We offer introductory year-long courses in Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Greek, the original languages of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Classes are held online via Zoom.
No prior knowledge is required, and you don’t have to be “good at languages” to attend. The teaching style will be informal and encouraging. The best language learners are those who are prepared to try things out, even when that means getting something wrong. This means that classes will involve some student participation. Students should also be prepared to complete 15 to 30 minutes of work outside class each week – this will vary each week, by language, inevitably. We recommend you do your best to maintain attendance each week; there is no time to repeat any classes.
The next intake will start in early October 2023. It is recommended that you choose between either Hebrew or Greek. There will be eight classes in Michaelmas Term, eight in Hilary Term and six classes in Trinity Term. You can enrol term-by-term at a cost of £160 for an eight week term or £120 for a six week term.
Biblical Hebrew
Mondays 5.30-6.30pm
The classes will offer a gentle introduction to the Hebrew of the Old Testament. In addition to learning about Hebrew vocabulary and grammar, we will also explore various aspects such as translation, exegesis, theology, interpretation, and practice. The first (Michaelmas) term will focus mostly on the basics of the language. In the second (Hilary) and third (Trinity) terms we will continue this learning and also include the translation of selected passages, beginning with Genesis 1.
VIDEO – Invitation to Hebrew - YouTube
Information on the course tutor, Dr Hywel Clifford, including contact information can be found here.
Biblical Greek
Mondays 6.30-7.30pm
The classes will offer a gentle introduction to the Greek of the New Testament. In addition to learning about Greek vocabulary and grammar, we will also explore the process of translation of the Bible and consider some of the challenges that can be found within this task. The first term will focus mostly on the basics of the language. In the Hilary and Trinity terms we will continue our learning through translation of set passages, beginning with the Prologue of John’s Gospel.
Term dates:
Autumn Term (8 Sessions): First session: 2nd Oct, half-term (no session): 23rd October
Spring Term (8 Sessions): First session: 15th Jan, half-term (no session): 12th Feb
Summer Term (6 Sessions): First session: 22nd April, half-term (no session): 27th May
Information on the course tutor, Dr Rebecca Dean, including contact information can be found here.
Registration and Fees
For Michaelmas and Hilary Terms (8 sessions each term) the fee is £160 per term, and for Trinity Term (6 sessions) the fee is £120.
If you have any questions or would like to register for one of the above courses, please contact Sam Styles on 01865 877402 or [email protected].