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Biblical Language Study Resources

This guide is a collection of reference sources at UPSem Libraries for studying biblical Hebrew and koine Greek. Most of these are in the Reference collection of the Richmond library; many are also available in the Charlotte library.

Reference Grammars & Guides to Hebrew Syntax

  • Joüon, P. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Translated and revised by T. Muraoka. 2 vols. SubBi 14/1-2. Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1991.
    • Richmond: REF. BJ 56 J86 E vols. 1 and 2; PJ4567 .J7613 1991 vols. 1 and 2
    • Charlotte: 492.482421 J824G vols. 1 and 2
    • Commonly called Joüon-Muraoka, this is perhaps the best, most up-to-date, and useful research grammar for biblical Hebrew. The second volume focuses on syntax.

 

  • Seow, Choon-Leong. A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995.
    • Richmond: PJ4567 .S424 1995
    • Charlotte: 492.482421 SE61G
    • This book aims to function as both an introductory and a reference grammar; it provides a good general overview of the Hebrew language, as well as some in-depth understanding of grammatical rules.

 

  • Green, Jennifer S. Handbook to A Grammar for Biblical Hebrew. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005.
    • Richmond: PJ4567 .S424 1995 Suppl. 2
    • Charlotte: 492.482421 G8233H
    • Provides answer keys for the exercises in Seow’s grammar, reinforces explanations and terms used in the lesson, explains concepts not yet covered, offers practical helps and tips for using Seow’s grammar, and cites relevant information in standard Hebrew dictionaries and reference grammars.

 

  • Waltke, B. K., and M. P. O'Connor. An Introduction to Biblical Hebrew Syntax. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 1990.
    • Richmond: PJ4707 .W35 1990
    • Charlotte: 492.482421 W172I
    • Commonly called either IBHS or Waltke and O'Connor, this is an excellent intermediate reference/research grammar. If you want to learn about how Hebrew developed (that is, historical Hebrew grammar), this is the place to start.

 

  • Williams, R. Hebrew Syntax: An Outline. 2nd ed. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1976.
    • Richmond: PJ4701 .W56 1976
    • Charlotte: 492.45 W6754H 1976
    • This overview of Hebrew syntax treats the noun, the verb, particles and clauses, with a selection of illustrative examples. It focuses on Hebrew prose but does offer some treatment of Late Hebrew prose and poetry.