A Level Biblical Hebrew AQA

This subject is broken down into 47 topics in 10 modules:

  1. Unseen Translation, Comprehension, Pointing and Composition 7 topics
  2. Grammar: Accidence 5 topics
  3. Grammar: Grammatical Terminology 5 topics
  4. Set Text 1: Prose, Samuel I 1-7 4 topics
  5. Set Text 2: Prose, Kings II 9-13 4 topics
  6. Additional reading for Set Text 2 5 topics
  7. Set Text 3: Poetry, Jeremiah 13-18 4 topics
  8. Set Text 4: Poetry, Psalms 50-59 4 topics
  9. Additional reading for Set Text 4 6 topics
  10. Vocabulary 3 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Biblical Hebrew

Unseen Translation, Comprehension, Pointing and Composition

Accidence and syntax

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Accidence and syntax

Accidence

  • Hebrew nouns come in three states: absolute, construct, and pronominal. Each has its endings and morphological peculiarities.
  • Prefixes, infixes, and suffixes modify Hebrew verbs, known as stem/form changes.
  • Verb forms, namely Perfect, Imperfect, Imperative, Infinitive, and Participle, possess important differences in form and function.
  • Possessive pronouns exist in Hebrew as pronominal suffixes, attached directly to the noun being owned.
  • In Hebrew there are seven verb stems (binyanim): Qal, Niphal, Piel, Pual, Hiphil, Hophal, Hithpael. Each has different vowels and sometimes doubled or prefix or suffix letters.
  • There's an important distinction between weak and strong verbs. Strong verbs feature no changes to their root letters, whereas weak verbs undergo changes.

Syntax

  • Hebrew sentence syntax is typically VSO (Verb-Subject-Object), but it can also be SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) in prose narratives.
  • The definite article is used to say 'the' in Hebrew. It is expressed as a prefix to the noun, (ה) - "ha".
  • Hebrew uses conjunctions much like English. The most common is the conjunction (ו), which can mean 'and', 'or', 'but'.
  • When the first word of a sentence is a noun or pronoun, the verb frequently appears as a verbless clause.
  • Prepositions in Hebrew are attached directly to the words they modify.
  • Hebrew features an accusative marker (אֵת) for function words and specific direct objects.

Unseen Translation and Pointing

  • Texts for Unseen Translation can come from the Old Testament, Apocrypha, Pseudepigrapha, Dead Sea Scrolls, etc. Helpful tools include a lexicon, grammar guide, and textual comparison.
  • Pointing (vowel indication) requires understanding of the word forms, context, and generic rules of reading Biblical Hebrew.
  • Recognizing the root of the word, the form (stem), and the type of the word (verb, noun, adjective etc.) can aid in translation.
  • For translation, understanding of morphology and idiomatic expressions is crucial.

Composition

  • Begin with identifying the root of the intended word and then applying the necessary changes to convert it into the desired form.
  • For verb forms, be familiar with changing the prefixes and suffixes for different persons, numbers and genders.
  • Remember that composition is not strictly translation: understanding contextual usage is crucial.
  • Syntax construction takes practice, with emphasis on word arrangement and preposition placement.
  • As Hebrew lacks a direct equivalent for 'be', 'am', 'is', 'are', learn to construct a verbless clause.
  • Regular and consistent practice of vocabulary and grammar constructions can greatly aid composition efficiency.

Course material for Biblical Hebrew, module Unseen Translation, Comprehension, Pointing and Composition, topic Accidence and syntax

Biblical Hebrew

Set Text 2: Prose, Kings II 9-13

Literary meaning

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Literary meaning

Narrative Meaning

  • Kings II 9-13 illustrates a significant shift in Israel's monarchy, with Jehu’s revolution resulting in the overthrow of the house of Ahab. Understanding the political implications of these events is key.
  • The narrative demonstrates a strong moralistic tone. The downfall of wicked rulers and the rise of God's chosen leaders are indicative of divine justice in action.
  • It is clear that God's sovereignty plays a pivotal role in the changing direction of political power. His guidance and intervention drive the narrative.

Character Analysis

  • Pay attention to the complex characterisation within the text. Kings, prophets, and other key players are presented with both virtues and flaws, making them rich figures for analysis.
  • For example, Jehu is portrayed as both a liberator and a ruthless murderer, reflecting the complex nature of political power and the struggle for control.
  • Other characters, like Hezekiah and Athaliah, also exhibit contrasting traits which provide greater depth to their characters and the narrative as a whole.

Symbolic Meaning

  • The accounts of miracles, visions, and anointings throughout Kings II 9-13 carry significant symbolic meanings. These divine interventions act as tangible signs of God's will and direction.
  • Prophecy plays a major narrative role and is a strong symbol of God's ongoing communication with His people. This sustained dialogue is critical in understanding the unfolding events within the narrative.
  • The repeated motif of righteousness versus wickedness is a powerful thematic symbol reflecting the moral framework within which the narrative unfolds.

Interpretation of Theological Messages

  • Despite the political revolt, there is the underlying message of God's judgment and His power to raise and dispose of kings as He sees fit.
  • Look for instances of pronouncements of divine judgment – these usually underscore the moral and spiritual consequences of the characters’ actions.
  • The narrative places a significant emphasis on adherence to religious law, especially in relation to worship, idols and altars. These physical symbols bear spiritual weight within the narrative.

Engage with the ** narrative progression, character development, symbolic imagery, and theological messages** when revising Kings II 9-13. This will facilitate a deeper understanding of the text's literary meaning.

Course material for Biblical Hebrew, module Set Text 2: Prose, Kings II 9-13, topic Literary meaning

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