Winter 2020/Pasadena
LG500
Melzian
LG500: HEBREW TOOLS FOR BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION (4 Units: 160 hours). Marilyn Lundberg Melzian, Ph.D.
DESCRIPTION: This course offers a limited introduction to biblical Hebrew, including the writing system, basiclexicon,morphology, and syntax. The emphasis is on theresponsible employmentofstandard reference works, commentaries, and Bible softwareto the practice of Old Testament interpretation in ministry contexts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES: Having successfully completed this course, students will have demonstrated the ability (1) to recognize and write the Hebrew alphabet in square script; (2) to read and pronounce Hebrew words easily; (3) to work with standard Hebrew language tools (e.g., lexicons, concordances, analytical concordances, grammars, and Bible software) in the service of Old Testament exegesis; (4) to discern the syntax of sentences with and without verbs; (5) to discern the meaning of words in sentences; (6) to recognize the distinctive features of Hebrew poetry in contrast to prose; and (7) to translate short passages with the aid of standard tools.
RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: This course introduces students to tools for studying the Old Testament in its original language, Hebrew. The course thus contributes to the PLO which states, “Students will have demonstrated competence in the practice of biblical interpretation for faithful use of Scripture in their own lives and ministries” (MDiv).
COURSE FORMAT: This class meets twice weekly for two hour sessions for a total of 40 instructional hours in the classroom for lecture and discussion.
REQUIRED READING:
Accordance Bible software (see notes below for required packages and pricing).
Walker-Jones, Arthur. Hebrew for Biblical Interpretation. Society of Biblical Literature, 2003. ISBN: 978-1589830868, Pub. Price $34.95 [263 pp.].
Instructional videos available on Canvas.
Notes:
RECOMMENDED READING:
Brown, A. Philip and Bryan Smith. A Reader's Hebrew Bible. Zondervan, 2008. ISBN: 978-0310269748, Pub. Price $69.99.
Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Hendrickson, 2006. Compact edition: ISBN: 978-1598561630, Pub. Price $49.95.
Vance, Donald A., George Athas, and Yael Avrahami. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia: A Reader’s Edition. Hendrickson, 2015. ISBN: 978-1598563429, Pub. Price $59.95.
ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets the Hebrew requirement in 120 MDiv Program.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.
NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.