Intermediate Hebrew OT504
Winter 2012
Richard (Dick) Belcher, Jr. rbelcher@rts.edu
Course Description
This course lays a foundation for doing exegesis in Hebrew. Primary attention is given to translation and the verbal system, including weak verbs.
Course Goals
1) The ability to recognize and parse verbs
2) To begin to acquire a basic vocabulary for reading Hebrew
3) Hands-on experience of Bible translation and the ability to read easier passages of
Hebrew
4) To become acquainted with various Hebrew tools and their use
5) To develop a growing sense of the importance of Hebrew in exegesis
Textbooks
A) Books students have already purchased for Introduction to Hebrew and required for
Intermediate Hebrew:
1) Mark D. Futato, Beginning Biblical Hebrew (Eisenbrauns, 2003): purchased through the RTS Charlotte bookstore
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, Brown- Driver-
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 (3 rd
ed; Bibal Press, 1995)
6) Ellis R. Brotzman, Old Testament Textual Criticism (Baker, 1994)
7) The Trinity Psalter , Crown and Covenant Publications, 1994: purchased through the
RTS Charlotte bookstore
B) Also required for Intermediate Hebrew:
1) Bill T. Arnold and John H. Choi, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax

Intermediate Hebrew Syllabus 2
2) Steven D. Mathewson, "Advanced Plot Analysis," in The Art of Preaching Old
Testament Narrative (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002), 227-255; abbreviated (APOTN)
3) Todd J. Murphy, Pocket Dictionary for the Study of Biblical Hebrew (Downers Grove,
IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003)
Basic Course Structure
1) Each day will consist of a quiz, review (including oral work), and new lecture material.
2) Most assignments are in the mega-syllabus and come from the Hebrew Bible.
3) Although each student will develop a methodology for accomplishing the homework assignments, the following is a suggestion toward that development: a) For each homework assignment the Hebrew text is printed on a sheet of paper for the student, with space between the clauses and verses so information can be written on the paper. b) Examine the text clause-by-clause and identify in each verse things that you are able to recognize, such as the meaning of words, the identification of the root of verbs, the parsing of verbs, the translation of Hebrew phrases. c) Get help with things you do not recognize through the following tools: i) Hebrew Lexicon ii) a computer program like BibleWorks iii) if a student does not have access to a computer program, the following can be helpful
-Todd S. Beale, Old Testament Parsing Guide (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986)
-Benjamin Davidson, Analytical Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon (Peabody, MA:
Hendrickson, 1850/1995) d) The goal is to parse all the verbs and to translate each verse e) Check your work against a translation that is on the literal side, such as the NAS f) Although students may use BibleWorks (or an equivalent) to prepare homework, there is a danger that one will become too dependent on BibleWorks, so that the student should put some effort into parsing and translation before turning to BibleWorks. Also,
BibleWorks is not to be used when going over homework in class. Thus each student should bring the results of their homework on a separate sheet of paper (parsing of verbs, translation of the verse, and any other questions on the homework assignment sheet). g) All work in class will be done out of the Hebrew Bible. Please bring your Hebrew
Bible to class and read out of the Hebrew Bible.

Intermediate Hebrew Syllabus 3
Quizzes
1) Quizzes will be given at the beginning of class and are designed to last about 20 minutes. You will always be told what new material to expect on a quiz. No quizzes are dropped for Intermediate Hebrew and you must have a good reason to make-up a quiz if you miss a quiz.
2) Vocabulary is laid out according to the numbers on the vocabulary cards (see the
Schedule).
Exams
1) A Strong Verb Parsing Exam will be given January 9.
2) The Final Exam will include parsing of weak verbs, translation of Hebrew passages, and a few grammar questions. You will be able to use a lexicon and Arnold/Choi.
Assignments
1) There is an assignment in Ruth which examines the use of the waw-consecutive in narrative and is based on the appendix in Matthewson (see Handout 010).
2) There is an exam on key terms that will be given after Intermediate Hebrew is completed. It is based on the reading and lectures with answers provided for the students
(see Handout 003)
3) All assignments (Final Exam, Ruth assignment, and Exam on key terms) must be finished by Friday, January 27, 5:00 PM
Grading
40% Final Examination
30% Quizzes
10% Parsing Exam
10% Ruth Assignment
10% Glossary of Key Terms Exam

Intermediate Hebrew Syllabus 4
Desire for
Worldview
Winsomely
Reformed
Course:
Professor:
Campus:
Date:
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Hebrew 2
Richard P Belcher
Charlotte
March 2009
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.
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
Articulation Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both
(oral & oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including written) details, concepts, and frameworks.
Scripture
Reformed
Theology
Sanctification
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.
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
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.
 Strong
 Moderate
 Minimal
 None
None
Moderate
None
Minimal
None
None
None
more of the tools available to the students to understand the original meaning of Scripture through
Hebrew
open each class with devotion and singing of a psalm
Preach
Worship
Shepherd
Church/World
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service.
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.
None
None
None