Description
Following a review of the basics of Hebrew grammar and an introductory survey in which students are introduced to the differences between Hebrew and Aramaic, students will learn the vocabulary of Biblical Aramaic and the basics of Biblical Aramaic grammar. Students will have the opportunity to read, translate, and discuss some of the passages in the Old Testament that were written in Aramaic. Mastering the basics of Biblical Aramaic will allow students to go beyond dependence on the standard translations of the Old Testament, enable students to better utilize commentaries and other exegetical helps that make use of the Aramaic text of the Bible, and promote increased insight into the meaning of the text of the Aramaic passages in the Old Testament for preaching, teaching, and research. Depending on the rate of progress in the class, students might also have the opportunity to read and translate some extra-biblical Aramaic texts.