Area I: Biblical Studies

This area is concerned with the interpretation of the Christian Scriptures in the broadest sense, including the study of the classical biblical languages (Hebrew and Greek), the content of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, critical methods of interpretation, biblical history, cultural and historical milieux of the Bible, and the theological and pastoral implications of the text.

  1. Introductory courses are offered in the critical study of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. Except for the language courses, all courses in Area I normally have these foundation courses (or their equivalent) as prerequisites.
  2. Language courses are offered at the elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. Generally, elementary biblical languages are eligible for elective credit only.
  3. Three types of exegesis courses are offered: those based on the English text; those based on the original text and requiring a working knowledge of the biblical language; and advanced exegesis seminars that require at least an intermediate knowledge of the biblical language. Exegesis courses of each type are offered each term on selected books or topics from the Hebrew Bible and New Testament. It is possible, therefore, during the course of one’s program, to engage in detailed exegesis of representative sections of the biblical text.
  4. Thematic courses are offered on a wide range of theological and historical issues raised by the scriptures. These include courses on the cultural and historical milieux of biblical texts.
  5. Advanced seminars are designed for YDS students with the requisite background and qualifications, and for doctoral students. Permission to enroll in these seminars must be received from the instructor.
  6. Area I is also concerned with examining the implications of the scriptures for the contemporary church. In addition to doing this in courses offered specifically in Area I, members of the faculty in Area I join with other faculty members in offering courses dealing with the use of the Bible in Christian ministry.

YDS offers intensive courses in elementary Biblical Hebrew and elementary New Testament Greek for six weeks during the summer. Such work earns six hours of academic credit and prepares the student for the course in exegesis. Summer work will satisfy most denominational language requirements.

REL 5503a, Hebrew Bible Interpretation I  Molly Zahn

An introduction to the contents of the Hebrew Bible (Pentateuch and Historical Books) and to the methods of its interpretation. The course focuses on the development of ancient Israelite biblical literature and religion in its historical and cultural context as well as on the theological appropriation of the Hebrew Bible for contemporary communities of faith. The course aims to make students aware of the contents of the Hebrew Bible, the history and development of ancient Israel’s literature and religion, the methods of biblical interpretation, and ways of interpreting the Hebrew Bible for modern communities of faith. Area I.  3 Course cr
MWF 10:30am-11:20am

REL 5515a, Literary Theory and the New Testament  Michal Beth Dinkler

This course traces the various interstices between the disciplines of contemporary literary theory/criticism and New Testament studies. The readings and discussions consider literary theory’s unique contributions to the study of New Testament literature, as well as critiques of such approaches. Along the way, students engage with close readings of the New Testament texts themselves, attuned to their literary artistry. Area I. Prerequisite: REL 505 or REL 506 or equivalent.  3 Course cr
W 3:30pm-5:20pm

REL 5518a, Intermediate New Testament Greek Language and Exegesis  Judith Gundry

In this course, students study intermediate New Testament Greek grammar and syntax, expand their Greek vocabulary, read a wide variety of Greek texts both in the New Testament and in other ancient sources (LXX, Apostolic Fathers), learn how to use reference works for the study of the New Testament and other early Christian literature in Greek, and practice different ways to translate Greek texts into English. The class is conducted as a seminar with a high level of student participation. The course aims to prepare students for advanced Greek exegesis courses and courses devoted to the study of other Hellenistic Greek sources. Area I. Prerequisites: REL 3605 and REL 3606; GREK 110 and GREK 120; or REL 3609.  3 Course cr
TTh 9am-10:15am

REL 5544a, History and Methods of Old Testament Interpretation I  Joel Baden and Jacqueline Vayntrub

In this course, students engage with classic secondary works from the history of Old Testament scholarship. Area I. Prerequisites: REL 503 or equivalent.  3 Course cr
W 1:30pm-3:20pm

REL 5552a, Readings in Second Temple Jewish Texts: Daniel  Molly Zahn

Close reading, in the original language(s), of selected texts dating to the Second Temple period, including but not limited to later books of the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Chronicles, Daniel), the Apocrypha (e.g., Ben Sira, Tobit), and Dead Sea Scrolls texts. Topics include the syntax and grammar of the texts, their compositional histories, genre and other literary features, and their contribution to our understanding of the history and culture of early Judaism. May be repeated multiple times for credit. Area I. Prerequisites: REL 503 or REL 504 or equivalent and at least one year of biblical Hebrew.  3 Course cr
T 1:30pm-3:20pm

REL 5563a, The Book of Lamentations  Joel Baden

This course examines the biblical Book of Lamentations with a focus on understanding its theology, poetry, and interpretation. Area I. Prerequisites: REL 503, or equivalent; and at least one year—preferably two—of biblical Hebrew.  3 Course cr
W 9:20am-11:10am

REL 5572a, Post-Biblical Hebrew  Eric Reymond

The course explores the language of post-biblical Hebrew writings, primarily through a close study of text specimens written in unpointed or unvocalized Hebrew. We begin by studying briefly late biblical Hebrew texts before moving on to the study of the Hebrew of the Wisdom of Ben Sira and the Hebrew of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and then concluding with a study of Mishnaic Hebrew. Area I. Prerequisite: one year of biblical Hebrew.  3 Course cr
M 1:30pm-3:20pm

REL 5574a, Intermediate Biblical Hebrew and Exegesis I  Eric Reymond

This course focuses on the reading of biblical texts but also offers a review of the elementary grammar of biblical Hebrew and the introduction of more complicated grammatical concerns. More specifically, the course focuses on prose texts and reviews the morphology of verbs and nouns as well as basic components of Hebrew syntax. In addition, the form and function of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS) are introduced. Area I. Prerequisites: REL 3603 and REL 3604 or the equivalent (i.e., one year of an introductory course in biblical Hebrew).  3 Course cr
TTh 9am-10:15am

REL 5581a, The Gospel of Mark  Yii-Jan Lin

Through reading and analysis of the Greek text of the Gospel of Mark, this course aims to familiarize students with the cultural-historical context of the gospel and critical text and translation issues. Secondary readings and class discussion also focus on literary, theological, and explicitly contextual interpretations of the text. Greek reading components available to interested students. Area I. Prerequisites: Intro to NT Interpretation or equivalents.  3 Course cr
M 9:20am-11:10am