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Hebrew for Life: Strategies for Learning, Retaining, and Reviving Biblical Hebrew
Three experienced biblical language professors inspire readers to learn, retain, and use Hebrew for ministry, setting them on a lifelong journey of reading and loving the Hebrew Bible. This companion volume to the successful Greek for Life offers practical guidance, inspiration, and motivation; incorporates research-tested strategies for learning; presents methods not usually covered in other textbooks; and surveys helpful resources for recovering Hebrew after a long period of disuse. It will benefit anyone who is taking (or has taken) a year of Hebrew. Foreword by Miles van Pelt.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2020
68 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 14, 2024
Depending on where you are in your Hebrew journey, you can skip to the chapters that will be most relevant to you. I found the chapters on motivation and memorization most helpful, especially the listing of mnemonic devices and strategies. Good stuff.
March 4, 2023
Practical and visionary in helping you start, keep going, or get back into studying Biblical Hebrew. A thoroughly engaging, enjoyable, and practical read that’s full of tips, ideas, and resources. Challenging and encouraging.
June 30, 2023
I recently finished my seminary studies and this book was helpful. It encouraged me to stay in my Hebrew.
April 8, 2020
This was a pretty solid read.
This resource is ultra-pragmatic. It is written by three educators who synthesize personal experience and/or preference with fairly grounded research. That latter bit might be my only knock on the book (i.e., "fairly grounded research"). I prefer a more "fleshed out" approach when ascribing outcomes to specific practices. Truly, this "knock" only applies to the data and/or research readers are pointed to that supports a desired practice outlined in the book. As far as the research goes concerning the actual content (i.e., Hebrew), these scholars hands down know their stuff.
I like to think that my Hebrew skills have stayed sharp in the years since undergraduate/graduate studies. This book helped both reaffirm that, but also give solid alternatives to study that I've yet to incorporate in my own study habits.
Honest opinion, the chapters on resources (i.e., chapter 7) and on developing a "next-level memory" (i.e., chapter 4) are highly engaging. Not only is the content appealing, but the small narratives woven throughout help with engagement.
Again, this is a solid read. If you're interested in learning Biblical Hebrew, or most any language for that matter, this might be a great "gateway" into the field of study. If you've taken it before and are a bit rusty, or even if you aren't, you might want to pick this up too.
I received an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A huge thanks for that!
DM
This resource is ultra-pragmatic. It is written by three educators who synthesize personal experience and/or preference with fairly grounded research. That latter bit might be my only knock on the book (i.e., "fairly grounded research"). I prefer a more "fleshed out" approach when ascribing outcomes to specific practices. Truly, this "knock" only applies to the data and/or research readers are pointed to that supports a desired practice outlined in the book. As far as the research goes concerning the actual content (i.e., Hebrew), these scholars hands down know their stuff.
I like to think that my Hebrew skills have stayed sharp in the years since undergraduate/graduate studies. This book helped both reaffirm that, but also give solid alternatives to study that I've yet to incorporate in my own study habits.
Honest opinion, the chapters on resources (i.e., chapter 7) and on developing a "next-level memory" (i.e., chapter 4) are highly engaging. Not only is the content appealing, but the small narratives woven throughout help with engagement.
Again, this is a solid read. If you're interested in learning Biblical Hebrew, or most any language for that matter, this might be a great "gateway" into the field of study. If you've taken it before and are a bit rusty, or even if you aren't, you might want to pick this up too.
I received an advanced reader's copy (ARC) of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A huge thanks for that!
DM
June 17, 2020
See my review for Greek for Life; everything there applies here. Howell did an outstanding job applying the material for a Hebrew-focused audience, with enough original and Hebrew-oriented material to warrant reading this book even if you've already read the Greek book.
January 10, 2026
Good book! It provides a good number of resources and tricks to help keep yourself immersed in Hebrew after you originally learn it. I will definitely be coming back to this in the future once I finish Hebrew!!
February 16, 2025
Using this as fuel
December 21, 2020
As someone who is very interested in philology and learning languages in general, I was excited to see that “Hebrew For Life” was coming out. The foreword is written by none other than Miles Van Pelt. Van Pelt’s foreword brings some things into perspective that you probably knew but never looked at exactly the same way. Statements such as “Over 75 percent of the Christian Bible was originally written in Hebrew” brings an interesting perspective to the table. I knew the Old Testament was longer than the New Testament, but I never considered the percentage. His name is a name I have always associated with biblical Hebrew so his endorsement of the book had me even more excited than I was previously.
After reading the foreword, you’re introduced to the preface which gives you the goal and a little background on the authors involved. The aforementioned goal being that they want you to have an intimate knowledge of the God of the Hebrew Bible. Each author has a background in teaching biblical languages, so you’re not getting this perspective from an amateur such as myself.
Throughout the book, you get many inspiring quotes showing just how important the biblical languages are to understanding the Bible. Quotes from thinkers such as Martin Luther and Phillip Melanchthon. Interesting topics are addressed in this book as well, such as why relying only on one translation can limit your perspective to the choices of the particular translators. Throughout the book, this is a constant theme. The authors do not want you to limit yourself by not knowing the original languages.
The authors go through several objections to why someone would not consider learning some Hebrew themselves. Objections such as “Hebrew is excessively difficult“. They also go through the many devotional aspects and qualities that are accessed by learning Hebrew and share some personal stories on just how that plays out.
Overall, this book can be summed up as an encouragement to push yourself to learn Hebrew. Start out with an introductory book on grammar and you’ll surprise yourself on just how much you’re able to comprehend.
I was given an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
After reading the foreword, you’re introduced to the preface which gives you the goal and a little background on the authors involved. The aforementioned goal being that they want you to have an intimate knowledge of the God of the Hebrew Bible. Each author has a background in teaching biblical languages, so you’re not getting this perspective from an amateur such as myself.
Throughout the book, you get many inspiring quotes showing just how important the biblical languages are to understanding the Bible. Quotes from thinkers such as Martin Luther and Phillip Melanchthon. Interesting topics are addressed in this book as well, such as why relying only on one translation can limit your perspective to the choices of the particular translators. Throughout the book, this is a constant theme. The authors do not want you to limit yourself by not knowing the original languages.
The authors go through several objections to why someone would not consider learning some Hebrew themselves. Objections such as “Hebrew is excessively difficult“. They also go through the many devotional aspects and qualities that are accessed by learning Hebrew and share some personal stories on just how that plays out.
Overall, this book can be summed up as an encouragement to push yourself to learn Hebrew. Start out with an introductory book on grammar and you’ll surprise yourself on just how much you’re able to comprehend.
I was given an early copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2024
I've been learning Hebrew on my own just through the popular language apps for the past six months. I've built up a decent vocabulary but eventually you (or I did at least) hit a wall. I realized if I had the fundamentals down, some grammar, understanding root, etc. that I'd probably progress a lot faster than I am currently. Also, I wanted the focus my learning on Biblical Hebrew.
This book is great for new learners as well as those who want to keep up with their Hebrew after the classes have ended. I'm glad that I read this at this early stage. Things that were very helpful to me as a newer student: books, app, dictionary, lexicon recommendations; explanation of a few different reading methods (grammatical, exploratory, contemplative); tips on finding patterns and using mnemonics; how to study, when to study, how often to study; a table ranking the books by difficulty both in vocabulary and/or syntax.
Any negatives? Not really. Except the authors have convinced me that I should really take up Aramaic and Greek too! What have I got myself into?! ;)
This book is great for new learners as well as those who want to keep up with their Hebrew after the classes have ended. I'm glad that I read this at this early stage. Things that were very helpful to me as a newer student: books, app, dictionary, lexicon recommendations; explanation of a few different reading methods (grammatical, exploratory, contemplative); tips on finding patterns and using mnemonics; how to study, when to study, how often to study; a table ranking the books by difficulty both in vocabulary and/or syntax.
Any negatives? Not really. Except the authors have convinced me that I should really take up Aramaic and Greek too! What have I got myself into?! ;)
January 11, 2023
Pretty helpful! Although you can definitely tell it was written by a man from the SBC who loves barbecue, playing football, and lifting weights (these are all self-acknowledged things). I mention this to say that not all of the illustrations, examples, and connection points were effective in connecting with me. The book has a surprisingly cohesive voice despite it being co-written by three authors and adapted form its Greek counterpart.
Overall, despite some other flaws, I came away excited and inspired to continue in my love for Hebrew. However, I’m writing this as one who doesn’t need to be convinced to love and to study more Hebrew. This book is worthwhile for anyone wanting to continue or to reignite their engagement with the language and with the Hebrew Bible.
Overall, despite some other flaws, I came away excited and inspired to continue in my love for Hebrew. However, I’m writing this as one who doesn’t need to be convinced to love and to study more Hebrew. This book is worthwhile for anyone wanting to continue or to reignite their engagement with the language and with the Hebrew Bible.
August 9, 2020
This is a very pragmatic book, reminding the Hebrew learner of why Hebrew is important and how to work in time for practicing Hebrew. It reminds the reader not to condemn oneself for skills lost. Instead, the important thing is to make a plan for regaining ones Hebrew and becoming more fluent.
For me, as I'm still in the process of learning Hebrew, this book was most valuable in its list of resources and the evaluation of these resources. I also found the chapter on Aramaic to be very valuable and encouraging. I've been debating whether or not it would be "worth it" to learn Aramaic, and now I realize that Aramaic will be on my list of things to begin learning in 2021.
For me, as I'm still in the process of learning Hebrew, this book was most valuable in its list of resources and the evaluation of these resources. I also found the chapter on Aramaic to be very valuable and encouraging. I've been debating whether or not it would be "worth it" to learn Aramaic, and now I realize that Aramaic will be on my list of things to begin learning in 2021.
March 30, 2025
Like anyone who has been away from Hebrew and has suffered the loss of constant study in the language, I picked up this book because I wanted to revive my Hebrew skills and reading ability. The book delivers on its promise to help you do just that.
In chapter 1, the authors lay the foundation of why taking the time to learn and studied, review, and continue to master Hebrew is so important. I think they make a great case the matter how the language is to learn and to keep up. Without it, we will actually be causing more work for ourselves.
Chapter 2 discusses being weighed in the balance and found wanting. We cannot become lazy in our studying and continued strengthening of our Hebrew vocabulary and grammar. The authors talk about the importance of developing good Hebrew learning habits. They challenge the reader to look at behaviors and habits.
In Chapter 3, the authors talk about reviewing the fundamentals of Hebrew often. They give strategies for reviewing vocabulary. These are very helpful, especially when they’re done together. They give plenty of tips on how the brain and memory work and how to make that great vintage in your review.
Chapter 4 focuses on how to develop a better memory. The authors give the reader proven memory techniques. They start by putting to rest the myth that only certain people can memorize language materials like vocabulary and paradigms.
In Chapter 5, the authors show you how to leverage the breaks you have. If you take the most opportunity afforded to you by breaks in your day, you can review and read Hebrew. They give many resources for doing this in the chapter plus a reading plan for the summer.
Chapter 6 describes the discipline of reading the Hebrew text. They show the importance of consistency. The authors give strategic ways to read the text consistently. They discuss the different Hebrew resources available to help you read with English helps until you don’t need them. This chapter shows you the importance of memorizing Bible passages and how Hebrew can help.
In Chapter 7, the authors further discuss the wisdom of resources to aid in reading, understanding, and study of the Hebrew Bible. They begin with a very important caution that many in this age of new technology should heed. They discuss various methods of reading and the technology that are available to help you grow in your Hebrew.
Chapter 8 was fascinating to me as it talked about the close cousin of Hebrew – Aramaic. I have always wanted to learn it but have not yet had the opportunity. The authors focus on the importance of not neglecting Aramaic because it is about 1% of the Old Testament. I was most excited to read through the differences between Hebrew and Aramaic. The authors made it sound like a less daunting task. They give resources you can use to learn Aramaic.
The authors finish the book by talking about getting back into shape. It is a fitting and encouraging way to end the book because they tell you that you can get your Hebrew back. Then they give you actionable steps on how to do it.
My favorite part in reading this book was to read about the testimonials of people who have for some reason or another lost their Hebrew skills and been able to regain them. That is encouragement to me as I have found myself in the same situations. I also got a lot out of the end of chapter informational or devotional thoughts. I recommend this book to anyone who needs to get back in the Hebrew or refresh their Hebrew.
In chapter 1, the authors lay the foundation of why taking the time to learn and studied, review, and continue to master Hebrew is so important. I think they make a great case the matter how the language is to learn and to keep up. Without it, we will actually be causing more work for ourselves.
Chapter 2 discusses being weighed in the balance and found wanting. We cannot become lazy in our studying and continued strengthening of our Hebrew vocabulary and grammar. The authors talk about the importance of developing good Hebrew learning habits. They challenge the reader to look at behaviors and habits.
In Chapter 3, the authors talk about reviewing the fundamentals of Hebrew often. They give strategies for reviewing vocabulary. These are very helpful, especially when they’re done together. They give plenty of tips on how the brain and memory work and how to make that great vintage in your review.
Chapter 4 focuses on how to develop a better memory. The authors give the reader proven memory techniques. They start by putting to rest the myth that only certain people can memorize language materials like vocabulary and paradigms.
In Chapter 5, the authors show you how to leverage the breaks you have. If you take the most opportunity afforded to you by breaks in your day, you can review and read Hebrew. They give many resources for doing this in the chapter plus a reading plan for the summer.
Chapter 6 describes the discipline of reading the Hebrew text. They show the importance of consistency. The authors give strategic ways to read the text consistently. They discuss the different Hebrew resources available to help you read with English helps until you don’t need them. This chapter shows you the importance of memorizing Bible passages and how Hebrew can help.
In Chapter 7, the authors further discuss the wisdom of resources to aid in reading, understanding, and study of the Hebrew Bible. They begin with a very important caution that many in this age of new technology should heed. They discuss various methods of reading and the technology that are available to help you grow in your Hebrew.
Chapter 8 was fascinating to me as it talked about the close cousin of Hebrew – Aramaic. I have always wanted to learn it but have not yet had the opportunity. The authors focus on the importance of not neglecting Aramaic because it is about 1% of the Old Testament. I was most excited to read through the differences between Hebrew and Aramaic. The authors made it sound like a less daunting task. They give resources you can use to learn Aramaic.
The authors finish the book by talking about getting back into shape. It is a fitting and encouraging way to end the book because they tell you that you can get your Hebrew back. Then they give you actionable steps on how to do it.
My favorite part in reading this book was to read about the testimonials of people who have for some reason or another lost their Hebrew skills and been able to regain them. That is encouragement to me as I have found myself in the same situations. I also got a lot out of the end of chapter informational or devotional thoughts. I recommend this book to anyone who needs to get back in the Hebrew or refresh their Hebrew.
Read
November 25, 2025Too many illustrations for my liking, but still gave some very useful advice. While I am in a Hebrew class, I imagine that this book would be absolutely invaluable for someone learning on their own. I will probably return to this book again years from now.
May 28, 2020
Not so much a book for studying Hebrew, but more for motivating one to study Hebrew and providing very helpful strategies and pointing out great resources. Just what I needed to get back into Hebrew!
October 17, 2022
Such a great book.
October 6, 2023
Great read- lots of good motivating tips, practical steps and different approaches to retaining and starting language study in general
November 14, 2023
Helpful!
May 9, 2021
Good book
January 30, 2025
Very practical and inspiring book that should be read by every serious student of biblical Hebrew.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews