Fall 2013/Pasadena

LG806/506

Allen

LG806/506: ADVANCED HEBREW GRAMMAR. Leslie Allen.

DESCRIPTION: This course investigates the morphology and syntax of Biblical Hebrew. Its approach is largely synchronic, but includes diachronic elements. Grammatical study will be enhanced by relevant reading from Old Testament texts.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: In deepening and widening students’ knowledge of the main language of the Old Testament, the course will provide a linguistic basis for the exegesis and application of God’s Word.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated (1) an advanced understanding of Biblical Hebrew, (2) the ability to use reference grammars as part of the exegetical process, and (3) competency in translating a range of texts.

COURSE FORMAT: The class meets for two-hour sessions twice a week for ten weeks, for lectures and discussion of material read in preparation.

REQUIRED READING:

Joüon, Paul, and T. Muraoka. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. 2nd edition. Editrice Pontifico Istituto Biblico, 2006. ISBN: 978-8876536298, Pub. Price $80.00 [550 pp. assigned] (students are encouraged to purchase BibleWorks, which includes the Joüon-Muraoka Grammar at no charge; the Koehler-Baumgartner lexicon can also be added onto BibleWorks).

Waltke, Bruce K., and M. O’Connor. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Eisenbrauns, 1990. ISBN: 978-0931464317, Pub. Price $67.50 [600 pp. assigned].

Also articles and short studies of particular aspects will be made available on Moodle [250 pp. assigned].

See also the Biblical Division bibliography “Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program” available online and in the Academic Advising office.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Blau, Joshua. Phonology and Morphology of Biblical Hebrew: An Introduction. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 2010. ISBN: 978-1575061290, Pub. Price $65.00.

Longacre, Robert E. Joseph: A Story of Divine Providence: A Text Theoretical and Text-Linguistic Analysis of Genesis 37 and 39-48. 2nd edition. Eisenbrauns, 2003. ISBN: 978-1575060859, Pub. Price $54.50.

Miller-Naudé, Cynthia, and Z. Zevit. Diachrony in Biblical Hebrew. Eisenbrauns, 2012. ISBN: 978-1575062532, Pub. Price $64.50.

Sáenz-Badillos, Angel. Translated by J. Elwolde. A History of the Hebrew Language. Cambridge University Press, 1996. ISBN: 978-0521556347, Pub. Price $46.00.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Class participation in discussion of set readings and translation and analysis of set OT passages (33%).

2. A 2,000-word mid-term paper on the morphology and grammar of a prescribed text (33%).

3. A 2,000-word end-of-term paper on the morphology and grammar of another prescribed text (33%).

PREREQUISITES: LG502 or written permission of the instructor. No audits.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective. The course meets requirements for the emphasis in Ancient Near Eastern Studies, and for the ThM and PhD degrees.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.