Assessment

Percentage contribution for learners who maintain an average of 70% in their formative assessments: Formative Exercises 100% / Percentage contribution for learners who do not maintain an average of 70% in their formative assessments: Formative Exercises 20% + Exam 80%

Module Aims

Building on the introduction to Biblical Hebrew (BL08183), this module aims to further learners' knowledge of Biblical Hebrew, in order to enhance understanding of Scripture, especially the Old Testament. The course covers derived verb forms, other advanced elements of Biblical Hebrew morphology and syntax, and a wider vocabulary of key words needed for translating Biblical Hebrew texts. To illustrate use of the language, one or two biblical passages are read in Hebrew, in addition to sentences from the assigned grammar book. Deeper knowledge of the language allows for a greater understanding of elements of biblical culture and also grants insight into diverse translations of key Hebrew words in modern biblical versions.

Indicative Syllabus

1. The passive form of the Hebrew verb (niphal)
2. The causative active form of the Hebrew verb (hiphil)
3. The causative passive form of the Hebrew verb (hophal)
4. The intensive active form of the Hebrew verb (piel)
5. The intensive passive form of the Hebrew verb (pual)
6. The reflexive form of the Hebrew verb (hitpael)
7. The verbs with weak first letters
8. The verbs with weak second letters
9. The verbs with weak third letters
10. Geminate verbs
11. Parsing of verbs and nouns
12. Guided reading of selected passages from Genesis and / or Psalms

Learning Outcomes

• — Translate simple sentences of Old Testament Hebrew, and also explain elements of Biblical Hebrew morphology and syntax.
• — Articulate some major features of Hebrew grammar and indicate their impact on how major Biblical Hebrew texts are to be interpreted.
• — Translate a few basic Biblical Hebrew passages, and also apply Hebrew grammatical rules to conjugate other verbs and decline other nouns of a similar pattern.
• — Through a close attention to common Hebrew words, parse their grammatical form.
• — Demonstrate discernment regarding diverse translations of key Hebrew words in modern biblical versions.

Bibliography

• — Jo Ann Hackett, A Basic Introduction to Biblical Hebrew (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 2010).
• — Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1983), which is also available in electronic form at the German Bible Society website: https://www.die-bibel.de/bibel/BHS/GEN.1