DESCRIPTION:

This is the second half of a Hebrew language course. Only those who have passed LG502A may enroll in this class. No transferring between sections is permitted. This 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.

In order to responsibly interpret the various meanings of the Hebrew Bible, one must be able to work with it in its original language. The mastery of these basic elements will provide the student with the skills necessary to use the language as a tool for exegesis. Upon completion of this course the student will be equipped, with the help of various reference tools introduced, to read the Hebrew Bible, to consult the Hebrew Bible in exegetical tasks, and to critically evaluate the interpretive claims of modern authors and commentators. In addition, the student will gain an appreciation for the rhythms and artistry of the Hebrew text.

This two-course sequence will meet twice weekly, two hours per session.

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.

Simon, Ethelyn, Irene Resnikoff and Linda Motzkin. The First Hebrew Primer: The Adult Beginner's Path to Biblical Hebrew. 3d ed. Oakland, CA: EKS Publishing, 1992.

Either one of the two following reference grammars:

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

Joüon, Paul. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. 2 Vols. Translated and revised by T. Muraoka. Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1996.

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. University of Toronto Press, 1988.

Students will be expected to spend at least two hours of outside preparation for every hour of class. 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.

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