DESCRIPTION: This two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew consists of the first half offered in Fall and the second half offered in Winter quarter. Students enrolling in the Fall quarter are expected to complete their study in the Winter 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 and of translation of exercises from the textbook and the Hebrew Bible, as well as provide an introduction to the use of reference material for the reading and translation of Hebrew. At the end of the two-quarter sequence, the student will be able to read and translate portions of the Hebrew Bible as basis for future exegetical work.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: The study of biblical Hebrew will help students to better handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Almost two-thirds of the Scriptures were written in Hebrew. Learning this language will open a window into the culture and history of the biblical text, enabling us to deal with Scripture more correctly. In this introductory course the students will lay the linguistic foundations for future exegetical courses.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students successfully completing this two-quarter course will have demonstrated (1) ability to recognize and use basic vocabulary for prose readings of the Hebrew Bible; (2) recognition and understanding of the different grammatical categories present in Hebrew: nouns, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, verbs, and verbal forms; (3) ability to read aloud sections of the Hebrew Bible; (4) ability to translate Hebrew texts and interact with reference books and commentaries for biblical exegesis; (5) understanding of a basic introduction to exegesis of Old Testament texts.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet twice weekly for two-hour sessions. The course will be based on the material in the required texts for the class. Classes will consist of lecture, reading from the Hebrew Bible, translation exercises, and daily quizzes.

REQUIRED READING:

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

Yates, Kyle M. Nociones Esenciales del Hebreo Bíblico. El Paso: Casa Bautista de Publicaciones. Décimo Tercera Edición 2007. ISBN: 0311420567; Pub. Price $14.50.

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.

Chávez, Moises. Diccionario Hebreo Español. El Paso: Editorial Mundo Hispano. 1992.

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

1. Class participation will contribute 5% of final grade. This includes being there and being on time, and reading the lessons.

2. Memorizing the vocabulary in the lessons (vocabulary quizzes = 20%).

3. Completion of the exercises assigned from each lesson (20%).

4. Oral recitation (5%).

5. Two tests during the term (30%).

6. Final exam (20%).