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Linguistics for Exegetes

Instructor: Kenneth Cherney

Description:
*This is a core course in both the Old Testament and New Testament areas of study.

Pick up a recent commentary on a book of the Bible, and you’re likely to run into terms like “disambiguation, “topicalization,” “performative,” or “implicature.” Welcome to the world of linguistics—the scientific study of the structure and use of language. Linguistics differs from the traditional approach to grammar in which most of us were trained, and the terrain can appear unfamiliar. But many insights from linguistics have proven to be of tremendous value for exegetes of the biblical text.

This course will provide a brief, “user-friendly” introduction to five basic subdivisions of linguistics (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics). Special emphasis on insights from cognitive studies and discourse analysis. Above all, application will be made to the tasks of exegesis, Bible translating, and clear communication of the message of Scripture.

During the Fall Online 2024 term, this course will run September 9 through November 15.

Advanced Degree Program(s): STM
Area of Study: Old Testament
Language Requirement(s): Hebrew and Greek Required
Summer Quarter Credits: 2
Tuition: $800
Course Number: OT5077
Course Credits: 2.0
Dates Term Location
09/09/2024 to 11/29/2024 Fall Online 2024 Online View Courses