Comments on: Reasons One Ought to Learn Hebrew

By: Calvin

Calvin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:08:48 +0000

I’m not at all familiar with the DMin program at GCTS, so I can’t really speak to that. I would love to see a DMin concentration in Biblical studies, however. Then I could recommend it to pastors. Ah, well.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:52:09 +0000

Well, somehow I managed to take three Hebrew exegesis classes – before AGTS I was at Fuller and there I took a exegesis class on the Psalms, then when I followed the Lord’s direction to go to AGTS I was able to take an exegesis class with Exodus as the book of focus and also one with Micah-Joel as the focus – so I got some exegetical experience in the Law, the Prophets and the Writings – so that was unusual.

GCTS has good programs. I have a friend who went through the ThM program about a year ago. I like the looks of the DMin program options,

By: Calvin

Calvin — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:20:49 +0000

Brian, if it wasn’t obvious from the blog, I always prefer Hebrew over Greek.

At GCTS, students are encouraged to learn the original languages, but even so, most M.Div. students take only two semesters of Hebrew, and probably three of Greek. In fairness our exegesis courses (an M.Div. student is required two OT and two NT) have a heavy language requirement, but even so…

By: Brian

Brian — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:15:45 +0000

Great post – I was one of the rare students who perhpas went overboard on his MDiv with language classes, but maybe not, at least where I was it seemed so. It’s situations like thia I tend to like Hebrew over Greek – it seems to me more descriptive and colorful.

By: Calvin

Calvin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:08:19 +0000

Phillip,

Thanks for your comment. I had an OT prof who taught both Hebrew language and OT survey courses when I was an undergrad. He is largely the reason that I now love the Hebrew Bible so much.

By: Phillip Marshall

Phillip Marshall — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:50:17 +0000

Calvin,

Thanks for sharing this insight. I teach biblical languages at Houston Baptist University, but I get to teach OT Survey courses,too. I find myself constantly referring to matters that are only visible to one who can read Hebrew, and I tell them so. Then I invite them to come and take Hebrew so that they can see these things for themselves. I’m excited for people like you and Mandy who are passionate about getting doctorates and showing people how to read the Text. May your tribe increase!

By: Hebrew Student

Hebrew Student — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 18:48:14 +0000

Thanks for your post about the need to learn Hebrew. I totally agree. Learning Hebrew is essential for anyone wanting to understand the Scriptures. Without it, you are dependent on a translation, and you will never appreciate the beauty and wonder of God’s Word, and will always be hostage to whichever translation you read. All believers should make an effort to understand the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible).