Biblical Aramaic (A Beginning Grammar)

An introduction of the key aspects of grammar most essential for reading and studying the Aramaic portions of the Bible, this volume provides a linguistically informed approach to Biblical Aramaic, incorporating recent developments regarding morphology, phonology, and syntax.

Arranged in ten lessons, each lesson covers three or four key grammatical features of the language. Informed by pedagogical theory and classroom experience, Old Testament and Semitic languages scholar H. H. Hardy II introduces grammar in a sequence designed to support early reading and language learning. By the end of Lesson 4, students will understand enough grammar and frequency-based vocabulary to read extended portions of Daniel and Ezra.

Once they complete all ten lessons, readers will have acquired the foundational skills necessary to read and study the entire Biblical Aramaic corpus with the aid of the included Aramaic-to-English and English-to-Aramaic glossaries. These, together with an overview of Aramaic-Hebrew cognates, support further independent study and expanding one’s Hebrew vocabulary. Portions also introduce other Aramaic documents related to the Bible, including the epistolary forms of Imperial Aramaic.

Ideal for seminary students and those who desire to study ancient languages, this textbook includes:

• Ten lessons presenting the core features of Biblical Aramaic in light of current linguistic research
• Frequency-based vocabulary
• Practice exercises and readings drawn from biblical passages
• Aramaic-to-English and English-to-Aramaic glossaries
• Overview of Aramaic-Hebrew cognates