Pathfinder

Library Resources: Tools for Hebrew Courses (1101, 2101, 3101, and 4101)

Hebrew Vocabulary

1. For basic translation work, the best one-volume Hebrew-English dictionary is CDCH = D. J. A. Clines, Concise Dictionary of Classical Hebrew (Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2009), available in the Reference Section at REF PJ4833 .D523 2009.
2. To find more detailed information on the meanings of words in particular contexts, consult one of the following multi-volume dictionaries, available in the Reference Section:
   1. HALOT = L. Koehler and W. Baumgartner, The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament, at REF PJ4835.E5 H4 1994
   2. DCH = D. J. A. Clines, Dictionary of Classical Hebrew, at REF PJ4833 .D52
3. When doing word studies for sermons or exegesis papers, start with one of the following theological dictionaries, available in the Reference Section:
   1. TDOT = G. J. Botterweck and H. Ringgren, eds., Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament), at REF BS440 .T4713 1974
   2. NIDOTTE = W. A. Van Gemeren, ed., New International Dictionary of Theology and Exegesis, at REF BS440 .N438 1996

Hebrew Grammar

1. If you’re looking for help with basic grammatical concepts, try one of the following books:
   1. Van Pelt, English Grammar to Ace Biblical Hebrew, available on the Reserve shelf at PE1130.H5 V35 2010
   2. Long, Grammatical Concepts 101 for Biblical Hebrew, at PJ4567.3 .L66 2013.
   3. Burton, English Grammar Guide: for language students, especially students of biblical Hebrew, New Testament Greek, Latin, and related modern languages, at PE1106 .B97 2013.
2. If you need grammatical information about a particular Bible verse, check one of the following:
   1. C. Putnam, A Cumulative Index to the Grammar and Syntax of Biblical Hebrew, available in the Reference Section at REF PJ4553.P87 C8 1995.
      It is a verse-by-verse index to most of the major reference grammars.
   2. Baylor Handbooks on the Hebrew Bible. This series gives a grammatical explanation of various Old Testament books and is available in the Commentary Section at COM BS715 .B39 2007.
3. For Hebrew grammars and grammatical studies on particular topics, browse the shelves downstairs at PJ4500 – 5000.

Hebrew Poetry

1. For an introduction to Hebrew poetry, try one of the following:
1. L. Petersen and K.H. Richards, Interpreting Hebrew Poetry, at BS1405.2 .P48 1992
2. G. E. Watson, Classical Hebrew Poetry: A Guide to its Techniques, at PJ5022 .W38 1984.
2. For detailed poetic analysis of particular passages, refer to:
1. P. Fokkelman, Major Poems of the Hebrew Bible (4 volumes), at BS1405.2 .F64 1998
2. O’Connor, Hebrew Verse Structure, at BS1405.2 .O28
3. van der Lugt, Cantos and Strophes in Biblical Hebrew Poetry (3 volumes), at BS1192 .O87 v.53, v.57, and v.63.