A Level Biblical Hebrew OCR

This subject is broken down into 47 topics in 5 modules:

  1. Applied Grammatical and Textual Analysis 10 topics
  2. Grammatical and Textual Constructs 9 topics
  3. Prose Section 1: Genesis 12-25 9 topics
  4. Prose Section 2: Story of Deborah, Judges 4–5 9 topics
  5. Poetic Excerpts: Psalms 3-9 10 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Biblical Hebrew

Applied Grammatical and Textual Analysis

Advanced Accidence and Syntax

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Advanced Accidence and Syntax

Accidence

  • The notion of accidence in Hebrew encompasses forms of words, including various conjugations and declensions.

  • Understand that strong verbs are roots with stable, unchanged consonants, unlike weak verbs (those with gutturals, diphtongs, or final weak letters).

  • Identify the seven binyanim or verb stems: Qal, Niphal, Piel, Pual, Hiphil, Hophal, Hitpael.

  • Each verb stem follows a particular pattern of vowel change which can be affecting both active and stative verbs.

  • Differentiate between perfect and imperfect tense formations, understanding the use of prefixes and suffixes.

  • Grasp the concept of construct state as used in Hebrew to show possession or association.

  • Be familiar with the uses of independent personal pronouns, like distinguishing subject pronouns from object pronouns.

Syntax

  • Syntax in Biblical Hebrew includes how words and sentences relate to each other structurally in phrases, clauses, and sentences.

  • Understand the primary function of conjunctions and prepositions in linking words, phrases and clauses together.

  • Master the understanding and usage of relative clauses including relative pronouns used to introduce them.

  • Be familiar with casus pendens or hanging nominative, and nominative absolute, both used for emphasis purposes.

  • Understand the two types of Biblical Hebrew sentences: verbless and verbal sentences. In verbless sentences, the predicate comes before the subject, while verbal sentences start with the verb.

  • Grasp the function and use of waw consecutive in narrative sequences, changing imperfect to perfect tense and vice versa.

  • Comprehend how interrogative words and particles are used to formulate questions.

Word Studies

  • Master different ways of identifying and understanding the root of a word to determine its basic meaning.

  • Understand the idea of semantic range, and how words can have a variety of meanings depending on their context.

  • Identify common homonyms and synonyms, learning to distinguish them by usage and context.

  • Grasp the role of idiomatic expressions in Biblical Hebrew, and how they often do not translate directly into English.

  • Learn how cognate words and loan words from other Semitic languages can help in understanding the meaning of Biblical Hebrew words.

Course material for Biblical Hebrew, module Applied Grammatical and Textual Analysis, topic Advanced Accidence and Syntax

Biblical Hebrew

Prose Section 1: Genesis 12-25

Identifying and interpreting paradoxes, ironies, and humor in the text

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Identifying and interpreting paradoxes, ironies, and humor in the text

Identifying Paradoxes, Ironies, and Humour

  • Paradoxes in Genesis 12-25 can often be identified by contradictory statements bearing deeper truths. For example, Abraham, though old, is promised to become a great nation.

  • Irony is commonly shown through contrast between expectation and reality. Observe how Sarah laughs at the divine promise of childbearing due to her old age, yet God fulfils this promise.

  • Dramatic irony emerges from the difference between character's perception and the reader's knowledge. An instance is God’s command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, where readers already know the outcome.

  • The text displays instances of humour through surprise, exaggeration, and absurdity. For instance, Sarah’s laughter at the announcement of her pregnancy at an advanced age exemplifies humour.

Interpreting Paradoxes, Ironies, and Humour

  • To interpret paradoxes, look for the unexpected wisdom or message hidden in the contradiction. The paradox of the old age of Abraham and Sarah, yet their parental roles for a nation, symbolises God’s omnipotence.

  • Ironies often carry deeper messages or moral lessons. Sarah’s laughter at God’s prophecy uncovers the human difficulty in accepting divine possibilities, whereas the fulfilled promise demonstrates God's capability.

  • Dramatic irony often serves to highlight pivotal narrative turns and deepen reader engagement. God testing Abraham's faith by requesting Isaac's sacrifice, known to the reader but not to Abraham, induces a suspense that leads to a powerful climax.

  • Humour** lightens the narrative, humanises characters**, and can also convey deeper meanings or critiques, allowing for a more relatable and multi-dimensional reading of the text. Sarah's incredulous laughter can be seen as a humourous moment, yet it also serves to underscore her lack of faith in divine possibilities.

Important Considerations

  • The search for paradoxes, ironies, and humor requires a nuanced understanding of the cultural and historical context of Genesis 12-25.

  • Polysemy of words in Biblical Hebrew often results in textual ambiguities which could hint towards these literary devices.

  • Literal translations might not reflect the subtleties, warranting a careful treatment of the source language.

  • When identifying these elements, be aware of reader bias; your own cultural and societal norms may affect interpretation.

  • Some interpretations may be informed by later biblical or non-biblical texts and traditions, which may cast light on or add layers of meaning to the Genesis 12-25 narratives.

Course material for Biblical Hebrew, module Prose Section 1: Genesis 12-25, topic Identifying and interpreting paradoxes, ironies, and humor in the text

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