[Faith-talk] Learning Hebrew

[Drenth, Joe]

Hello,

Yes, I'd probably call myself a "language freak."  I enjoy studying the
Bible at the deepest levels, and when I run across disagreements in
translation between versions of the Bible, I long to be able to study
the original writings.  This is especially important in relation to two
Bible studies in which I am involved -- One church's men's group is
studying Revelation and another church is studying Daniel.  The pastor
leading the Daniel study is very involved with missions in Israel and
frequently explains insights into the text that only become visible when
you look at ancient Israel and the Hebrew language of that time.  

Doing daily devotions in the original languages sounds like a real
challenge and probably way too difficult unless one studies very hard
for a long time, but it is definitely an appealing concept if such
reading fluency is ever attained.

Thanks for all your suggestions and help.

Sincerely,
Joe 

-----Original Message-----
From: faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org
[mailto:faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Stefan Slucki
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 12:49 AM
To: Faith-talk,for the discussion of faith and religion
Subject: Re: [Faith-talk] Learning Hebrew

Hi again Joe and list,

Firstly, I applaud you for wanting to really learn the languages! 
Realistically -- unless you're a language freak (I mean that as a
compliment) -- and can spend substantial time each week actually USING
the original languages, you'll never master Hebrew as it is far too
idiosyncratic and koine Greek of the New Testament has so many
exceptional gramatic uses ... you will find it hard to master as well.

Secondly, I hope I am not being cynical in talking about learning so as
to pass exams but speaking from 20 years of practical, pastoral
experience -- I don't know of many pastors who are scholars who do their
devotions reading Greek and Hebrew! Undoubtedly, there used to be some
but there aren't many, these days.

Thirdly, I agree that it's disappointing rfb&d have not kept all their
books but do remember that those wishing to learn Hebrew are a tiny
minority of their membership and some casette-master recordings simply
perished.

Best wishes in your search for materials.

Stefan. 

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