DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to biblical Hebrew. Students will gain a basic understanding of the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of biblical Hebrew and begin developing translation skills necessary for biblical exegesis.

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 language. 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: By the end of the quarter the student will be able to (1) identify and explain the different categories of Hebrew grammar: nouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, verbs; (2) demonstrate an increased knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary; (3) demonstrate an understanding of how to interact with academic tools and resources necessary for translating and interpreting the Hebrew Bible; (4) translate prose narrative sections of the Hebrew Bible and analyze morphological and grammatical elements of narrative sentences; and (5) explain how knowledge of biblical Hebrew aids an interpretation of the Hebrew Bible.

COURSE FORMAT: This course meets twice weekly for four-hour sessions. Class attendance is required and necessary to maintain a passing grade in the course. Class sessions will consist of short lectures, reading, daily quizzes, and translation exercises from A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew and the Hebrew Bible.

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 [original date, 1906].

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

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Abingdon, 1995.

Simon, E., L. Resnikoff, and L. Motzkin. The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew. 3rd ed. Oakland: EKS Publishing, 1992.

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 and in the Academic Advising office.

Braun, Frank X. English Grammar for Language Students. Ulrich's Books, 1947.

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

Würthwein, E. The Text of the Old Testament. Trans. by E. F. Rhodes. Eerdmans, 1992.