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 Pratico/Van Pelt's Basics of Biblical
Hebrew grammar and workbook.
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;
(7) utilize a Hebrew lexicon; and (8) utilize a reference grammar in advanced
grammatical analysis of the Hebrew text.
RELEVANCE FOR 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).
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: