greater spiritual faithfulness. In some cases, Matthew 5:19 is cited in support of this self-elevating perspective.
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the LEAST in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19)
While many would not explicitly claim superiority, there are instances where those with differing views are judged more harshly.
This arrogant mindset resembles attitudes seen among the Pharisees, who often measured righteousness externally:
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” (Luke 18:11)
A common observation within the movement is that many Christians are not living as they should, and that neglect of the Law of Moses is the cause. Therefore, some believe the Law should be reinstated as a corrective standard for Christian living.
This perspective bears resemblance to the challenges faced in the early church by those who sought to bind believers to aspects of the Law.
As you read further, it may be helpful to keep these historical parallels in mind when evaluating the teachings being discussed.
