DESCRIPTION: This is the first half of a two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew; the second half of the course will be offered in the Winter quarter. Students enrolling in the Fall quarter are expected to complete their study in the Winter quarter with the same instructor. No transferring between sections is permitted. The course will seek to develop the mastery of elementary Hebrew grammar and vocabulary through translation of exercises from C. L. Seow's A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew, as well as provide an introduction to the use of reference material for the reading and translation of Hebrew.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: As ministers and teachers in the church, knowledge of the Hebrew language allows us to gain a deeper appreciation for the linguistic background of the Bible. Knowledge of the Hebrew language opens a window for ministers and teachers to move beyond modern translations and interpret the biblical message in its original linguistic composition. Since there is always a close connection between language and culture in societies, an understanding of biblical Hebrew also provides a greater appreciation for the cultural background of the Old Testament. A solid grasp of biblical Hebrew also aids interpretation of the Old Testament's theological message.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of this two-course sequence, the student will demonstrate the ability to (1) read aloud from the Hebrew Bible; (2) write legibly in a standard Hebrew script; (3) recognize and use high frequency vocabulary of biblical Hebrew; (4) identify basic word forms, grammatical structures, and syntax; (5) translate short passages from the Hebrew Bible using a standard lexicon and other tools.

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 periodic quizzes. Attendance is of paramount importance 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:

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]. ISBN-13: 978-1565632066 ($34.95).

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. ISBN-13: 978-3438052223 ($39.99).

Green, Jennifer S., G. Brooke Lester, and Joseph F. Scrivner. Handbook to A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0687008346 ($16.00).

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995. ISBN-13: 978-0687157860 ($40.00).

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.

Joüon, P., and T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblio, 1991. ISBN-13: 978-8876536298 (Fuller price: $80.00).

Gesenius, W., and E. F. Kautzsch, et al. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. 2nd. ed. Clarendon, 1963 [1910]. ISBN-13: 978-0198154068 (Fuller price: $69.95).

Waltke, Bruce K., and M. O'Connor. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Eisenbrauns, 1990. ISBN-10: 09131464315 (List price: $59.50).

Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. 3rd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0802094292 ($27.95).

Recommended Vocabulary Resource:

Van Pelt, Miles V. Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary Cards. Zondervan, 2004. ($17.99). [Van Pelt's cards are keyed to Seow's text (you may have to re-sort them). Of course, making your own set of vocabulary cards provides additional writing practice and may help you learn the words better.]