DESCRIPTION:

This eight-hour intensive course is designed as an introduction to biblical Hebrew. Students will gain a basic understanding of the vocabulary, morphology, and grammar of the Hebrew language, and will learn how to use grammatical and lexical reference tools. The mastery of these basic elements will provide for the student the skills necessary to use the language as a tool for the exegesis of the Old Testament.

A thorough knowledge of the scriptures is essential in pastoral ministry. Reading the scriptures in their original languages allows a deeper understanding and more insightful exegesis of the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, which was written within a cultural context far different from our own. In addition, basic knowledge of the Hebrew language gives one tools to better evaluate commentaries, articles, and English translations.

This course will meet twice weekly, fours hours per session. The course will be based on the material in The First Hebrew Primer, Third Edition, with the frequent introduction of supplemental information. Class sessions will include lecture, review of assignments, oral reading and translation, and scheduled quizzes designed to reinforce learning and to provide students with feedback about their progress.

Brown, F.; S. R. Driver; and C. A. Briggs. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, with an appendix, containing the Biblical Aramaic. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1996.

Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.

Kautzsch, E. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Trans. A. E. Cowley. 2nd ed. Oxford: Clarendon, 1982.

Simon, Ethelyn, Irene Resnikoff and Linda Motzkin. The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew. 3d ed. Oakland, CA: EKS Publishing, 1992.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Joüon, Paul. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Trans. Takamitsu Muraoka. Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1991; reprint, with corrections, 1993.

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995.

Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. (latest edition) Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1988.

An intensive language course requires a major time commitment. Attendance at all class sessions is vital to the successful completion of Beginning Hebrew. Students will be expected to spend at least two hours of outside preparation for every hour of class. Daily assignments will include reading from the Primer, the completion of exercises, and the learning of vocabulary. Regular announced quizzes and tests will be given to assess the students' vocabulary acquisition and their understanding of grammatical and syntactical features. The final grade will be based on attendance and participation, quizzes and tests, a mid-term, and a final exam.

Good standing. No audits.

Meets the M. Div. Core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).