Wanting to learn Hebrew

[KeilanS]

Hey all, I have recently started reading a King James bible, and it is inspiring me to go back further, to the Hebrew Roots of the bible but I need some help getting started. So a few questions:

1) How close is biblical hebrew to modern-day hebrew? (Could I understand the Hebrew OT if I knew modern day hebrew)

2) How do I obtain a copy of the bible in hebrew, seeing as I do not live in Israel. And what specific bible should I find? (Does Hebrew have different versions like english?)

3) Does anyone have any recommendations about how to start learning hebrew? Are there any good books that teach me the basics? (assuming there are no courses in foreign languages available to minors (such as myself) where I live)

I should also note that I don't know anyone who speaks hebrew, so I'm pretty much on my own.

Thanks all.

[Iryssa]

You could actually find a copy of the Hebrew OT at most Christian book stores. My husband bought one at a place called Scott's Parable Christian Stores. There's one in Red Deer...dunno about anywhere else.

No, you probably won't be able to understand Biblical Hebrew very well by learning modern Hebrew...so many things have changed (which is actually why the language has survived as long as it has).

If there's a Jewish community in your area, you might be able to find courses through them...whether or not Ancient Hebrew is as readily avalable as Modern Hebrew really depends on the area.

Otherwise, I'd consider distance-ed courses through Christian Colleges. Personally, I've never found that learning a language without the help of a teacher works as well as having help. There are subtleties that textbooks can forget.

If you REALLY want to try learning it through a book, though, you might try Biblical Hebrew: An Introductory Grammar, by Page H. Kelley (follow the link to buy it through Amazon.com).

[elkieDannsa' Air An Drochaid]

Hi KeilianS,

oh! wonderful you are reading he KJV. I love the KJV. I came to know Jesus is Lord through his Holy Spirit and reading the KJV. (Although I have done some Bible translation comparison studies.) I appreciated that Zola Levitt, said it followed the Hebrew well in translation. You may want to to see his site. He has gone home to the Sweet Lord. But, he has some great stuff still on his site and a wonderful lot of photos of Israel.

I have Bibles in other languages and am associated (through my church and it's missions also) with Bible Translators from Wycliffe.

You can order a Bible in another language at a Christian store.

If there is not one near you and that is not an option.

You could buy one online.

http://www.wycliffe.org/

If you click on 'contact' you can find a contact person and get info that you are seeking. Could ask them how to get one. There is Wycliff Canada also. But, I know you can special order Bibles at a Christian Bible store ( special orders usually prepaid) and should be able to get you what you are looking for, if there is one near you.

I am not sure about some of the other questions you have. But, I am sure there are people here who will be.

Are they selling them in the worthy bookstore here?

I haven't checked.

If you don't have a card to buy online. Usually you can send a money order to most places.

I, also, am intereted to see what advice and help you get here.

Q: Have you looked to see if you can learn Hebrew online? (Do a search or maybe someone can refer you to a good place)

Some languages are offered online for free studies that I have done.

Blessings,

elkie

[Guest shiloh357]

1) How close is biblical hebrew to modern-day hebrew? (Could I understand the Hebrew OT if I knew modern day hebrew)

Yes, in fact, if King David were alive today, He could walk down any street in any Jewish neighborhood in Israel and be perfectly understood. Hebrew is a small language, and as a result, words play double duty, triple duty, quadruple duty. Even advances in technology, have not significantly changed the Hebrew language. The word used for "rocket," "bullet," "ammunition," "missle" is the same word used in ancient Hebrew for "arrow." The word used for "gun" "rifle" "launcher" is the ancient Hebrew word for "bow." Those are just a couple of examples.

2) How do I obtain a copy of the bible in hebrew, seeing as I do not live in Israel. And what specific bible should I find? (Does Hebrew have different versions like english?)

I would not worry about that right now. It would not do you any good at this point.

3) Does anyone have any recommendations about how to start learning hebrew? Are there any good books that teach me the basics? (assuming there are no courses in foreign languages available to minors (such as myself) where I live)

Let me tell you, the BEST way to learn, hands down, is from a Rabbi who is willing to teach you. He will charge a fee, but his time is worth something, and you won't follow through if it doesn't cost you something. There are Rabbis who specialize in this kind of thing. He won't try to convert you to Judaism or anything, he will simply teach you Hebrew. That is how I learned it. The one on one cannot be beat. He will not attempt to make you fluent, but simply to give you a good working knowledge of the language. Fluency comes with use of and exposure to the language and its accompanying culture.

If you dont' have the luxury of a Rabbi in your area that specializes in this, you can always take a class at a local Jewish community center; they are often open to the public and the classes are easy to take and focus on beginners learning the basics.

Till then, here is something to whet your appetite>>> Hebrew4Christians

[KeilanS]

Thank you all for the responses. I hadn't thought of looking for a local Jewish community, and will keep my a sharp eye out for anything like that. I will take a look at all the websites linked to here as well.

Also, to Shiloh, I understand that having a bible won't do me much good yet (I can't read it of course), but I tend to lose motivation quickly, and I suspect that if I had a book written in a language I don't understand sitting on my shelf, I will be a lot more likely to press on with my study of the language. I will check with my local Christian Bookstore tomorrow.

Thanks again everyone!