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 and that consulting commentaries can sometimes increase the confusion. A knowledge of Hebrew can equip a person to make intelligent choices among the array of options presented by commentators and translators.

The course will be based on the material in the course reader (Beginning Hebrew Grammar) and in Seow's grammar, supplemented with material to further explain various features of the language. The class will meet twice weekly for four-hour sessions on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Classes 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.

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. Beginning Hebrew Grammar.

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

One of the following grammars:

Gesenius, Wilhelm. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Edited and enlarged by Emil Kautzsch. Translated by A. E. Cowley. Oxford: Clarendon, 1910.

Joüon, Paul. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Translated by Takamitsu Muraoka. Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1991; reprint, with corrections, 1993.

Typical assignments will include a vocabulary list to learn, grammar material to read and study, and exercises (including Hebrew translation) to prepare. The course grade will be based on class participation, homework evaluation, daily quiz scores (vocabulary and grammar), written and oral translation grades, and the final exam.

Good standing. No audits.

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

Yes.