Of Greek and Hebrew, Hebrew strikes the most fear in the heart of the Bible student. The alphabet does not look anything like English. The vocabulary offers almost no points of contact with English. The verb system is utterly alien. And the lexicons, grammars and textbooks are wrapped up in a metalanguage--spiked with Latin--that is daunting in itself. For those who feel that studying the English Old Testament is a challenge, the thought of reading it in Hebrew is extreme. Hebrew students need all the help they can get. If you are beginning your study of Hebrew and the Hebrew Bible, this pocket dictionary by Todd J. Murphy is for you. From ablative to zaqeph qaton, it defines the tangled terms that infest Hebrew textbooks, grammars and lexicons. Here is a book that will deliver you from the perils of the Piel and the thicket of metathesis. It is an indispensable glossary that will cut through that technical language--neither Hebrew nor English--that hovers like ground fog over the study and discussion of biblical Hebrew. Now you can devote more time to enjoying biblical Hebrew in all its richness.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Very nice for starters:
This book is a nice addition to the body of tools for BH and biblical/textual criticism. It is a dictionary of TERMS, not a dictionary of Hebrew words as another reviewer pointed out. It defines over 2,000 terms dealing with the grammar, syntax, linguistics, textual criticism and OT criticism -- as they relate to Biblical Hebrew, very handy. To my knowledge, there isn't anything like this on the market and it definitely fills the void. Given the price, you can't go wrong with this book. I would recommend... more info
Helpful reference:
Compact and concise ... I take it with me as I study away from home.
Not a Hebrew dictionary:
First, a word of caution: This is NOT a Hebrew dictionary. I ordered it thinking that it was a dictionary of Biblical Hebrew words; but that's not what it is. It is actually a dictionary of terminology used in the study of Biblical Hebrew. In other words, it is a dictionary of technical terms from the fields of linguistics, textual criticism, and exegesical method. Fortunately, this dictionary makes a useful addition to the linguistics section of my library. I've only glanced through it a few times; but it... more info
a must-have gem for OT study:
This book is a gem, and one I would recommend for all levels of readers of biblical Hebrew. Virtually every term utilized in teaching and learning Biblical Hebrew goes by various names, most of which don't make sense until explained to us in a concise way. This little pocket dictionary does just that; it clarifies many of the synonyms employed in teaching and learning the terminology of Biblical Hebrew. The definitions are erudite, up-to-date, and easily navigable. The dictionary also contains terms... more info
