There are several Hebrew grammar texts that could be used today. But Biblical Hebrew for Beginners is different in several aspects.
This App emphasizes the reading of consecutive sections of the Old Testament instead of some isolated sentences.
Students read a simplified version of Genesis 1- 24 and some additional readings of Genesis 25-50. Then read the entire book of Jonah. Finally, during lessons 84-98, one can read the book of Ruth or other selected chapters.
These consecutive sections guide the student to use the context when translating, and make it easier for the instructor to discuss the content of the readings.
Presents and reviews the basic principles of the language without greatly weighing the beginning text with the exceptions. The philosophy of this text is that it is better to leave unusual forms and constructions for a more advanced study. The beginning student needs to master the basic elements of the language first.
In general, only one new form or one grammar element is introduced in each lesson, identified in the title of the chapter. This procedure makes it possible for the instructor to review each new element before moving on, and helps students work towards a consistent mastery of the forms.
The verb is presented step by step, so that the beginning student is not overloaded with too much new material at a time. First, the regular verb in Qal is mastered. Then conjugations and verbal suffixes are presented.
Finally, the weak verb categories are presented one at a time. There are also review sheets that summarize the whole verbal system and make it possible for the student to visualize the whole system at a glance.
This App teaches students to read Hebrew orally. The first ten lessons are spent learning to read Hebrew with a high voice. Some additional aids on pronunciation are offered throughout the book. Students are expected to prepare a short reading of the Hebrew before each class to achieve a fluent oral reading.
It also prepares students to use an advanced lexicon, it also has a fully developed glossary that uses the main reference lexicons as a pattern.
Students who use this glossary will be trained to work with an advanced lexicon in their study of the Bible or at a more advanced level of Hebrew study.