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.

The ability to exegete and interpret the Bible is a necessary ingredient of any preaching or teaching ministry. A working knowledge of Hebrew will enhance the minister's skill in exegesis, will provide the critical skills necessary to evaluate various translations, and will broaden access to advanced study tools and commentaries. In addition, the minister will gain an appreciation for the rhythms and artistry of the Hebrew text.

The class will meet twice weekly, four 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 frequent quizzes designed to reinforce learning and to provide students with feedback about their progress.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1979.

Elliger, Karl, and Wilhelm Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.

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

Simon, Ethelyn, Irene Resnikoff, and Linda Motzkin. The First Hebrew Primer: Third Edition, revised with new explanatory notes. Albany, 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.

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Revised edition. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995.

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

Simon, Ethelyn and Dorey Brandt-Finell. Answer Book for the First Hebrew Primer (3rd ed.). Berkeley, CA: EKS Publishing, 1997.

_________. "Master Set of Bible Flashcards, keyed to The First Hebrew Primer." EKS, 1997.

An intensive language course requires a major time commitment. Attendance at all class sessions is vital, and students should expect to spend at least two hours of outside preparation for every hour in class. This translates into sixteen hours a week preparation time in addition to the eight weekly hours of class time. Daily assignments will include reading from the Primer, the completion of exercises, and the learning of vocabulary. Frequent scheduled quizzes and tests will serve to reinforce the various skills and vocabulary learned.