Overview
Detailed study of Hebrew language and syntax, with weekly language exercises. The translation and exegesis of selected passages.
This paper builds on BIBS 213 (or the equivalent) and advances students' abilities to read biblical texts in the original Hebrew and interpret them critically. We will immerse ourselves in particular biblical texts, becoming more familiar with the intricacies of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and style and deepening our acquaintance with the major grammars, lexica, and biblical commentaries. This paper is an excellent way to deepen one's knowledge of Hebrew, so as to have a lifelong resource for the study of the Bible in its original language and its ancient context. The specific texts covered change from year to year.
About this paper
| Paper title | Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 3 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Full Year
(Distance learning)
Full Year (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $955.05 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- BIBS 213 or BIBX 213
- Restriction
- BIBX 313
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Eligibility
- Students must have studied enough Hebrew to read biblical texts in the original Hebrew before the paper begins, which usually means having successfully completed HEBR 132 and BIBS 213.
- Contact
Dr James Harding james.harding@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Theology website: www.otago.ac.nz/theology
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
Assessment:
- 6 assignments x 5% each (30%)
- Grammar comments 10%
- Final exam 60%
- Teaching Arrangements
The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely.
Campus: Two one-hour lectures per week for the full year.
Distance: Two one-hour lectures per week for the full year. Distance students participate in the campus classes via Zoom. Students who are unable to join classes can watch recordings at a later time.
- Textbooks
- Required: K. Elliger and W. Rudolph (eds.), Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (4th rev. ed.; Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1967/77)
- Course outline
- View the course outline for BIBS 313
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Research, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Understand the grammar, syntax and major translation problems of specific texts from the Bible in the original Hebrew
- Have deepened their familiarity with Hebrew grammar and syntax
- Have become proficient in engaging critically with advanced scholarly research on the biblical texts in Hebrew.
Timetable
Overview
Detailed study of Hebrew language and syntax, with weekly language exercises. The translation and exegesis of selected passages.
This paper builds on BIBS 213 (or the equivalent) and advances students' abilities to read biblical texts in the original Hebrew and interpret them critically. We will immerse ourselves in particular biblical texts, becoming more familiar with the intricacies of Hebrew grammar, syntax, and style and deepening our acquaintance with the major grammars, lexica, and biblical commentaries. This paper is an excellent way to deepen one's knowledge of Hebrew, so as to have a lifelong resource for the study of the Bible in its original language and its ancient context. The specific texts covered change from year to year.
About this paper
| Paper title | Hebrew Old Testament Exegesis 3 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Biblical Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Full Year
(Distance learning)
Full Year (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2024 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- BIBS 213 or BIBX 213
- Restriction
- BIBX 313
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Eligibility
Students must have a sound grasp of the grammar and syntax of Biblical Hebrew, as well as some experience of reading biblical texts in Hebrew, before the paper begins. This usually means that they must have successfully completed BIBS213 (or equivalent).
- Contact
Revd Dr James Harding: james.harding@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information on the Theology website: www.otago.ac.nz/theology
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
This paper involves studying a selection of Hebrew texts from the Tanakh/Old Testament in order to make the transition from intermediate study of Hebrew to reading extended passages from the Tanakh/Old Testament with confidence in the original. Texts will be drawn from the narratives of the Torah and Former Prophets (Historical Books), Legal literature, Latter Prophets, “Wisdom” Literature, and Psalms. Classes and assignments will focus on developing the skills needed to use the major tools for research on the Hebrew text of the Bible.
Assessment:
- Five assignments worth 5% each (25%)
- Comments on grammar and syntax (15%)
- Final examination (60%)
- Teaching Arrangements
Two one-hour classes per week for the full year, plus weekly one-hour tutorial. 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. Students of BIBS313 will join in the classes for BIBS213, but will also study additional biblical texts in Hebrew (weekly one-hour tutorial to be arranged).
Note: Students are expected to do a significant amount of work outside class.
- Textbooks
Required:
Bill T. Arnold and John H. Choi, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003) (eReserve).
H. P. Rüger (ed.), Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (4th ed.; Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1990).
Recommended:
Paul Joüon and Takamitsu Muraoka, A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew (2nd ed.; Subsidia Biblica, 27; Rome: Gregorian and Biblical Press, 2006).
Ludwig Koehler and Walter Baumgartner, The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (2 vols.; trans. M. E. J. Richardson; Leiden: Brill, 2001).
- Course outline
- View the course outline for BIBS 313
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
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, and be able to explain the difficulties with translating them
- be able to use advanced grammatical and lexical tools with confidence