Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar

by Page H. Kelley

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. According to Page Kelley, his book is "designed not so much for seasoned travelers as for those who are just starting out on a strange and wonderful journey."

The book consists of thirty-one lessons arranged as the nonverbal aspects of the language (lessons 1-10); the verb forms and their functions, with special attention to the strong verbs (lessons 11-20); the coordinate relationship of verbs, a topic alluded to but seldom developed in other grammars (lesson 21); and a comprehensive introduction to each of the ten classes of weak verbs (lessons 22-31). The grammar is accompanied by eleven complete verb charts, an extensive vocabulary list, a glossary of grammatical terms, and a subject index.

Kelley employs a method that one reviewer has described as a cross between a straight presentation of grammatical principles and rules and a semi-inductive presentation of concepts through the exercises. Each lesson first presents new grammatical concepts, with biblical examples, and then provides reinforcing exercises that Kelley has judiciously selected from the biblical text (the exercises do not presuppose vocabulary and grammar not already covered).

Deriving from the author's forty years of experience in teaching Biblical Hebrew to seminary students, and enthusiastically employed in its developing stages by instructors at a variety of colleges and seminaries, Kelley's Biblical An Introductory Grammar promises to be an excellent teaching tool with high potential as a textbook. Kelly has designed it for use in either a one-semester or a two-semester course.

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

453 pages, Paperback

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.