DESCRIPTION:

This is the first half of a two-quarter introduction to biblical Hebrew; the second half of the course will be offered in the spring quarter. Students enrolling in the spring 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 through translation of exercises from Van Pelt's Basics of Biblical Hebrew, as well as provide an introduction to the use of reference material for the reading and translation of Hebrew.

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.

This course will meet twice a week for two hour sessions. We will introduce two new lessons from the textbook in each class by means of class presentations. Each lesson will be followed by selected exercises, which will be examples for students' homework.

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.

Pratico, Gary D. and Van Pelt, Miles V. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Grammar. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.

__________. Basics of Biblical Hebrew: Workbook. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001.

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. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1976.

1. Attend class on time every session (5%).

2. Read the lessons that will be covered that day and participation on exercises (15%).

3. Memorize the vocabulary that is presented in the lessons (we will have weekly, 15 min. quizzes to keep you accountable on this) (20 %).

4. Complete the exercises that are assigned and be prepared to hand them in on request (20%).

5. Take four (4) tests during the term (40%).

None. No audits.

The two-course sequence meets M. Div. core requirement in Hebrew (HEB).

Yes.