Courses

This in-person course in advanced grammar and linguistics—with reference to either ancient Greek or Hebrew (or both if in the Septuagint track)—assumes knowledge of traditional grammar in order to analyze recent developments in language and linguistic study. The course covers both diachronic and synchronic aspects but concentrates on recent theoretical developments and their pertinence for description, analysis, and exegesis of the Greek New Testament or Hebrew Old Testament. The course is aimed toward students of Greek and/or Hebrew as needed.

Knowing

• to develop the student’s ability to formulate and analyze questions of grammar and language
• to know the historical development of the Greek or Hebrew language 3. to trace the history and development of the study of ancient Greek or Hebrew grammar
• to recognize the critical categories utilized in standard grammatical treatments
• to probe more deeply into particular grammatical issues utilizing recent developments in language study 6. to apply modern linguistics to the study of Greek or Hebrew
• to offer constructive criticism of standard tools of New/Old Testament study, such as grammars, lexicons and commentaries
• to be able to express one’s understanding of at least one major issue in Greek or Hebrew grammatical study in publishable form

Being

• to be and become a responsible interpreter of the Bible, in light of knowledge of the history and development of ancient language study
• to appreciate and apply in suitable ways insights into interpretation gained through the development of linguistically informed grammatical practice
• to become a charitable giver and receiver of critical comments of others, to enhance their own understanding and abilities
• to allow God to shape you as a reflective biblical interpreter who wishes to build the church and instruct his people

Doing 

• to be able to apply both traditional and recent methods of grammatical understanding to various portions of the biblical text
• to be able to express one’s understanding of ancient language study in both written and oral form
• to raise and handle significant hermeneutical questions that emerge from study of ancient languages
• to learn to respond constructively and creatively to the use of a variety of critical interpretive methods
• to be able to give and accept critical comments from fellow scholars