Old Testament study is the disciplined examination of the Hebrew Bible, using tools such as Hebrew language, historical background, archaeological data, and cultural insight. Academic Bible study is not just an end in itself, but leads to other goals: giving fuel to spiritual life and guidance for transformational ministry.
Objectives for students
- Develop skills of disciplined Bible study, especially in the Old Testament;
- Understand the geographical, historical, and cultural contexts that form the background of the Old Testament and its books;
- Acquire a sequential knowledge of the major themes of the Hebrew Bible;
- Understand how Old Testament wisdom shapes Christian living and ministry; and
- Find inspiration and clear direction for passionate devotion to Christ and transformational service to His church and to the world.
The sequence of core courses is designed to give students a general understanding of:
- The nature of the Old Testament literature;
- The content of the Old Testament;
- Contemporary approaches to the Old Testament; and
- The relevance of the message of the Old Testament for today.
Students enrolled in the Greek/Hebrew language track will normally begin the sequence of Old Testament language courses in the fall semester of their second year. Students will then begin the Old Testament courses after they have completed one year of Hebrew.
OT 516 • Reading Old Testament Literature 4 Credits
Introduction to the Old Testament writings, focused on the message and proper interpretation of Old Testament books, their historical and literary contexts, and theological purposes. Exploration of connections between the Old Testament story and the New Testament. Contextualization of Old Testament messages for Christian ministry contexts today and for personal faith and practice.
Prerequisites:BT 510, can be taken concurrently.
OT 516YL • Old Testament Introduction (Young Life Staff Training) 3 Credits
The course introduces the study of the Old Testament as the Word of God by an exploration of the Writings (Ketubim), the third portion of the Hebrew canon in English translation. This section includes Psalms, Job, Proverbs, the Scrolls (Ruth, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Lamentations, and Esther), Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, and Chronicles. These varied books will be studied from a historical, literary, and theological perspective. Focus will be on original meaning, contemporary significance and the hermeneutical principles that allow us living at the beginning of the twenty-first century to appropriate these ancient books.
OT 541 • Hebrew I: Beginning Hebrew 4 Credits
Introduction to biblical interpretation using OT Hebrew. Translation of Hebrew texts containing common Old Testament Hebrew words and basic grammatical forms and syntax. Identification of the forms and basic grammatical/syntactical functions of Hebrew nouns, adjectives, pronouns, and verbs. Definition of common Old Testament Hebrew words. Includes emphasis on production of biblical Hebrew in communication to facilitate mastery of grammar and syntax.
OT 625 • Hebrew II: Intermediate Hebrew Grammar and Exegesis 4 Credits
Advancement of biblical interpretation using OT Hebrew. Reading of Hebrew texts at an intermediate level of proficiency, attending to a greater range of grammatical/ syntactical functions. Use of exegetical tools, including textual criticism, diagramming, lexical analysis, and intertextual analysis. Definition of additional common Old Testament Hebrew words.
Prerequisites: Successful completion of OT 541 with a grade of B or higher; or passing of Hebrew Qualifying Exam.
OT 670 • Directed Study in Old Testament 0.5-9 Credits
Research and study by arrangement with the professor.
Special Notes: Permission is required.
OT 697 • Thesis Extension 0 Credit
Extension course for continued enrollment ; required when the thesis course is incomplete. The extension allows students continued access to university resources. Student must be registered in an extension course at the time the dissertation is granted final approval and receives a grade.
$375.
OT 699PT • Portfolio in Old Testament 0.5-6 Credits
Portfolio course of preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Old Testament.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.
OT 772 • Seminar in Old Testament 1,2 Credit
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Old Testament theme .
Prerequisites: BT 510. Special Notes: Fulfills DMin elective requirements.
OT 774 • Seminar in Old Testament 4 Credits
A Master of Divinity or Doctor of Ministry concentration course; an in-depth study of a particular Old Testament theme .
Prerequisites: BT 510. Special Notes: Fulfills DMin elective requirements.
OT 795A • Thesis Proposal 2 Credits
Development of a thesis proposal and prospectus. Survey of existing research and delineation of tentative argument and preliminary bibliography. To be developed in consultation and under supervision of a faculty member as thesis advisor.
Grade exceptions: This course is graded Pass/Fail. Special Notes: Approval of faculty member in relevant discipline is required.
OT 795B • Thesis Writing 4 Credits
Implementation of research plan, under the supervision of thesis advisor and with input from a second reader. To include survey of existing research and thesis that is well argued and supported by the literature.
Prerequisites: OT 795A.
OT 811 • BTE Topics in Old Testament 3 Credits
Concentration content course to fulfill DMin requirement for Biblical Theological Engagement.
Special Notes: This course will fulfill concentration requirements for BTE concentration students or an elective requirement for other concentrations.
OT 899PT • Portfolio in Old Testament 0.5-6 Credits
Portfolio course of preselected topics within an existing course in the field of Old Testament.
Special Notes: Portfolio courses are created upon request with permission by an overseeing Program Director.