Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar (Eerdmans Language Resources

by Page H. Kelley

A standard, much-used textbook
updated and improved

Comprehensive in scope, this carefully crafted introductory grammar of Biblical Hebrew offers easy-to-understand explanations, numerous biblical illustrations, and a wide range of imaginative, biblically based exercises.

The book consists of thirty-one lessons, each presenting grammatical concepts with examples and numerous exercises judiciously selected from the biblical text. These lessons are accompanied by eleven complete verb charts, an extensive vocabulary list, a glossary of grammatical terms, and a subject index.

In this second edition Timothy Crawford has updated the text throughout while preserving the Page Kelley approach that has made Biblical Hebrew so popular over the years.

Genres: Language, Reference, Old Testament, Religion, Judaica, Textbooks, Biblical Studies

750 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Jackson Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

An adequate survey of Hebrew grammar. Really lacking in some areas, especially in nuanced explanations and even more so in the exercises, which were often full of needless difficulties, conjugations, and vocab which the student is at that point unfamiliar.

[Stephen Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This being my first exposure to Hebrew Grammar I don’t have much to compare with, however I would have hoped for more with an updated version of a text in terms of better formatting. The strength of Kelly, as I’ve been told, is that he offers every bit of detail needed for Hebrew scholarship. The weakness, and why I did not the teaching portions helpful, is that the essentials or basics to know are not clear and hard to find. Summaries easily get lost. Thankfully my professor gave very helpful handouts that highlights the essentials and I referred to these more than the text for review. Also, the exercises softened used Vocab not introduced to the student. This was very frustrating when first beginning because of the unfamiliarity but became easier as the text progressed.

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really didn't like the format of this textbook, nor the order in which the author brings the beginner student along. Were this a second year book, the format would be ok, but for first year it hinders the pickup of the student on the language. Immediately after introducing the new topic, Kelley immediately introduces all the exceptions. This makes it very difficult to retain and learn what is new because all these exceptions are coming in alongside. Also, the examples are not great at times.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't like the way Kelley arranges his chapters. He doesn't do much to instill confidence from the start, which I blame on the lack of emphasis on reading and pronunciation. Several lessons are too long, but then again, I am reading Hebrew, so there is some value here.

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

Page's grammar is ok, but there are better grammars out there. The Pratico Zondervan series looks far more appealing.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Hebrew instruction book for Hebrew 1. I finished every exercise. Very helpful as future reference too.