Biblical Language and Literature

Overview

In Biblical language and literature programs, students typically study ancient Greek and Hebrew. They learn about the culture or the people who spoke these ancient languages. They learn how languages spread through Sumer, Judea, Egypt, Babylon, Syria, Persia, and Anatolia.

Biblical language and literature programs include topics such as:

• Ancient Greek
• Ancient Hebrew

This program prepares students for further graduate study in Biblical studies or theology.

Concentrations

In Biblical language and literature, students may be able to specialize in:

• Literature
• Teaching
• Translation

Schools

A few colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in Biblical language and literature. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Very few universities offer graduate degrees in Biblical language and literature. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

• Arabic Language and Literature
• Biblical Studies
• Classical Languages and Literature
• Hebrew Language and Literature
• Islamic Studies
• Jewish Studies
• Linguistics
• Modern Greek Language and Literature
• Near and Middle Eastern Studies
• Religious Education
• Religious Studies
• Second Language, General
• Theology and Pre-Theology

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

• Anthropologists
• Archeologists
• Clergy
• Historians
• Interpreters and Translators
• University and College Teachers

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

• Ancient Civilizations
• Economics
• Humanities
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
• Second Language
• World Geography
• World History

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. In addition, you must be able to demonstrate that you can speak, read, write, and understand Greek and Hebrew at an advanced level.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

• Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Academic writing sample

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

• Applied Phonetics
• Conversation and Composition
• Greek Literature and Poetry
• Hebrew Literature and Poetry
• Linguistics
• Literary Studies
• New Testament Culture and History
• Old Testament Culture and History
• Reading Skills
• Study in Greek, Hebrew, and related dialects (beginning, intermediate, advanced)
• The Bible as Literature
• The Bible in Translation

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate programs in Biblical language and literature typically require:

• Required courses
• Thesis (master's degree)
• Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
• Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Many programs in Biblical language and literature are part of religious or divinity schools but not always. Many non-religious institutions offer courses or degrees in this subject.

Colleges that do not have complete programs in Biblical language and literature may offer elective courses as part of a major in interdisciplinary studies or liberal arts.

Students who major in Biblical language and literature may be required or encouraged to spend some time living, working, and studying abroad. Most programs coordinate semester abroad or work internships. In most cases, you can participate in these after you have completed at least two years of language study.

At some schools, courses in Biblical language and literature are offered through Classics or Jewish studies programs.

Many Biblical language and literature programs also offer language courses in Aramaic and Arabic.

Schools

East Side Area

Walla Walla University

• Biblical Languages

King-Snohomish Area

Northwest University

• Biblical Literature
• Intercultural Studies--First Nations Ministry

University of Washington - Seattle

• Near Eastern Languages and Civilization--Biblical & Ancient Near Eastern Studies Option

Spokane Area

Gonzaga University

• Religious Studies

Tacoma Area

Faith International University & Seminary

• Divinity

Western Reformed Seminary

• Biblical Studies--Old Testament