Courses

This course introduces students to biblical Hebrew in order to impart an active knowledge of the language. This course sets students on a journey of learning Hebrew, which will greatly enhance their capacity for study in the biblical texts and prove a tremendous aid to interpretation. Students will learn the Hebrew alphabet, pronunciation, and the basics of the grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of the language of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. Emphasis will be on morphology (words and their forms) and syntax (how words fit together to make coherent sentences). The course also places a strong emphasis on acquiring a broad Hebrew vocabulary. During this course students will begin to read the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible in its original language. A follow up course on the second half of the text is offered.

N.B.: The study of Hebrew is challenging for most students but is very rewarding for those who persevere. You should plan on spending at least several hours every day listening to lectures, completing assignments, and reviewing. You cannot “set this course aside” for a week or two while you work on a paper for another course! The secret of success is to keep to a regular schedule of study, to complete your assignments carefully and on time, and to review what you have learned on a consistent basis.

Note: You must have some basic familiarity with computers if you choose to take an online course. You should be able to navigate web pages, make PDF documents, and upload these files.

Knowing…

• To build a solid basic vocabulary of Classical Hebrew words.
• To understand the basic forms of Hebrew words as they are used in various ways in sentences.
• To understand the use of grammars and dictionaries in translating Hebrew texts.

Being…

• To embrace the value of understanding the original language in exegeting the biblical text.
• To enrich one’s understanding of another culture through knowledge of that culture’s language.
• To deepen one’s relationship with God through interacting with Scripture.

Doing…

• To begin to translate texts from the Hebrew Scriptures.
• To engage with the Scriptures in their original language and context.