DESCRIPTION: This course is devoted to discussing and elucidating problems in Hebrew phonology, morphology and syntax beyond the work possible in LG502 and MDiv exegetical core courses. The primary focus will be on gaining competency for the reading of the varieties of Classical Hebrew, with diachronic attention to both archaic and postbiblical stages of the language as they contribute to that purpose.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this course will have demonstrated (1) competence in reading all genres of Old Testament texts with a lexicon and grammar, leading to greater exegetical proficiency; (2) firm understanding of verbal stems and aspects; (3) fundamental grasp of Hebrew morphology, orthography and syntax; (4) general knowledge of the diachronic dimensions of Classical Hebrew.

RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY: This course provides an opportunity to achieve a more thorough control of the Classical Hebrew language than that provided by the introductory courses. This kind of study is requisite for those who will be engaged in the ministry of academic study and teaching of both the Old and New Testaments.

COURSE FORMAT: The course will meet twice weekly in two-hour blocks. The material will be approached inductively, and each student will be expected to prepare for and to participate in each session. The instructor will offer occasional brief presentations to summarize topics and introduce new areas.

REQUIRED READING:

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

Either Koehler, L. & W. Baumgartner. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. 2 vols. Trans. M. E. J. Richardson. Leiden: Brill, 2001. OR 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. Hendrickson, 1996 [1906].

Either Joüon, P. & T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblio, 1991. OR Gesenius, W., E. F. Kautzsch et al. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. 2d. ed. Clarendon, 1963 [1910].

Waltke, B. K. & M. P. O'Connor. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. 7th, corrected ed. Eisenbrauns, 1999.

Access to an electronic biblical text with tagged, search capabilities: Either Accordance Bible Software at http://www.accordancebible.com/ (Mac platform, though a free PC emulator is available through their website) OR BibleWorks at http://www.bibleworks.com (available in the Fuller Library computer lab).

Kutscher, E. Y. A History of the Hebrew Language. Jerusalem: Magnes, 1982.

Sáenz-Badillos, A. A History of the Hebrew Language. English trans. J. Elwolde. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Scott, W. A Simplified Guide to BHS. 3d ed. N. Richland Hills, TX: BIBAL, 1995.

Smith, Mark S. The Origins and Development of the Waw-Consecutive. HSS 39. Scholars Press, 1991.