How can I learnthe biblical languages?

[dje101]

Hello everyone!!

Someone posted a thread about whether it is necessary for us as Christians to learn the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but never knew HOW to go about doing it. Does anyone have any advice as to how to tackle this goal? Any resources? Thanks!!

In Christ,

Derek

 

[GEddie]

Hello everyone!!

Someone posted a thread about whether it is necessary for us as Christians to learn the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but never knew HOW to go about doing it. Does anyone have any advice as to how to tackle this goal? Any resources? Thanks!!

In Christ,

Derek

Do you live near a college or university?

If so they might have courses in the languages.

The drawbacks would be a) cost, and b) needing to gain admission to the school to begin with.

I have heard that Synagogues or Rabbis sometimes teach Hebrew; and some Churches may teach Biblical Greek.

ICXC NIKA

 

[1believer1]

Hello everyone!!

Someone posted a thread about whether it is necessary for us as Christians to learn the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but never knew HOW to go about doing it. Does anyone have any advice as to how to tackle this goal? Any resources? Thanks!!

In Christ,

Derek

I came to the conclusion that I do not have the time nor the will to learn Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. I spend my time on reading books by scholars that have studied these languages. Get a good study Bible and check out some of today’s scholars who are writing and teaching about the Bible.

 

[Dave_Noonan]

Hello everyone!!

Someone posted a thread about whether it is necessary for us as Christians to learn the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but never knew HOW to go about doing it. Does anyone have any advice as to how to tackle this goal? Any resources? Thanks!!

In Christ,

Derek

A class is your best option, in my opinion. Most large public research universities worth their salt will offer classes in Greek and Hebrew, particularly over the summer. Synagogues, Jewish Community Centers or Hillel centers (basically Jewish campus ministry) often give classes at very reasonable rates.

Seminaries are another option, although fewer and fewer seminaries are requiring study of the Bible in the original languages. But they are typically pretty open to having outsiders join them. Could end up being expensive though.

If taking a class is not an option, then try to get a tutor. For Hebrew, you might again try contacting the above Jewish sources. Greek Orthodox churches can be good resources for learning Greek. Graduate students (if a university is nearby) are often looking to help other students learn simply as a way of sharpening their teaching skills and may even be willing to help you for free. Try contacting a Classics Department and/or a Jewish Studies Department; I’m sure they will put the word out. Try putting an ad on Craigslist.

I would say the least desirable, but I suppose still possible, is taking an on-line course or using “Teach Yourself _____” materials—but I think the average student would have to be pretty motivated for this to work. I think it’s always better to learn along with others. If you go this route, you might see whether anyone is willing to undertake this together with you. In this way you can help each other and keep each other accountable.

You can PM me if you have more questions.

 

[mdcpensive1]

Hello everyone!!

Someone posted a thread about whether it is necessary for us as Christians to learn the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible. This is something that I’ve always wanted to do, but never knew HOW to go about doing it. Does anyone have any advice as to how to tackle this goal? Any resources? Thanks!!

In Christ,

Derek

Just as you do I wanted to do the same thing. I bought some text books on ebay and found out that the one by Mounce is the same one used by Patrick Madrid when he was learning greek. Quite a coincidence. You can also get a interlinear bible that has both the greek, hebrew and english translations side by side.

mdcpensive1

PS, I am not sure that Rosetta Stone does conversational koininea greek

 

[bing60]

Do you live near a college or university?http://www.dubaa.info/iPad.gif

 

[GEddie]

I’m not sure that for learning Bible, that modern Greek/Hebrew tutorial systems would answer the purpose. Both Greek and Hebrew have evolved significantly since Biblical times. Simply in writing, the Israelis no longer use the Masoretic subscripts, while in Greek most of the accents have been dropped, and modern punctuation added.

While self-teaching methods are better than nothing, you should look for specifically Biblical language materials.

ICXC NIKA

 

[DaveBj]

As a polyglot and a former professional linguist and translator, I can tell you that foreign language acquisition and maintenance is a very time-intensive proposition. To master just one of the Bible languages will require several hours of study every day for a period of years.

If you don’t feel you can put that kind of time and effort into learning Bible languages, don’t worry. In our days we have plenty of resources that we can use to research troublesome words and passages.

 

[dje101]

I’m not sure that for learning Bible, that modern Greek/Hebrew tutorial systems would answer the purpose. Both Greek and Hebrew have evolved significantly since Biblical times. Simply in writing, the Israelis no longer use the Masoretic subscripts, while in Greek most of the accents have been dropped, and modern punctuation added.

While self-teaching methods are better than nothing, you should look for specifically Biblical language materials.

ICXC NIKA

Good points. Thank you very much.

 

[dje101]

As a polyglot and a former professional linguist and translator, I can tell you that foreign language acquisition and maintenance is a very time-intensive proposition. To master just one of the Bible languages will require several hours of study every day for a period of years.

If you don’t feel you can put that kind of time and effort into learning Bible languages, don’t worry. In our days we have plenty of resources that we can use to research troublesome words and passages.

True, there are many resources out there. I don’t think that this is something that I’ll be doing anytime soon as I still need to finish up college, but this is one of those “life goals” for me, so…someday.