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Biblical Hebrew Program

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Multnomah University offers one of the finest Hebrew programs in the country. Designed for long-term retention, our program focuses on helping you understand how the language works and then providing a solid grounding in Hebrew by having you read as extensively as possible. Whether pursuing Hebrew Studies as a career or simply for personal enrichment, you will never regret the time you spend learning Hebrew and the insights it gives you into the biblical text.

These seminary programs require you to take biblical language classes:

If you want to earn one of these degrees, consult with your academic adviser about how Hebrew will fit into your program.

MU Hebrew program

This program is designed to help you become an informed reader of the text. Two years of Hebrew form the backbone of our program. After the two years of prescribed courses, all Hebrew elective classes will be open to you.

  • First-year Hebrew Grammar
    Learn the basics of Hebrew grammar and translate extensively from the story of Joseph (a graded reader), Ruth, Jonah and portions of Esther.
  • Second-year Hebrew Reading
    Learn to find and express the meaning of a text through exegesis and thoughtful translation. Translate passages from the life of David (I-II Samuel and Psalms) and Ecclesiastes. The fall 2015 course is being adapted to allow students to participate in the Green Scholars Initiative. Students will read Exodus from the Hebrew Bible, MU’s Torah scroll, and a Kaifeng text.
  • Third-year Hebrew Exegesis Seminar
    This is our pride and joy, our capstone course. In a seminar setting, you will discuss the translation, interpretation, and significance of Isaiah, Deuteronomy, or Job (based on a three-year rotation).
  • Advanced Grammar & Composition
    Develop and internalize your Hebrew skills through the study of Hebrew morphology, grammar and syntax. Practice composing narrative and poetic texts in Hebrew.
  • Textual Criticism & the Septuagint
    Develop an understanding of how textual criticism, comparative philology and the use of the Septuagint apply to the analysis of biblical texts.
  • Aramaic
    Learn the basics of Aramaic grammar and translate the Aramaic sections of Scripture as well as selections from ancient inscriptions, Elephantine papyri and Targums.
  • Readings in Rabbinic Hebrew 
    Trace Jewish interpretation of the Hebrew Bible in the Dead Sea Scrolls, Targums, Midrashic texts, Babylonian Talmud and medieval rabbinic commentators. Topics include texts relevant to the study of the New Testament.
  • History of OT Scholarship & Interpretation
    Trace the origins, developments, and key figures in the development of OT interpretive methods from ancient to contemporary periods.

What if I really struggle learning languages?

Then you are exactly the kind of student that makes us love our jobs — because we know you can learn Hebrew! Probably the greatest difficulty for students to overcome is their fear of languages in general. We could explain to you how we introduce an oral component from the first day, encourage the community learning environment, teach students how the language works rather than just force mass memorization, or put you right into the text so that the joy of reading the Word affects you immediately, but the truth is — you just have to trust us. You are not the only person who believes they struggle with languages, but we have never had one who hasn’t learned to read. In fact, some of those who absolutely fall in love with Hebrew would tell you that they are not language people at all. We promise all our students that, if they will trust us and will work hard, they will be able to read Hebrew.

If I am serious about languages, why would I love this program?

Multnomah offers one of the finest Hebrew programs in the United States. Its strength is measured by the number of its students who continue to use their Hebrew after graduation, by the performance of its students who go on to advanced degrees at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and by the commitment of its instructors to the refinement of Hebrew education in the classroom. Modeled after the graduate programs in which its instructors were trained, the MU Hebrew program is committed to the academic rigor required for those pursuing a future in higher education while still making Hebrew accessible and relevant for those who struggle with languages. Students who excel and have a heart for teaching are invited to become part of our tutoring program, and we incorporate tutors, TA’s, interns and practicum students into the teaching process wherever possible.

Meet your professors

Dr. Rebekah Josberger – Assistant Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament

Dr. Karl Kutz – Biblical Languages Chair, Professor Biblical Languages and Bible

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