DESCRIPTION: This course comprises the first half of a two-quarter
introduction to biblical Hebrew, with the second half offered the next quarter.
Students enrolling in this course are expected to enroll in LG502B the
following quarter with the same instructor (transferring between sections is
not permitted). The goal of the combined quarters aims at the student becoming
skilled in the basics of the phonology, morphology, and syntax of biblical
Hebrew. The development of this skill will center on following the
instructional arrangement of Seow's A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew.
SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The study of biblical Hebrew provides the
student with one of the essential and indispensable ways for her to become
skilled at handling the word of God (2 Tim 3:15). Following the example of the
great scribe Ezra (7:6-10), the student who sets his heart to acquire the
fundamentals of biblical Hebrew will be able to study the Old Testament in its
original language and thereby gain a clearer understanding of its message and
demands for today (Neh 8:5-8).
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Through this course the student will be able to
(1) read aloud from the Hebrew Bible; (2) write legibly in its standard
script; (3) identify essential aspects of the grammar of the language;
(4) demonstrate a command of a basic Hebrew vocabulary; (5) identify basic
morphological Hebrew word forms; (6) analyze and translate basic Hebrew
sentences; and (7) utilize a Hebrew lexicon.
COURSE FORMAT: The class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class time
will consist of lecture, reading, and translating from the Hebrew Bible,
translation exercises, and daily quizzes. Attendance is of paramount importance
for successfully completing this course and towards acquiring the skill of
reading biblical Hebrew. Students should expect to spend at least two hours of
outside preparation/homework for every hour of class time.
REQUIRED READING: