Biblical Languages (BA and minor)
Let us be sure of this: we will not long preserve the gospel without the [biblical] languages. The languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit is contained; they are the casket in which this jewel is enshrined; they are the vessel in which this wine is held. . . . If through our neglect we let the languages go (which God forbid!), we shall . . . lose the gospel.” –Martin Luther
The Biblical Languages major and minor at HCU are designed for students who desire to read and interpret the Christian Scriptures within their social, historical and linguistic contexts. They are appropriate for students with serious interest in the biblical traditions, for individuals preparing for vocational ministry, and for students seeking to do master’s and/or doctoral work in Old Testament, New Testament, Second-Temple Judaism, Greek, Hebrew, or related fields.
The major is 36 credit hours long, with 12 hours of Elementary Greek and Elementary Hebrew core classes (6 hours each), 12 hours of upper-level Greek reading classes, 9 hours of upper-level Hebrew reading classes, and 3 hours of general linguistics. The Greek reading courses include Synoptic Gospels, Johannine Literature, Pauline Epistles, Acts, Revelation, and Septuagint. The Hebrew reading & syntax courses involve readings from the Hebrew corpus of texts from Pentateuch, Historical Books, Psalms, Wisdom Literature, Major Prophets, and Minor Prophets.
The minor is 15 credit hours long and allows students to focus on either Greek or Hebrew. In their language of choice, students take 6 hours of Elementary Greek or Hebrew, followed by at least three upper-level reading courses in their chosen biblical language.
Many of our students have gone on to engage in master’s and doctoral graduate work at top biblical language programs. Also, many go on to become pastors, missionaries, Bible translators, language instructors, worship leaders, and youth ministers in churches and schools throughout the world.
Biblical Languages Major