BIBS213 Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 2

Overview

Detailed study of Hebrew language and syntax, with weekly language exercises. The translation and exegesis of selected passages.

This paper builds on the introductory study of Hebrew done in HEBR131/132 (or the equivalent), and is an excellent way to deepen your knowledge of Hebrew, so as to have a lifelong resource for the study of the Bible in its original language. We will become familiar with Hebrew grammar, syntax, and style, and learn how to use not only the standard editions of the biblical texts, but also the major grammars, lexica, and biblical commentaries. The texts studied change from year to year.

About this paper

Prerequisite

HEBR 103 or (HEBR 131 and HEBR 132)

Pre or Corequisite

BIBS 112

Restriction

BIBX 213

Schedule C

Arts and Music, Theology

Eligibility

Students must have studied enough Hebrew to read simple biblical texts in the original before the paper begins. This usually means that they must have completed HEBR132 (or equivalent).

Contact

Revd Dr Katie Marcar

katie.marcar@otago.ac.nz

More information link

View more information on the Theology Programme’s website

Teaching staff

Revd Dr Katie Marcar and others

Paper Structure

This paper involves studying a selection of Hebrew texts from the Tanakh/Old Testament in order to make the transition from elementary study of Hebrew to reading the Tanakh/Old Testament with confidence in the original. Texts will be drawn from the Former Prophets (Historical Books), Legal literature, Latter Prophets, “Wisdom” Literature, and Psalms. Classes and assignments will focus on understanding the grammar, syntax, idioms of the selected texts, and on the challenges of translation.

Teaching Arrangements

Distance with in-person assessment components.

Two one-hour classes per week for the full year. Distance students join in the classes remotely via Zoom. Attendance at all classes is expected, but students who are unable to join a class can watch recordings of the classes they have missed.

Note: Students are expected to do a significant amount of work outside class.

Textbooks

Recommended:

Bill T. Arnold and John H. Choi, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003). 

Also available electronically to University of Otago students.

Course outline

View the course outline for BIBS 213

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this paper, students will:

• be able to translate the set texts from the Torah, the Former and Latter Prophets, the “Wisdom” Literature, and the Psalms
• understand the grammar, syntax, idioms, accents, and literary forms of these texts
• be able to explain the difficulties with translating these texts

Assessment details

• Five assignments worth 5% each (25%)
• Comments on grammar and syntax (15%)
• Final examination (60%)

Overview

Detailed study of Hebrew language and syntax, with weekly language exercises. The translation and exegesis of selected passages.

This paper builds on the introductory study of Hebrew done in HEBR 131/132 (or the equivalent) and is an excellent way to deepen your knowledge of Hebrew, to have a lifelong resource for the study of the Bible in its original language. We will become familiar with Hebrew grammar, syntax and style, and learn how to use not only the standard editions of the biblical texts, but also the major grammars, lexica and biblical commentaries. The texts studied change from year to year.

About this paper

Prerequisite

HEBR 103 or (HEBR 131 and HEBR 132)

Pre or Corequisite

BIBS 112

Restriction

BIBX 213

Schedule C

Arts and Music, Theology

Eligibility

Students must have studied enough Hebrew to read simple biblical texts in the original before the paper begins. This usually means that they must have completed HEBR 132 (or equivalent).

Contact

Associate Professor James Harding

More information link

View more information on the Theology Programme's website.

Teaching staff

Associate Professor James Harding

Paper Structure

This paper involves studying a selection of Hebrew texts from the Tanakh/Old Testament to make the transition from elementary study of Hebrew to reading the Tanakh/Old Testament with confidence in the original. Texts will be drawn from the Former Prophets (Historical Books), Legal literature, Latter Prophets, "Wisdom" Literature and Psalms. Classes and assignments will focus on understanding the grammar, syntax and idioms of the selected texts, and on the challenges of translation.

Teaching Arrangements

Two 1-hour classes per week for the full year. Distance students join the classes remotely via Zoom. Attendance at all classes is expected, but students who are unable to join a class can watch recordings of the classes they have missed.

Note: Students are expected to do a significant amount of work outside class.

Textbooks

Recommended:

Bill T. Arnold and John H. Choi, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003).

Also available electronically to the University of Otago students.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this paper, students will:

• Be able to translate the set texts from the Torah, the Former and Latter Prophets, the "Wisdom" Literature and the Psalms.
• Understand the grammar, syntax, idioms, accents and literary forms of these texts.
• Be able to explain the difficulties with translating these texts.

Assessment details

• Five assignments (5% each) = 25%
• Comments on grammar and syntax = 15%
• Final examination = 60%