DESCRIPTION:

LG502 is an introductory course in biblical Hebrew, designed to equip students with the basic grammatical and lexical knowledge required for successful Old Testament exegesis. This is the second quarter of a two-quarter sequence; students enrolling in this course are expected to have completed LG502A the preceding quarter in this section. Transferring between sections is not permitted.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). As pastors, ministers, and leaders in the Christian community we are responsible for the illumination of our congregations with the light of God's word. This awesome responsibility requires us to wrestle with the rhythms, imagery, ambiguity and syntax of the original text. Mastery of basic Hebrew grammar and familiarity with reference tools can unlock the Old Testament and make accessible the revelations of God preserved therein.

This course meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class attendance is required to earn a passing grade.

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.

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

Long, Gary A. Grammatical Concepts 101 for Biblical Hebrew. Hendrickson, 2002.

Simon, Ethelyn, Irene Resnikoff and Linda Motzkin. The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew. 3d ed. EKS Publishing, 1992.

One of the following reference grammars:

Joüon, Paul. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Trans. Takamitsu Muraoka. Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1991; reprint, with corrections, 1993.

Kautzsch, E. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Trans. A. E. Cowley. 2nd ed. Clarendon, 1982.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Stuart, Douglas. Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 3rd ed. Westminster John Knox, 2001.

The acquisition of language requires regular practice and discipline. Students are expected to complete daily reading assignments, exercises from the Primer, translations and vocabulary drills. At least two hours of pre-class preparation are required for every one hour of class time. A short exegetical assignment will be required at the end of each quarter to help prepare students for ministry. Students will be tested regularly to assess their understanding of grammatical and syntactical concepts. The final grade will be based on attendance, participation, tests and quizzes, and the exegetical assignment.

LG502A; same section. No audits.

The two-quarter sequence meets the MDiv core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).

Yes.