DESCRIPTION:

This eight-hour intensive course is designed as an introduction to Biblical Hebrew. Students will gain a basic understanding of the vocabulary, morphology, and grammar of the Hebrew language, and will learn how to use grammatical and lexical reference tools. The mastery of these basic elements will provide for the student the skills necessary to use the language as a tool for the exegesis of the Old Testament.

Thorough knowledge of the scriptures is essential to the personal growth and ministry of the minister. This knowledge is further enhanced by the ability to work with the original language of the text and to critically assess the available commentaries and translations of the text. In addition, the minister will gain an appreciation for the rhythms and artistry of the Hebrew text.

The class will meet twice weekly, four-hours per session. The course will be based on the material in The First Hebrew Primer with the frequent introduction of supplemental information. Class sessions will include lecture, review of assignments, oral reading and translation, and frequent scheduled quizzes designed to reinforce learning and to provide students with feedback about their progress.

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. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 1996 [original date, 1906].

Elliger, K. and W. Rudolph. Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5th ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.

Kautzsch, E. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar. Trans. A. E. Cowley. 2nd ed. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1982.

Simon, Ethelyn, Irene Resnikoff and Linda Motzkin. The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew. Third ed. Oakland, CA: EKS Publishing, 1992.

See the Biblical Division bibliography "Linguistic and Exegetical Books Required in the Master of Divinity Program" available in the SOT Academic Advising office.

Williams, Ronald J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. 2nd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1988.

An intensive language course requires a major time commitment. Attendance at all class sessions is vital, and students should expect to spend at least two hours of outside preparation for every hour in class. This translates into sixteen hours a week of preparation time in addition to the eight hours a week of class time. Daily assignments will include reading from the Primer, the completion of exercises, and the learning of vocabulary. Regular announced quizzes and tests will be given to assess the students' vocabulary acquisition and their understanding of grammatical and syntactical features. The final grade will be based on attendance and participation, quizzes and tests, a mid-term, and a final exam.

Good standing. No audits.

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

Yes.