DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the changing morphology, syntax, orthography, and phonology of the Hebrew language from an historical perspective. Through weekly guided practice, the course will help students gain increased competency in translating Standard Biblical Hebrew as well as gain exposure to the historical grammar of other diachronic phases of the language, such as Archaic and Late Biblical Hebrew. The course will also emphasize the ways in which the history of the Hebrew language informs and is informed by our interpretations of the Old Testament.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: This course provides an opportunity to achieve a more thorough control of the language of the Old Testament than do introductory courses. Proficiency in biblical Hebrew and an understanding of the history of the language are indispensable for understanding the critical study of the Old Testament and producing well-informed exegesis.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will have demonstrated (1) competency in translating Standard Biblical Hebrew at an advanced master's level; (2) the ability to identify and describe the major phases and dialects of ancient Hebrew; (3) the ability to translate texts from archaic to late periods of the language using standard reference works; (4) the ability to vocalize unpointed Hebrew texts, including both pre-exilic inscriptions and Qumran texts.

COURSE FORMAT: This course will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class sessions will involve prepared translations of Hebrew texts as well as discussions and lectures.

REQUIRED READING:
[Note: The student is encouraged to purchase BibleWorks, which includes Jouon-Muraoka grammar at no charge. The Koehler-Baumgertner lexicon can also be added on to BW.]
Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. ISBN: 1598561634, $69.95.
Joüon, P. & T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Editrice Pontifico Istituto Biblio, 1991.
Koehler, L., and W. Baumgartner. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. 2 vols. Brill, 2002. ISBN: 9004124454, $288.00.
Saenz-Badillos, A. A History of the Hebrew Language. Trans. J. Elwolde. Cambridge University Press, 1993. ISBN: 0521556341, $42.00.
Van Pelt, Miles V. , and Gary D. Pratico. The Vocabulary Guide to Biblical Hebrew. Zondervan, 2003. ISBN: 9780310250722, $16.99.
C. L. Seow, A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Abingdon, 1995. ISBN: 0687157862, $40.00.

RECOMMENDED READING:
Gogel, Sandra Landis. A Grammar of Epigraphic Hebrew. SBLDS 23. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1998. ISBN: 1555402887, $56.95.
Sanders, Seth L. The Invention of Hebrew. Champaign: Illinois University Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0-252-07835-4, $35.00.
Waltke, Bruce K., and M. O'Connor. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1990. ISBN: 0931464315, $59.50.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT: The final grade will consist of the following components:
1. Class Participation: This includes full participation in translation exercises, secondary readings, and discussions (40%).

2. Vocabulary quizzes, dropping the lowest score of six (10%).

3. In-class examination including translations and questions on course content (50%).

PREREQUISITES: LG502 or written permission of the instructor. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. The course meets requirements for the emphasis in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, and for the ThM and PhD degrees.

FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes. See above.

This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. (July 2011)