Pre-requisites

BB281.406 Biblical Hebrew 1

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• translate and exegete selected passages from the TANAKH.

• recognise nuances of the Hebrew language and appreciate its literary forms; and

• be able to use Hebrew lexicons and concordances and other Hebrew language aids;

• be able to read prose biblical Hebrew;

• have developed a working knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary and grammar and of the history of the language;

Unit Content

The unit commences with revision of the Hebrew alphabet, recognition of consonants in different written forms and the vowel structure. The grammar of biblical Hebrew is examined including a system for parsing verbs, and the construction of the Hebrew sentence. Building on Biblical Hebrew A, the subject will involve study of masculine and feminine plural nouns, plural verbs, the perfect tense, the direct object, definite and indefinite nouns, word pairs, prepositions, the imperfect tense, noun sentences, adjectives, possessive endings, the participle, the infinitive, hollow verbs, possessive endings, and verb patterns are all covered during the two semesters. The course will follow the textbook (Ross, Lessons 32-54) closely, utilising the vocabulary and grammar exercises along with practical guides to the technical features of the Hebrew Bible. In addition to the traditional deductive methods and exercises, the student will work through inductive sections requiring practical translation. An emphasis of this unit will be on providing the student with a working knowledge of the range of Hebrew language aids available. Various exercises will require the student to demonstrate the ability to use Hebrew dictionaries, lexicons, concordances and electronic resources.

Teaching Strategies

Teaching strategies include lectures, tutorials, weekend schools and presentation of instructional material in the form of printed documentation, OHP, DVD, video and audio tape and on-line interaction. Students also learn by class discussion, personal study, preparation of assignments and assessment comments on their work.

Textbook Information

Elliger, K. and Rudolph, W. (Eds.). (1987). Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. (3rd ed.). Stuttgart: German Bible Society. (An alternative Hebrew Bible may be used with the approval of the lecturer.)

Ross, A. P. (2000). Introducing biblical Hebrew. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.