Introduction to Hebrew
OT502 Fall 2011
Richard (Dick) Belcher, Jr.
rbelcher@rts.edu
Welcome to the study of Hebrew. Although there are some initial barriers to
overcome, most people who are diligent and disciplined in their study can
understand this material. Learning Hebrew is part of our devotion to God and is
important because of the high esteem we have for the Word of God. If we believe
that theology is based on exegesis, then it is imperative that we learn Hebrew to
the best of our ability.
I. Course Goals
A. To learn the fundamentals of Hebrew word formation and pronunciation.
B. To gain an introductory understanding of Hebrew grammar.
C. To achieve an elementary ability to read Hebrew.
II. Getting Started
A) The documents in the syllabus come in the pdf format with the capability of
taking notes in that format (this will be explained the first day of class)
B) You will need to buy Beginning Biblical Hebrew by Futato and the Trinity
Psalter from the RTS bookstore as they are not as readily available
through Mind and Heart.
C) For the first day of class bring your Hebrew Bible (BHS) and all the material
for the first day (Hebrew Syllabus, Schedule, Futato Practice Guide, the
Alphabet Chart and the Vowel Chart). The document The Hebrew
Alphabet Practice Sheet needs to be printed out so you can bring a hard
copy to class the first day.
D) You will do yourself a big favor if you already know the alphabet and vowels
on the first day. We will go over them in class, but because they are so
different from anything you have ever seen, already knowing them will
give you a jump-start on Hebrew. To that end there is posted on SelfService materials for the first day of Hebrew which you can use to review
the Alphabet and Vowels.
II. Required Textbooks
1) Mark D. Futato, Beginning Biblical Hebrew (Eisenbrauns, 2003): buy from the
RTS Charlotte bookstore
Introduction to Hebrew Syllabus
2
2) A Hebrew Bible: either the Hebrew text alone (Biblia Hebraica
Stuttgartensia) or the Hebrew and Greek text published together (Biblia
Sacra: Hebraica et Graeca)
3) A Hebrew Lexicon: Francis Brown, S. R. Driver, and Charles Briggs, BrownDriver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Hendriksen, **), also known
as BDB
4) Biblical Hebrew Vocabulary Cards, Raymond Dillard
5) William R. Scott, A Simplified Guide to BHS (3rd ed; Bibal Press, 1995)
6) Ellis R. Brotzman, Old Testament Textual Criticism (Baker, 1994)
7) The Trinity Psalter, Crown and Covenant Publications, 1994 (buy from RTS
Charlotte bookstore)
III. Course Requirements
A) Quizzes: The quizzes provide a series of short term goals which, if met,
will advance you smoothly through the course. They are important.
1) Quizzes will be given right at the start of class. Do not be late.
2) You will always be told what new material to expect on a quiz. The
quizzes will focus on what is emphasized in class as important.
3) Eleven quizzes will be given. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
4) The first time you miss a quiz for whatever reason will be your dropped
quiz.
B) Exams: there is a Midterm and a Final Exam, which are cumulative over the
semester.
C) Assignments and Review: there are homework assignments that need to be
completed and the review in class after the quiz will focus on those
assignments. Students will get a chance to orally participate during this time.
Be prepared to answer questions based on the assignments.
1) Vocabulary: the vocabulary words for each week are listed on the
Schedule according to the number on the vocabulary cards. Vocabulary is
cumulative throughout the semester.
2) For assignments you will need to consult the Futato Practice Guide (a word
document), which will identify the assignments in Futato that are required,
plus, other work that will supplement what is in Futato.
Introduction to Hebrew Syllabus
3
a) Answers to the assignments in Futato are in the back of the book and
answers to the supplementary assignments are in the Futato Practice
Guide Answers. Please try to do the work yourself first, and then check
the answers.
b) On each quiz there will be a statement concerning the completion of the
assignments. A student must complete 90% of the assignments, including
the reading, to get credit.
D) Class Participation: it is not easy at first to get your tongue and your brain
working together in pronouncing the Hebrew, but it is important to give a
good effort, which is all that the instructor wants to see. If you regularly
miss class (or slip out the third hour), your grade will be deducted.
IV. Grading
10%
60%
30%
Assignments and Class Participation
Exams
Quizzes
Introduction to Hebrew Syllabus
4
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Course:
Professor:
Campus:
Hebrew 1
Richard P Belcher
Charlotte
MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined
the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process.
Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the
contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes.
Rubric




Mini-Justification
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
None
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
Articulation
(oral &
written)
Scripture
Reformed
Theology
Sanctification
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both
oral and written, of essential biblical, theological,
historical, and cultural/global information, including
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Significant knowledge of the original meaning of
Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research
further into the original meaning of Scripture and to
apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances.
(Includes appropriate use of original languages and
hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical,
and cultural/global perspectives.)
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and
practice, with emphasis on the Westminster
Standards.
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the
student’s sanctification.
Desire for
Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
Winsomely
Reformed
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an
appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians,
especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the
Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians;
and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Preach
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to
lead a worship service.
Worship
Shepherd
Church/World
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in
spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings;
and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both
in America and worldwide.
Ability to interact within a denominational context,
within the broader worldwide church, and with
significant public issues.
Date:
March 2009
None
Minimal
at the introductory level we are
beginning the process of using
Hebrew to understand the original
meaning of Scripture
None
Minimal
None
None
None
None
None
None
open each class with devotion and
singing of a psalm