Book Reviews -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Reformed Baptist Theological Review
Volume: RBTR 01:2 (Jul 2004)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous


Book Reviews

Readers will understand that we are not able to supply these books.

Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar, Gary D. Pratico and Miles V. Van
Pelt
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2001),
Basics of Biblical Hebrew Workbook, Gary D. Pratico and Miles V. Van
Pelt
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 2001),
reviewed by Robert Gonzales, Jr.1

Looking for a “user-friendly” Hebrew grammar and workbook? Look no more! Basics of Biblical Hebrew is an excellent first-year curriculum for seminary students or refresher course for working pastors. The grammar includes an interactive CD-ROM with flashcard program, paradigms, and answer key for the workbook. In addition, a website (www.basicsofbiblicalhebrew.com) is maintained that offers lecture overheads, errata sheets, and a newly added Vocabulary Guide to Biblical Hebrew designed to facilitate memorization. The authors also plan to make their lectures on the major chapters available on CD-ROM by the summer of 2004.

Keeping the beginning student in view, the authors purposely “minimized the introduction of issues related to the historical development of the language or to the area of comparative Semitic philology.” Instead, they focus upon “the basics in the categories of phonology, morphology, and syntax” (ix). They conclude every chapter with a helpful summary of the topics covered and an exegetical/theological insight based on the application of a point of grammar. Frequently, the authors address points of advanced grammar at the end of each chapter as well. Helpful statistical or technical information is included in footnotes throughout.

The grammar format includes the following five sections:

1. The Basics of Hebrew Writing (chapters 1–3). The authors follow classical pronunciation with the exception of the gutturals א (aleph) and ע (ayin), which they treat as silent (1.2). They divide the vowels into five types or classes (a, e, i, o, u) rather than the classical division of three (a, i, u) (cf., 2.15). Most notable is their attempt to simplify the guidelines for distinguishing the vocal and silent shewa--always a trouble spot for new students (3.6).

2. The Basics of Hebrew Nouns and Nominals (chapters 4–11). For the next eight chapters, they introduce the student to Hebrew nouns, the article

and conjunctive waw, prepositions, adjectives, pronouns, the construct chain, and numbers. The layouts are p...

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