OLD TESTAMENT LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Professor: Michael S. Voytek

Understanding the Old Testament is crucial for rightly interpreting the New Testament. God lays the foundation of His work in His powerful acts, revelations, and prophecies, which are recorded in the OT documents. The study of the original language of the OT—Hebrew—is essential to understanding these books. The student will learn how various forms of literature contribute to knowing God and His ways in each portion of the Old Covenant.

OT501 ELEMENTS OF HEBREW GRAMMAR I

A study of Old Testament Hebrew, including orthography, grammar, syntax and vocabulary, including selected readings from the Old Testament. (3 hours).

OT502 ELEMENTS OF HEBREW GRAMMAR II

A continuation of OT501. (3 hours. Prerequisite: OT501).

OT531 ADVANCED HEBREW GRAMMAR

Study of the basic principles of exegesis through the translation of selected Old Testament passages. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT502).

OT601 OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY I (elective)

A study of the Old Testament books (Genesis through the Song of Solomon), considering authorship, date, occasion, theme, purpose and outline. (1 hour).

OT602 OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY II (elective)

A study of the Old Testament books (Isaiah through Malachi), considering authorship, date, occasion, theme, purpose and outline. (1 hour).

OT651 OLD TESTAMENT INTRODUCTION

Investigates the evidence bearing on the authenticity and trustworthiness of the Old Testament, including the establishment of the canon, history and versions of the text and methods of interpretation. Emphasis will be given to the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch and the negative effects of the Graf-Wellhausen theory. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT502).

OT671 OLD TESTAMENT BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

Examines the nature and formation of Old Testament theology, with special attention given to the outworking of salvation within the context of the divine covenants. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT502).

OT701 EXEGESIS OF HEBREW NARRATIVE

A study of the unique contributions of the Hebrew language to the narrative structure of the Old Testament. Selected passages of the Old Testament will be read and studied. Attention will be given to the narrative structure of the creation account of Genesis 1 and 2. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT531).

OT702 EXEGESIS OF HEBREW LAW (elective)

A study of the style of the Hebrew law in relation to the suzerainty treaty-form and the concept of covenant. Selected passages of the Old Testament law code will be read and studied. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT531).

OT703 EXEGESIS OF HEBREW POETRY (elective)

A consideration of the unique style and contribution of Hebrew poetry to the Old Testament, including an exegesis of selected passages from the "Books of poetry." Attention will be given to the method of interpreting and applying the text. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT531).

OT704 EXEGESIS OF HEBREW PROPHECY (elective)

A study of both Major and Minor Prophets. Familiarity and understanding of contents sought through historical, theological and sociological setting. Attention will be given to the method of interpreting and applying the text. (2 hours. Prerequisite: OT531).