Learn to Read Biblical Hebrew Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview: This step-by-step course is designed for absolute beginners and requires no prior knowledge of Hebrew. Over approximately 4 hours of focused content, you’ll learn the Hebrew alphabet, vowel system, basic grammar, and essential reading skills needed to begin translating passages from the Hebrew Bible. Each module combines clear instruction with hands-on practice to build confidence and proficiency. Lifetime access allows you to learn at your own pace.
Module 1: Introduction & Alphabet
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Understand the Hebrew writing system
- Identify and write each letter of the Hebrew alphabet
- Recognize and use Hebrew vowel marks
- Practice pronunciation through tracing and speaking drills
Module 2: Vowels & Pronunciation
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Learn Niqqud (vowel points) and their sounds
- Apply vowel signs to consonants in words
- Understand syllable structure and stress patterns
- Read aloud word lists with accurate pronunciation
Module 3: Basic Grammar & Vocabulary
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Understand common Hebrew word roots
- Learn basic word patterns (mishkalim)
- Study foundational grammar rules
- Build and translate simple vocabulary lists
Module 4: Reading Sentences & Phrases
Estimated time: 0.75 hours
- Analyze the syntax of Biblical Hebrew sentences
- Identify phrase structure in short verses
- Parse basic sentence components
- Translate short biblical phrases with comprehension
Module 5: Translating Biblical Passages
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Apply word-for-word translation techniques
- Use sense-for-sense translation strategies
- Translate a short passage from the Hebrew Bible
- Compare your translation to standard English versions
Module 6: Lookup Techniques & Tools
Estimated time: 0.5 hours
- Use lexicons to look up Hebrew words
- Work with interlinear Bibles
- Search concordances for word study
- Document grammatical forms of words
Prerequisites
- No prior knowledge of Hebrew required
- Basic English reading skills
- Interest in Biblical texts and languages
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Identify the Hebrew alphabet and vowels and pronounce them
- Read the text of the Hebrew Bible with basic comprehension
- Understand the fundamentals of Hebrew language structure
- Look up any word in the Hebrew Bible and determine its meaning
- Translate simple Biblical Hebrew passages using proper tools