January 5, 2015 - First day Back; Hebrew Bible; School of Prophets; Language Evolution; William Tyndale;

First day of Class - Notes on the basic nature of the Hebrew Language

1. Can not do word for word translation
2. Grammar is essential for understanding Hebrew
3. Bible was not an "A" to "B" translation (like the Book of Mormon). More like "A" to "B" to "C" (Hebrew, to Greek septuagint, to English King James).
4. Kirtland School of the Prophets - 1st semester was dedicated to learning English Grammar (1833). Began to learn Hebrew in 1836 from Rabai.
5. There is no Hebrew dictionary. Therefor we use a Lexicon, which a compilation of all the known or found Hebrew words. Lexicon expands as new words are discovered through archaology
6. Ancient languages have a tendency to 'devolve', or begin complex and simplify over time. True of Hebrew.
7. Hebrew has no vowels. English vowels are not consistent, must know context before we understand pronunciation in English. Same is true of Hebrew, need context.
8. Hebrew loves the Verb. English loves the Noun.
9. Septuagint is a translation of an unknown Hebrew text
10. Hebrew is difficult to read, but follows a consistent prescribed order of words. Greek is easy to read.
11. 83% of existing King James version of the bible was written by William Tyndale. Scholars do not understand where/why he learned Hebrew.

* Was touched by the spirit today. Felt the important nature of a teacher's role in our lives, and the way their teaching stays with us for a really long time.