DESCRIPTION: This is the second half of a two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew. Students enrolling in this course have completed LG502A in the Fall quarter with the same instructor. No transferring between sections is permitted. The course will seek to develop the mastery of elementary Hebrew grammar and vocabulary through translation of exercises from C. L. Seow's A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew, as well as provide an introduction to the use of reference material for the reading and translation of Hebrew.

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 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 linguistic composition. 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: The students will (1) memorize basic vocabulary for prose readings of the Hebrew Bible; (2) understand and recognize the different grammatical categories present in Hebrew: nouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, verbs, and verbal forms; (3) learn to read aloud biblical sections of the Hebrew Bible; (4) translate Hebrew texts and interact with reference books and commentaries for biblical exegesis; (5) understand a basic introduction to exegesis of Old Testament texts.

COURSE FORMAT: The class meets twice weekly for two-hour sessions. Class time will consist of lecture, reading and translating from the Hebrew Bible, translation exercises, and daily quizzes. Attendance is of paramount importance 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:

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 [1906]. ISBN-13: 978-1565632066 ($34.95).

Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997. ISBN-13: 978-3438052223 ($39.99).

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Rev. ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 1995. ISBN-13: 978-0687157860 ($40.00).

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.

Joüon, P., and T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblio, 1991. ISBN-13: 978-8876536298 (Fuller price: $80.00).

Gesenius, W., and E. F. Kautzsch, et al. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. 2nd. ed. Clarendon, 1963 [1910]. ISBN-13: 978-0198154068 (Fuller price: $69.95).

Jennifer S. Green, G. Brooke Lester, and Joeseph F. Scrivner, Handbook to A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew (Nashville: Abingdon, 2005). ISBN-13: 978-0687008346 (List Price: $16.00).

Waltke, Bruce K., and M. O'Connor. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Eisenbrauns, 1990. ISBN-10: 09131464315 (List price: $59.50).

Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. 3rd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-0802094292 ($27.95).

Recommended Vocabulary Resource:

Van Pelt, Miles V. Old Testament Hebrew Vocabulary Cards. Zondervan, 2004. ($17.99). [Van Pelt's cards are keyed to Seow's text (you may have to re-sort them). Of course, making your own set of vocabulary cards provides additional writing practice and may help you learn the words better.]

1. Vocabulary quizzes (20%)

2. Homework (15%)

3. Short Report (5%)

4. One test during the term (30%)

5. Final exam (30%)