Why Study Hebrew

Rediscovering the Language of Covenant

The Scriptures were not written in English—or Latin, or Greek.
They were breathed out in Hebrew, etched in the rhythms of an ancient tongue spoken between shepherds and prophets, kings and exiles.
To study Hebrew is not to chase language—it is to seek the voice of the Author in His native expression.
Every letter holds a story. Every word holds a world.
English translations—however sincere—often smooth out the texture, flatten the poetry, and bury the depth.
But Hebrew? It sings. It weeps. It thunders.
To study Hebrew is to reach back through time, brush off the dust, and hear YHWH speak as He did on Sinai—with clarity, fire, and covenant.

Introduction

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First Page Teaser Full Article 13 pp.

Why Study Hebrew?

Before we delve into the reasons for studying Hebrew, it is important to introduce an acronym commonly used in Jewish circles: TaNaKh. While Christians often refer to these scriptures as the Old Testament, this title can imply that the text is outdated or no longer relevant. Consequently, some may neglect to read it, believing it has been abolished or rendered invalid. In contrast, the Jewish community refers to these sacred writings as the TaNaKh. What does this acronym signify? Please read the following explanation:

The acronym "TaNaKh" stands for the three main sections of the Hebrew Bible. Here's a breakdown of its components and their meanings:

The TaNaKh: A Journey Through Jewish Sacred Texts

Torah (תּוֹרָה)

“T” is for Torah Meaning: "Teaching," "Law," "Instructions," or "Directives."

Books Included:

· Genesis (בראשית, Bereshit)

· Exodus (שמות, Shemot)

· Leviticus (ויקרא, Vayikra)

· Numbers (במדבר, Bamidbar)

· Deuteronomy (דברים, Devarim)

Significance: The Torah is the cornerstone of Judaism, encompassing the laws, commandments, and teachings given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. It narrates the creation of the world, the stories of the patriarchs, the Exodus from Egypt, and the establishment of the covenant between God and the Israelites.

Nevi'im (נְבִיאִים)

“N” is for Nevi’im Meaning: "Prophets"

Books Included:

Former Prophets: Joshua (יהושע, Yehoshua), Judges (שופטים, Shoftim), Samuel (שמואל, Shmuel), Kings (מלכים, Melachim)

Latter Prophets: Isaiah (ישעיהו, Yeshayahu), Jeremiah (ירמיהו, Yirmeyahu), Ezekiel (יחזקאל, Yechezkel), The Twelve Minor Prophets (תרי עשר, Trei Asar) which include Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

Significance: Nevi'im contains the historical accounts of the Israelites after entering the Promised Land, along with the messages and prophecies of the prophets. These books emphasize the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant, social justice, and the consequences of disobedience.

Ketuvim (כְּתוּבִים)

“K” is for Ketuv’im Meaning: "Writings"

Books Included:

Psalms (תהילים, Tehillim)

Proverbs (משלי, Mishlei)

Job (איוב, Iyov)

Song of Songs (שיר השירים, Shir HaShirim)