DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an introduction to the grammar and syntax of biblical Hebrew. The mastery of the basics of Hebrew will form a foundation on which to build and develop skills which can be applied to study in a Hebrew exegetical class, to further exploration of Semitic languages, or to growth in personal Bible study.

Anyone who has taught from the Bible will be aware that different versions of the Bible often give radically different translations for the same verse. Consulting commentaries can sometimes make the confusion greater, not less, as it can be difficult to determine which commentary author has provided the correct interpretation. A knowledge of Hebrew can equip a person to make intelligent choices among the array of options presented by commentators and translators.

The class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions on Monday and Thursday mornings. Class will consist of lecture, reading from the Hebrew Bible, recitation in class on homework assigned, and frequent quizzes designed both to reinforce learning and to provide students with feedback about their progress. The course will be based on Seow's grammar, supplemented with material to further explain various features of the language.

Brown, Francis, S. R. Driver, and Charles A. Briggs, eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1979.

Elliger, Karl, and Wilhelm Rudolph, eds. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990.

Haney, Linda. LG502 Beginning Hebrew Supplement.

Seow, C. L. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Revised edition. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995.

Books and articles that will enhance the student's understanding of Hebrew will be recommended during class for the purpose of providing those students with the desire to delve more deeply into biblical Hebrew the opportunity to do so.

An intensive language course requires a major time commitment from those taking it. The seminary guideline for class preparation is two hours of outside preparation for each hour of class time. This translates into sixteen hours a week preparation time in addition to the eight weekly hours of class time. Assignments will be made based on the expectation that this amount of time will be spent. Because there is a great deal of material to cover in a relatively short amount of time, attendance at all class sessions is vital as well. Typical assignments will include a vocabulary list to learn, grammar material to read and study, and exercises (including Hebrew translation) to prepare. Quizzes will be frequent so that the student can have immediate feedback in order to identify those concepts that need further study. The course grade will be based on class participation, daily quiz scores, translation grades, and the final exam.

Good standing.

Meets the M. Div. core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).