DESCRIPTION: This course comprises the second half of a two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew. Students enrolling in this course have successfully completed LG502A with Jim W. Adams (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 simple to more complex Hebrew sentences; and (7) utilize a Hebrew lexicon.

COURSE FORMAT: The class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions that consist of lecture, reading and translating from the Hebrew Bible, translation exercises, and daily quizzes. Attendance is essential for successfully completing this course and 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:

Braun, Frank X. English Grammar for Language Students. Ulrich's Books, 1947.

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. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996 [original date, 1906].

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

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

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Programs" available at http://schedule.fuller.edu/sot/ecds/Ling-Exeg-Biblio.html and in the Academic Advising office.

Green, J. S., G. B. Lester, and J. F. Scrivner. Handbook to A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005.

Holladay, William L., ed. A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1988.

Pratico, Gary Davis, and Miles Van Pelt. Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar. 2d ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007.

__________. Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar: Workbook. 2d ed. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007.