DESCRIPTION:

This is the first half of a Hebrew language course. Students enrolling in this section are expected to continue in the same section in the winter quarter; no transferring between sections is permitted. This 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 students 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 two-course sequence will meet twice weekly, two hours per session, throughout the fall and winter quarters. 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, reading from the BHS, translation exercises, and weekly quizzes designed to reinforce learning and to provide students with feedback about their progress.

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

Elliger, K. & W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.

Pratico, Gary D. and Miles V. Van Pelt.Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Grammar. Zondervan, 2001.

__________. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Workbook. Zondervan, 2001.

Choose either one of the following two grammars:

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

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

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

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

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

1. Students will be expected to spend at least two hours of outside preparation for every hour of class.

2. Daily assignments will include reading from Pratico and Miles, the completion of exercises, and the learning of vocabulary.

3. Weekly quizzes will be given to assess the students' vocabulary.

4. There will be a mid-term and a final exam.

The final grade will be based on attendance, quizzes, mid-term, and final exam.

The two-course sequence meets the M. Div. Core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).