RT2104: Introduction to Biblical Hebrew

School Religion
Department Code SHARE
Module Code RT2104
External Subject Code Q480
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Daniel King
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2015/6

Outline Description of Module

Biblical or classical Hebrew is a Semitic language of the same language 'family' as Aramaic and Arabic. It is the language of the Jewish Scriptures (i.e. the Old Testament for Christians). This module teaches the square script, reading, writing and transliteration, some elements of classical Hebrew grammar and syntax, and it prepares students for further language study and translation of a text (see Module RT2105). The language will be of interest to students who wish to expand their knowledge of canonical (Jewish and Christian) texts, to students of the ancient world (especially the Near East) and to those who want to sample a Semitic language.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

The aim of this double module is to introduce students to the script, the reading, writing and transliteration, basic vocabulary and basic grammar of Biblical Hebrew, so as to give a secure foundation for the study of further language and selected tests in RT2105 Further Biblical Hebrew.

How the module will be delivered

Hebrew language learning, for beginners, is done in small classes, allowing for personal attention from the teacher, and in a supportive atmosphere. Classes are participative and depend for their success on students’ willingness to shed their inhibitions and join in the learning process, whether through individual contribution or working in small groups. Class work will include reading, writing and translation. The course textbook will be supplemented by other material provided by the teacher. From an early stage “real” biblical texts will be part of reading and study, and synagogue liturgy material will be introduced too.

Skills that will be practised and developed

On completion of the module a student should be able:

  • minimally to read, write and transliterate accurately Hebrew script, to recognise common grammatical forms with recourse to a primer and to be able to translate them in context.
  • Typically a student should be able to read, write and transliterate Hebrew script accurately, to describe (parse) and construct simple grammatical forms and to be able to translate compound sentences from Hebrew to English and vice versa and to be able to articulate something of the value and use of language study in relation to the subject.

Knowledge and Understanding:

Through this double module the student should be gaining a tool for the better understanding of relevant texts and the application of language skills which may serve philological, sociological, historical and other approaches to Religious and Theological Studies.

Intellectual Skills:

The learning of a new script and of a language not of Indo-European type.

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

Philology in the service of historical, textual and linguistic study in the field of religion.

Transferable Skills:

The facility of “close reading”.

Accuracy in use of lexicographical and reference aids.

The ability to work alone and with others

The ability to understand and apply rules of grammar, comparing and contrasting their applicability in a given context, which improves the knowledge and use of one’s own language also.

Skills related to linguistic/translational flexibility and literalness (or the same words don’t mean the same things all the time)

The understanding of culture and difference which language study promote

The skills of philology

How the module will be assessed

50% coursework and a 1.5 hour exam in January worth 50%

The module is assessed by means of an in-class test (50%) and a 1.5 hour exam in January (50%).

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 50 Coursework N/A
Exam - Spring Semester 50 Introduction To Biblical Hebrew 1.5

Syllabus content

The language and the script; the consonantal alphabet; the Masoretic vowel system; pronunciation, reading and transliteration; characteristics of letters; the definite article and prepositions various; prefixes various; gender and number; declensions of nouns and adjectives; the use of grammar; voice and tense; suffixes various; participles; verbs perfect and imperfect; Qal and Niph’al; introduction to verbal system and weak verbs; the use of dictionaries; syntax; sentence structure and the elements of grammar as observable in e.g. blessings, songs, selected verses of Bible and other text.

Essential Reading and Resource List

A.P. Ross, Introducing Biblical Hebrew (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2001

Background Reading and Resource List

K. Elliger, W. Rudolph, R. Kittel (eds), Biblia hebraica stuttgartensia (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelstiftung, 1977).

David J. A. Clines, The Concise Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2009).


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