Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
OT 626 Exegesis of Genesis
Spring 2013
Thursdays 2:00pm—5:00pm
Instructor: Carol M. Kaminski
Office hours: TBA
Provisional Course Outline
1. Course Objectives:
The primary objective of this course is to help students develop Hebrew
language and exegetical skills in preparation for teaching and preaching from the
Old Testament. This will be achieved through weekly translation exercises, word
studies and exegetical questions (Gordon-Conwell Mission Statement #1—2).
The secondary objective of this course is to introduce students to the content and
theology of the book of Genesis in preparation for teaching and preaching. This
will be achieved through a detailed exegetical analysis of key chapters in
Genesis. Focus will be given to theological issues arising from the text, with an
emphasis on how Genesis contributes to redemptive history (Gordon-Conwell
Mission Statement #1—2).
2.
Required Textbooks:
1. Brown, A.P. and B.W. Smith, A Reader’s Hebrew Bible (Zondervan: 2008).
Note: If you do not already have the standard Hebrew Bible, (Biblia
Hebraica Stuttgartensia), you will probably want to purchase it as well since
you will need this Bible long term. However, for this class we will be
using A Reader’s Hebrew Bible. We will be referring to BHS at various times
in class, particularly when we learn about the critical apparatus (which is
not in RHB), but the primary Hebrew Bible for translations will be RHB.
2. Pelt, Miles van, and G. Pratico, The Vocabulary Guide to Biblical Hebrew (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 2003). Another Hebrew Vocabulary book would also
be fine, such as Mitchel’s, A Student’s Vocabulary for Biblical Hebrew.
3. Stuart, D., Old Testament Exegesis (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1980).
Note: if you do not have a Bible software program such as BibleWorks, Logos, or
Gramcord/Accordance, you will need to purchase:
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
Wigram, G.V., The Englishman's Hebrew Concordance of the Old Testament
(Nashville: Broadman Press.,1980).
3. Recommended Genesis Commentary:
Mathews, K. A., Genesis 1-11:26 (NAC; Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996).
This commentary is not required, but you may want to purchase it since you are required
to read 80 pages from it, and it is one of the best commentaries on Gen. 1—11. Two copies
of the commentary will also be on the reserve shelf.
4.
Selective Bibliography:
Alter, R., The Art of Biblical Narrative (New York: Basic Books, 1981).
Brueggemann, W., Genesis. A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (IBC;
Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1982).
Brucker, J.K., Implied Law in the Abraham Narratives: A Literary and Theological
Approach (T & T Clark, 2002).
Cassuto, U., A Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Vol. 1 (trans. I. Abrahams;
Jerusalem: Magnes Press, 1961).
, A Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Vol. 2 (trans. I. Abrahams; Jerusalem:
Magnes Press, 1964).
Clines, D. J. A., “The Image of God in Man,” TB 19 (1968), pp. 53-103.
, “Theme in Genesis 1-11,” CBQ 38 (1976), pp. 483-507.
, The Theme of the Pentateuch (JSOTSup, 10; Sheffield: JSOT Press, 1979).
Dumbrell, W. J. Covenant and Creation (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1984).
Garrett, D., Rethinking Genesis: The Sources and Authorship of the First Book of the
Pentateuch (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1991).
Hamilton, V. P., The Book of Genesis: Chapters 1 -17 (NICOT; Grand Rapids:
Eerdmans, 1990).
, The Book of Genesis: Chapters 18-50 (NICOT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans,
1995).
Johnson, M. D., The Purpose of the Biblical Genealogies (SNTS 8; Cambridge,
England: Cambridge University Press, 1969).
Fockner, S., “Reopening the Discussion: Another Contextual Look at the Sons of
God”, JSOT 34:4 (2008), pp. 435-456.
Kaminski, C.M, ‘Beautiful Women or False Judgment? Interpreting Gen. 6:2 in
the Context of the Primaeval History’, JSOT 32:4 (2008), pp. 457-473.
__________, From Noah To Israel: Realization of the Primaeval Blessing After the
Flood (JSOTSup 413; T&T Clark, 2004).
__________, CASKET EMPTY: God’s Plan of Redemption through
History. Old Testament Study Guide (Casket Empty Media, 2012).
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
__________, CASKET EMPTY: God’s Plan of Redemption through History. Old
Testament Timeline (Casket Empty Media, 2010).
__________, Was Noah Good? Finding Favour in the Flood Narrative (forthcoming,
LHBOTS, T&T Clark).
Mathews, K. A., Genesis 1-11:26 (NAC; Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1996).
, Genesis 11:27—50:26 (NAC; Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2005).
Millard, A. R. and D. J. Wiseman, eds., Essays on the Patriarchal Narratives
(Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1980), pp. 11-42.
Pritchard, J. B., ed., Ancient Near Eastern Texts (Princeton: Princeton University
Press, 1969).
Rad, G. von, Genesis (trans. J. H. Marks; London, SCM Press 1972).
Robinson, R. B., “Literary Functions of the Genealogies of Genesis,” CBQ (1986),
pp. 595-608.
Ross, A. P., Creation and Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis
(Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1988).
Sailhamer, J., The Pentateuch as Narrative (Library of Biblical Interpretation; Grand
Rapids: Zondervan, 1992).
Sarna, N. M., Genesis (JPS Torah Commentary; New York: Schocken Books, 1970).
Soulen, R. N. Handbook of Biblical Criticism (John Knox Press, 1981).
Waltke, B., Genesis. A Commentary (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001).
Wenham, G. J., Genesis 1-15 (WBC; Waco: Word Books, 1987).
Wenham, G. J., Genesis 16-50 (WBC; Dallas: Word Books, 1994).
Westermann, C., Genesis 1-11: A Continental Commentary (trans. J. J. Scullion;
Minneapolis: Fortress, 1994). 3 Volumes: Gen. 1-11; 12-36; 37-50.
Williamson, P.R., Abraham, Israel and the Nations: The Patriarchal Promise and Its
Covenantal Development in Genesis (JSOT 315; Sheffield Academic Press,
2000).
Wilson, R.R. Genealogy and History in the Biblical World (YNER 7; New Haven:
Yale University: 1977).
, “The Old Testament Genealogies in Recent Research,” JBL 94 (1975),
pp. 169-189.
Wolff, H. W., “The Kerygma of the Yahwist,” Interpretation 20 (1966), pp. 131-158.
4.
Hebrew Bible and Language Resources:
Arnold, B., and J. Choi, A Guide to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Cambridge University
Press, 2003).
Beall, T.S. and W. Banks, Old Testament Parsing Guide (Chicago: Moody, 1986).
Bergen, R.D. ed., Biblical Hebrew and Discourse Linguistics (SIL; Eisenbraus, 1994)
Botterweck, Ringgren, and Fabry, Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
(Eerdmans), 15+ volumes.
Brotzman, E.R., Old Testament Text Criticism: A Practical Introduction (Baker, 1994).
Brown, F., S. Driver, C. Briggs eds. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old
Testament (Oxford: Clarendon Press., 1951).
Holladay, W. L., A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971).
Joüon, P. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew (revised ed.; trans. and rev. by T. Muraoka
(Rome: Editrice Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1993). 2 Volumes.
Kautzsch, E. and A. E. Cowley, eds. Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar (2nd. ed.; Oxford:
Clarendon Press, 1999 [1910]).
Longacre, R.E., Joseph: A story of divine providence: A text theoretical and
textlinguistic Analysis of Genesis 37 and 39—48 (Eisenbrauns, 1989).
Waltke B. K. and M. O'Connor, An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax (Winona
Lake: Eisenbrauns, 1990).
Williams, R. J. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline (Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press, 1976).
Wolde, Ellen van, ed., Narrative Syntax and the Hebrew Bible (Brill, 2002).
5. Hebrew Competency Exam:
A Hebrew competency exam is scheduled for the first day of class, Jan. 31. The
exam will include vocabulary, parsing of verbs, and translation. The best way to
prepare for this exam is to review your first year Hebrew grammar. You need to
pass the exam in order to take the class for credit.
6.
Course Requirements:
Hebrew Translation and In-Class Testing: As a 600-level Hebrew exegesis
course, you will be required to translate approximately ten chapters of Hebrew
from the book of Genesis, as per the schedule below. Each class will have time set
aside for Hebrew translation. Several people will be called upon each week to
translate one or two verses from the weekly translation. Please note that you are
not allowed to use your computer for in-class Hebrew translation. This means
that you will need to translate directly from A Reader’s Hebrew Bible or from a
notebook or print-out of your translation, including any translation notes you
may have. When you are called upon in class, you will be required to translate
the verse(s), parse every verb, and answer basic Hebrew grammar questions. No
grade will be assigned for this section; however, a 2-4 point deduction will be taken
off your final grade for this course for one of the following reasons:
a. failure to have completed the assigned translation prior to class.
b. inadequate Hebrew translation in class.
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
Hebrew Vocabulary: Since you are allowed to make use of the vocabulary
provided in RHB for the Hebrew translation exam, you are required to know all
Hebrew words occurring at a frequency of 94 times or more (400 words
according to van Pelt and Pratico, p. 22). Remember that you have already learnt
many of these words in first year Hebrew. You will be tested on this Hebrew
vocabulary (400 words) in two quizzes. The first quiz on words 1-200 is
scheduled for Thursday, March 7th. The second quiz on words 1-400 is scheduled
for Thursday, May 2nd (it is part of your final exam). The quizzes are worth 10%
each.
Hebrew Translation Exam: all students are required to take a Hebrew
translation exam which will comprise of the Hebrew translations that you have
been doing each week (you are required to translate the texts and parse all
verbs). No lexicons can be used, but vocabulary is provided which occurs in the
footnotes of RHB. The translation exam is worth 30% of your final grade. It is
scheduled for Thursday, April 11. (There will no lectures after the exam.)
Final Exam: all students are required to take a final exam which will entail a)
vocabulary test , entailing words from among the list of 400 words (van Pelt, pp.
1—22); and b) one essay question on the theology of Genesis. Please note that two
essays will be given in the exam, taken from the list of seven topics below (seven
is a good biblical number!). You are permitted to choose which essay topic you
would like to answer out of the two options. The final exam is worth 30% of your
final grade (vocab quiz 2 worth 10%, essay on Genesis, worth 20%). The exam is
scheduled for Thursday, May 2nd. Topics for essay questions are as follows:
1) The Fall: Sin and Its Consequences (Gen. 3-4)
2) The Theme of Sin, Judgment and Grace in Genesis
3) The Outworking of the Creation Mandate, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill
the earth” (Gen. 1:28; 9:1).
4) The Form and Function of Genealogies in Genesis, and the Toledot Structure
5) God's Promises to Abraham: Their Content and Significance
6) The Abrahamic Covenant and Circumcision
7) Heir of the Promises to Abraham: Slave or Son?
Hebrew Competency: In 600 and 700 level Hebrew exegesis courses, you are
required to show competency in the Hebrew language. If you do not
demonstrate Hebrew competency (evaluated through in-class translation,
Hebrew translation exam, Hebrew vocabulary knowledge, and Hebrew
grammar in your paper), you will not be given a passing grade (even if you pass
the course according to your grade point average).
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
See the GCTS Catalog: “At both the OT 600 and OT 700 levels, competency in Hebrew
must be demonstrated by the student in all aspects of the course in order for a passing
grade to be assigned, regardless of how the course grade is otherwise computed” (p. 88).
Word Studies: Students are required to complete the Hebrew word studies (as
per the schedule below) before each class. Several students will be called upon in
class each week to discuss your word study. Word studies will not be graded
(and you do not need to submit them; nor do they need to be written up
formally), but failure to have completed the word study when called upon in class will
result in a 2-3 point deduction off your final grade.
Commentary and Selected Readings:
Since emphasis has been placed on Hebrew acquisition in this course, only
minimal reading requirements on Genesis have been assigned. The following
readings are required for the course:
1. Clines, D.J.A., “Theme in Genesis 1-11,” CBQ 38 (1976), pp. 483-507.
2. Mathews, K. A., Genesis 1-11:26 (NAC; 1996), pp. 22-111.
3. Robinson, R. B., “Literary Functions of the Genealogies of Genesis,” CBQ
(1986), pp. 595-608.
4. Stuart, D., Old Testament Exegesis (not to be read in its entirety, but consulted
when writing your exegesis paper).
You will be asked on your final exam to state what percentage of the required
readings you have read. Failure to have completed the readings may result in a
1-2 point grade deduction.
Exegetical Paper: all students are required to submit an exegetical paper using
the tools and methods taught in class. The exegetical paper is worth 30% of your
final grade and is due on Thursday, March 28.
Format for the Exegetical Paper:
Each student is required to write a 15 page (no more than 15 pages is permitted) exegesis
paper, double spaced, with footnotes. Sample papers will be on the reserve shelf in the
library. You can select any passage from the book of Genesis, provided it is not one that we
have discussed in-depth in class. You should choose no more than 5-6 verses. You are
required to do a minimum of five Hebrew word studies in your paper, but they are not to be
words already done in class.
• Do not make your outline a formal outline with subordinated letters and numbers. Rather,
simply label each step with the following headings (consult Stuart, Old Testament Exegesis, pp.
65-76, and the book as a whole):
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
1) Text and Translation: a) Begin with the Hebrew Text at the top of the page using RHB,
but include footnotes commenting on the textual variants (you will need to use the critical
apparatus in BHS); b) the Hebrew text is to be immediately followed by your own
translation, which should include footnotes noting how English Bibles translate the passage
(e.g. NIV, NRSV, NASB) and reasons for your translation.
2) Grammatical and Lexical Data: Include in this section five Hebrew word studies and a
verse-by-verse analysis of the grammar (consult several Hebrew grammars, such as Jouon,
Gesenius, Waltke).
3) Form and Structure: Identify briefly the genre of your passage (e.g. whether it is
narrative, poetic, a wisdom saying, prophetic, etc.), and note any structural elements that are
evident in your passage.
4) Literary-Historical Context: Locate your passage in the book as a whole, noting where
the passage occurs according to its literary context and why this is significant for
interpretation. In this section you will also provide information about the historical context
of the passage, including providing a date for your text. One paragraph (or two if it is
controversial) will also need to be devoted to the authorship of your passage, discussing
scholarly views and how they impact issues such as authorship and historical context for
your passage. You will want to interact with commentaries and articles, discussing any
debated issues and important historical background information.
5) Biblical-Theological Context: Make note of important theological issues arising from
the text and how your passage contributes theologically to our understanding of key aspects
of the faith. Note if the passage is cited elsewhere in the Bible and how this contributes to
our understanding of the passage.
6) Application: In this section you will provide a description of how the passage is to be
applied in a local church context.
7) Bibliography: It is expected that you will consult major commentaries and scholarly
work on the passage, as well as key articles related to your passage.
Plagiarism: Be aware that the seminary has a strict policy on plagiarism (see the
Student Handbook). Be certain to footnote all sources used, giving credit where
credit is due. If I find that you have not adequately cited sources, you will
automatically receive a Fail grade for the paper and it will be returned to you. For
further information on what constitutes plagiarism, see the following website:
www.indiana.edu/~wts/wts/plagiarism.html
Due date: The paper is due on Thursday, March 28. It is to be submitted to the
mailroom by 4:00pm (Kaminski Box #255), or it can be placed outside my office
(AC#136) in the box provided by 4:00pm. Please note that a hard copy of your
paper is required (no electronic copies). Late penalties will apply, except in the
case of special circumstances (eg. personal illness, bereavement etc.). If you are
away (due to Reading Week), you can mail a hard copy to me at the seminary,
but it needs to be postmarked by this date.
Cell Phones: Please turn off all cell phones before class.
Internet use (whether on a phone or computer) is prohibited during class, but
is permissible during breaks.
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
Provisional Lecture Outline at a Glance:
Thurs. Jan 31
Thurs. Feb 7
Thurs. Feb 14
Thurs. Feb 21
Thurs. Feb 28
Thurs. March 7
Thurs. March 14
Thurs. March 21
Thurs. March 28
Thurs. April 4
Thurs. April 11
Thurs. April 18
Thurs. April 25
Thurs. May 2
Wk 1: Hebrew Competency Exam
Introduction to the Course and Genesis
Introduction to Hebrew Exegesis
Wk 2: The Creation Story
Genesis 1:1—2:3
Be prepared to translate Gen. 1:1-5, 26-28; 5:1-3
Wk 3: Adam’s disobedience and God’s judgment
Genesis 2—3; Rom. 5
Be prepared to translate Gen. 3:1-16
Wk 4: Reading Week
Wk 5: Sin, Judgment and Divine Grace
Gen. 6—8
Be prepared to translate Gen. 3:17-24; 6:1-8
Wk 6: Hebrew vocabulary quiz (words 1—200)
Realization of the Primeval Blessing
Gen. 9—11
Be prepared to translate Gen. 9:1, 18-19; 11:1-9
Wk 7: God’s Promises to Abraham and his “seed”
Gen. 12 and Gen 15.
Be prepared to translate Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-6
Wk 8: The Abrahamic Covenant and Circumcision
Gen. 15, 17, and Rom. 4.
Be prepared to translate Gen. 17:1-22
Wk 9: Reading Week
Exegesis paper due by 4:00pm
Wk 10: Who will be an Heir: A Slave or a Son?
Gen. 16, 18, 21; Rom. 9 and Gal. 4
Be prepared to translate Gen. 18:10-15; 21:8-13
Wk11: Hebrew Translation Exam
Wk 12: Divine Grace in the Patriarchal narratives
Gen. 12—50
Be prepared to discuss Gen. 18:10-15; 21:8-13.
Wk 13: Overview of other key stories in Genesis.
Review of the major themes of Genesis
Final Exam: two parts:
1. Hebrew vocabulary (words 1—400) . 2. Genesis Essay
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
Provisional Course Schedule
Week 1: Thursday January 31
• Hebrew Competency Exam
• Introduction to the Course
• Introduction to Hebrew Exegesis
Homework to be completed before next class:
Translate Gen. 1:1-5, 26-28; 5:1-3
Start learning Hebrew vocabulary.
Week 2: Thursday February 7
• Introduction to Genesis
• The Toledot Structure of Genesis
• The Creation Story (Gen. 1:1—2:3)
Be prepared to translate Gen. 1:1-5, 26-28; 5:1-3
Homework to be completed before next class:
Translate Genesis 3:1-16
Review Hebrew vocabulary.
Week 3: Thursday February 14
• Adam’s disobedience and God’s judgment
• Genesis 2—3; Rom. 5, 7
Be prepared to translate Genesis 3:1-16
Homework to be completed before next class:
Translate Genesis 3:17-24; 6:1-8
Closer Look: Do a word study on the Hebrew word hxm, “to
blot out” (Gen. 6:7).
Exegetical Question: What does the Hebrew word hxm mean? Give
concrete examples from the OT that illustrate the meaning of this verb.
Week 4: Thursday February 21
• Reading Week
Complete translation of Genesis 3:17-24; 6:1-8
Review Hebrew vocabulary.
Week 5: Thursday February 28
• Sin, Judgment and Divine Grace
Be prepared to translate Gen. 3:17-24; 6:1-8
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
Homework to be completed before next class:
Translate Genesis 9:1, 18-19; 11:1-9
Review Hebrew vocabulary.
Closer Look: Do a word study (in Genesis only) on the term
hrP, ‘to be fruitful’ (Gen. 9:1).
Exegetical Question: How is the verb hrP being used in Genesis? What do you
notice about the different forms of this verb?
Week 6: Thursday March 7
Hebrew vocabulary quiz (words 1—200)
• Realization of the Primeval Blessing
• Genesis 9—11
Be prepared to translate Genesis 9:1, 18-19; 11:1-9
Homework to be completed before next class:
Translate Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-6
Review Hebrew vocabulary.
Closer Look: Do a word study (in Genesis only) on the Hebrew
word [r;z,< “seed” (Gen. 17:7).
Exegetical Question: When God makes promises to Abraham and his
“seed”, who is God referring to?
Week 7: Thursday March 14
• God’s Promises to Abraham and his “seed”
• Genesis 12, 15
Be prepared to translate Gen. 12:1-3; 15:1-6
Homework to be completed before next class:
Translate Genesis 17:1-22
Exegetical Question: Given that Ishmael is circumcised (Gen.17:23),
does this mean that he is part of the Abrahamic covenant (but see Gen.
17:18-21)? How do you make sense of this?
Week 8: Thursday March 21
• The Abrahamic Covenant and Circumcision
• Genesis 15, 17, and Rom. 4.
Be prepared to translate Gen. 17:1-22
Homework to be completed before next class:
Translate Genesis 18:10-15; 21:8-13
Review Hebrew vocabulary.
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Exegesis of Genesis: OT 626 2013
Week 9: Thursday March 28
Reading Week
Exegesis paper due by 4:00pm
Week 10: Thursday April 4
• Who will be an Heir: A Slave or a Son?
• Genesis 18, 21, Rom. 9 and Gal. 4.
Be prepared to translate Gen. 18:10-15; 21:8-13
Week 11: Thursday April 11
Hebrew Translation Exam (No lectures after exam.)
Homework to be completed before next class:
Review essay topics in preparation for final exam.
Review Hebrew vocabulary.
Week 12: Thursday April 18
• Divine Grace in the Patriarchal Narratives
• Gen. 12—50
Week 13: Thursday April 25
• Overview of other key stories in Genesis.
• Review of major themes in Genesis.
• Gen. 12—50
Homework to be completed before next class:
Review for final exam!
Final Exam: Thursday May 2
• Hebrew vocabulary (1—400 words) and essay question.
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