Handbook of Biblical Hebrew: An Inductive Approach Based on the Hebrew Text of Esther (An Inductive Approach Based on the Hebrew Text of Esther, 2 Vols. in 1) [Paperback]

Mr. William Sanford LaSor (Author)

Book Description

Series: An Inductive Approach Based on the Hebrew Text of Esther, 2 Vols. in 1 | Publication Date: January 26, 1989

Now available for the first time in one volume, the Handbook of Biblical Hebrew is designed to be a complete tool for the student of biblical Hebrew. The product of more than 25 years of teaching the language, this book is primarily intended for use in Hebrew courses, but it also serves as an excellent tool for a refresher course, or as a basic grammatical reference work to aid the exegete. / The book is similar in format to the author's Handbook of New Testament Greek, combining reading lessons with grammar, paradigms, and basic vocabulary. LaSor uses the inductive method of language study in which beginning students learn the rules of grammar and syntax and memorize vocabulary, often without reading the actual text. Instead of memorizing numerous forms that will never be encountered in actual reading, the student learns only what he or she encounters. / The lessons are based on the book of Esther, the complete Hebrew text of which is included in this volume, because it presents little difficulty in theological or textual matters and has an excellent vocabulary. LaSor has also included readings from other portions of the Bible, such as several chapters from Genesis, to introduce the student to Hebrew other than that found in Esther. / The diligent student of this method will learn not only the elements of Hebrew, but also how to study the language inductively and how to learn by induction what the Hebrew text says.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

(1911-1991) Former professor emeritus of Old Testament at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 540 pages
• Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Reprint edition (January 26, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802804446
• ISBN-13: 978-0802804440
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,755,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars don't by the one-volume edition; look for a used two-volume, June 16, 2009

By 

Thomas VanDrunen - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Handbook of Biblical Hebrew: An Inductive Approach Based on the Hebrew Text of Esther (An Inductive Approach Based on the Hebrew Text of Esther, 2 Vols. in 1) (Paperback)

I'm currently working through this handbook. It is a very enjoyable way to learn Hebrew for those with analytical minds (you have to be a little nerdy) and for whom it is not convenient to take a class.

Two bits of advice. First, do NOT buy the 1989 single-volume edition. What ever publishing wonk came up with the single-volume idea had no understanding of how this program of study works. You need to have the lessons and grammar in separate volumes because of the cross reference system. With one volume you would be constantly flipping back and forth with your fingers stuck in several pages at once. To use this handbook you simply need generous table space to spread out two or three books plus your own notebook. So, search for a used copy of the two-volume edition. (I took mine to a print shop and had them strip off the old bindings and spiral-bind them so that they lie flat on the desk.)

Second, beware of many mistakes in the cross referencing, at least in the edition I have (first, 1979... I haven't found any indication that there was a later edition that corrected this). Some section numbers have digits inverted, or sometimes a nonexistent section is referred to. I wish I could find a complete list of errata, but no luck so far.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a great tool returns, June 7, 2007

By 

shemayah phillips (Falwellistan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Handbook of Biblical Hebrew: An Inductive Approach Based on the Hebrew Text of Esther (An Inductive Approach Based on the Hebrew Text of Esther, 2 Vols. in 1) (Paperback)

LaSor's approach to grammar was exactly what I wanted and needed almost thirty years ago when I began the greatest experience of my life--reading the Tanak for myself. Most grammars are a presentation of grammar rules, and evidently boring as hell. [editorial] This might explain so many Christian ministers who are really more interested in Greek than Hebrew cannot understand scripture.[editorial]

You need such grammars listing rules and paradigms, no doubt, especially the "encyclopedic" grammars. I have them all, I suppose: Gesenius, Jouon, Merwe, Waltke/O'Connor, etc., and use them. LaSor is not a denial of this. But it is the approach that makes the difference. He follows the grammar work of Harper and Powis Smith from over a century ago using the inductive method.

The inductive method as used by Harper and LaSor puts you straight into a biblical text. LaSor uses the book of Esther (Harper used Genesis). You are constantly in the text and then to the rules, learning them more in actual context, and to discern the text. LaSor uses rules based mostly on Gesenius, giving the section in Gesenius as reference but explaining enough to be left without Gesenius if that is your situation.

The original LaSor was a three item affair. You had a volume 1 "Lessons," 2 "Grammar" and a booklet of BHS Esther. It was a virtual "book party." I used the books outside of university, on my own, and did just fine, thank you.

I do not own the single volume above, and still use my old version of LaSor's program. I assume that the single volume version contains all the same information. For years students have asked about the best classical Hebrew grammar to start their study, and I say LaSor, but it's not available now. I couldn't find it. But you can now.

Not everyone benefits from inductive approach. If not, most of the grammars you will find out there will be of a "rules" approach that may suit you better. Graphic design has made some of the more modern grammars clearer, especially in the binyanim "the building" upon stems to form verbs (consonants will be dark text with lighter vowels, etc.). So most are not markedly different.