LA001-512 - Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

  • 2,784 Standard Tuition Fee
  • 12
    Credit Points
  • 0.125 EFT 
  • 5
    AQF level
  • Category foundational unit
    A
  • languagesUnit Discipline

Exclusions

Prior to 2020, this unit content was delivered under the unit code LA001.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will

A. Know and understand

1. The Hebrew alphabet and writing system

2. The essentials of Classical Hebrew grammar and syntax

3. The major issues involved in the translation of the Hebrew Bible into English

4. The spectrum of translation types ranging from the literal to paraphrase

B. Be able to

1. Read aloud and transliterate Classical Hebrew text into English script
2. Comprehend basic concepts of Classical Hebrew grammar
3. Use aids to understanding the Hebrew Bible: lexicons, grammars, concordances, software tools

C. Be in a position to

1. Utilise Classical Hebrew language resources in Old Testament units
2. Use commentaries and software that refer to the Hebrew text of the Old Testament
3. Begin translation of simple Hebrew Old Testament texts

Content

Typical areas to be covered would include:

  1. The place of Hebrew among Semitic languages: historical relationships; lexical and grammatical correspondence.
  2. The writing system: the Hebrew alphabet, Palaeo-Hebrew and square script; the vowel system; Masoretic notations.
  3. Grammatical essentials: for example, the “roots”; noun forms and relationships the verbal “aspects”; the “stems” of the verbal system; syntax (word order, clause types, use of infinitives) with respect to the use of Hebrew lexica, concordances and commentaries based on the Hebrew text.

Note: This unit is delivered at undergraduate degree level, and is equivalent to the ACT’s 300 level units. It attracts the 300 level unit fee.

Set Readings

This unit's indicative bibliography is currently being revised. Students should contact their home college for further details at the time of taking this unit.


Prescribed texts and reference works

Kittel, R. (ed.), Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (Stuttgart: Württemberg Bible Society, 1990).

Holladay, W. L., A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Leiden: Brill, 1989).

Joüon, P. and T. Muraoka, A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew (rev. ed.; Rome: Editrice Pontificio Instituto Biblico, 2006).

 

Recommended readings

Chisholm, R. B. Jr., From Exegesis to Exposition: A Practical Guide to Using Biblical Hebrew (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1998).

Kelley, P. H., Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996).

Seow, C. L., A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew (Rev. ed.; Nashville: Abingdon, 1995).