DESCRIPTION:

This course is an intensive format of the Biblical Hebrew program at Fuller. The course will seek to develop the mastery of elementary Hebrew grammar and vocabulary, and translation of exercises from Pratico and Van Pelt's Basics of Biblical Hebrew as well as provide an introduction to the use of reference material for the reading and translation of Hebrew.

The study of biblical Hebrew will help students to better handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Almost two thirds of the Scriptures were written in Hebrew. Learning this language will open a window into the culture and history of the biblical text, enabling us to deal with Scripture more correctly. In this introductory course the students will lay the linguistic foundations for future exegetical courses.

The class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions. The course will be based on the material in the required texts for the class. Classes will consist of lecture, reading from the Hebrew Bible, translation exercises, and daily quizzes. 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.

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.

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

_________. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Workbook. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.

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

Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1976.

1. Because this is an intensive course, missing classes will affect both your understanding of the lessons as well as your final grade. See Fuller's official position about attendance in the 2004-2005 Student Handbook.

2. Read the lesson(s) that will be covered that day.

3. Memorize the vocabulary that is presented in the lessons.

4. Complete the exercises that are assigned from each lesson.

5. Take four (4) tests during the term. The tests will be prepared from handouts, class lectures, and the textbook. Tests are cumulative. Missed tests are scored as zeroes.

6. Take a final exam. We will take our final exam during week 11.

Meets M. Div. core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).