DESCRIPTION: This course surveys the changing morphology, syntax, orthography, and phonology of the Hebrew language from an historical perspective. 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. An increased proficiency in biblical Hebrew as well as an increased understanding of the history of the language leads to a deeper appreciation for its bearing upon certain theological issues in the Old Testament.

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:

Elliger, K. & W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Biblegesellschaft, 1997.

Jouon, P. & T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Editrice Pontifico Istituto Biblio, 1991.

Koehler, L. & W. Baumgartner. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. 2 vols. Brill, 2002.

Saenz-Badillos, A. A History of the Hebrew Language. Trans. J. Elwolde. Cambridge University Press, 1993.

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

Course reader.

Cross, F. M. & Freedman, D. N. Studies in Early Yahwistic Poetry. Eerdmans, 1997.

Fassberg, Steven E. & Avi Hurvitz. Biblical Hebrew in Its Northwest Semitic Setting: Typological and Historical Perspectives. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2006.

Garr, W. Randall. Dialect Geography of Syria-Palestine, 1000-586 B.C.E. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2004.

Gogel, Sandra Landis. A Grammar of Epigraphic Hebrew. SBLDS 23; Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1998.

Waltke, Bruce K. & M. O'Connor. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1990.

1. Class Participation: This includes full participation in translation exercises, secondary readings, and discussions (50%).

2. Two-part (in-class/take-home) examination including translations and questions on course content (50%).