Asian Biblical Studies Network
Basics of Old Testament Hebrew
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Biblical Hebrew, the language in which the majority of the Old Testament was written. Students will learn the Hebrew alphabet, basic grammar, and vocabulary, enabling them to read and understand simple passages from the Old Testament.
Course Outline:
1. Introduction to Old Testament Hebrew
- Importance of studying Biblical Hebrew
- Historical context of the Hebrew language
- Comparison with other ancient Semitic languages
2. Hebrew Alphabet and Pronunciation
- Learning to write and pronounce the Hebrew letters
- Understanding vowel points (nikkud)
3. Basic Grammar Concepts
- Nouns: Gender, Number, State
- Pronouns: Personal and Demonstrative
- Verbs: Perfect, Imperfect, Infinitive Construct
4. Vocabulary Building
- Introduction to basic vocabulary related to everyday life and common themes in the Old Testament
- Vocabulary exercises and drills to reinforce learning
5. Basic Sentence Structure
- Word Order
- Introduction to Hebrew syntax
- Construct phrases and clauses
6. Introduction to New Testament Texts
- Selecting simple passages from the Old Testament for translation
- Translating and analyzing selected passages
7. Intermediate Grammar Concepts
- Introduction to more complex verb forms (Participle, Cohortative, Jussive)
- Prepositions and their usage
- Conjunctions: Coordinating and Subordinating
8. Reading Comprehension
- Practice reading and translating longer passages from the Old Testament
- Comprehension exercises to improve understanding
9. Review and Consolidation
- Review of all grammar concepts covered in the course
- Vocabulary review and reinforcement exercises
- Translation exercises covering a variety of Old Testament passages
10. Conclusion and Further Study
- Discussion of resources for further study of Biblical Hebrew
- Suggestions for continued practice and improvement
Assessment:
- Regular quizzes on vocabulary and grammar
- Translation exercises
- Final exam covering all material taught in the course
Prerequisites:
- No prior knowledge of Greek is required, but a basic understanding of English grammar is recommended.
Materials:
- Textbook: A beginner's textbook on Biblical Hebrew
- Hebrew-English lexicon or dictionary
- Supplementary reading materials from the Old Testament
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