Biblical Languages and Exegesis

Master of Arts

Students will learn skills in the translation and interpretation of biblical Hebrew and Greek. This program is ideally suited for preparation for doctoral work in biblical studies, but would also suit students planning to go into Bible translation or other teaching ministries.

Career Fields

The Master of Arts in Biblical Languages and Exegesis (MABLE) degree gives students skills in the translation and interpretation of biblical Hebrew and Greek.  Students would ideally have already engaged in biblical studies in their undergraduate course of study and be able to work full time on this degree.  This program is ideally suited for preparation for doctoral work in biblical studies, but would also suit students planning to go into Bible translation or other teaching ministries.

Download "Recommended Reading List for MATS Old Testament and MABLE"

Anticipated Outcomes

  1. Articulate an evangelical theology that demonstrably arises out of Scripture and finds expression in all areas of life and ministry.
  2. Be equipped for serving in the local church and its global mission.
  3. Be recognized as a mature disciple of Jesus Christ.

MABLE graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate skill in sight translation of biblical Hebrew and Greek texts.
  2. Demonstrate skill in sound exegesis of both Testaments.
  3. Articulate the major themes of both Testaments, and show the literary and theological relationship(s) of smaller passages to the larger whole of Scripture.

Graduation Requirements

  • Complete the 60 credit hour program of studies as outlined
  • Achieve a minimum of a 2.50 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale
  • Complete at least 30 hours of this program through Briercrest
  • Successfully complete both a Portfolio and a written comprehensive examination
  • Receive the recommendation of the seminary faculty
  • Complete all program requirements within seven years of beginning studies
  • Meet all financial obligations to the seminary
  • Fulfill all academic and financial requirements

Degree Requirements (60 credit hours)
 

Core (9 credit hours)

  • Choose 3 of the following *
Course Credit Hours
Christian Ministry Formation* 3
New Testament 3
Old Testament 3
Theology  OR History 3

*May include CM 600 Spiritual Formation for Ministry, CM 601 Philosophy and Foundation for Ministry; LE 605 Personal and Service Development

Language and Exegesis (18 credit hours)

Prerequisites: four semesters of Greek OR four semesters of Hebrew

Hebrew or Greek

Hebrew

BT 631 Introductory Hebrew I 3
BT 633 Introductory Hebrew II 3
BT 733 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis I 3
BT 835 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis II 3

Greek

BT 640 Introductory Greek I 3
BT 643 Introductory Greek II 3
BT 740 Greek Syntax 3
BT 743 Greek Exegesis I 3

Advanced Exegesis

BT 835 Hebrew Syntax and Exegesis II (new book) 3
BT 840 Greek Exegesis II 3

Biblical Studies (18 credit hours)
 

BT 802 Critical Methodologies in Biblical Studies 3
BT 801 Jewish Backgrounds 3
Choose two of the following:

BT 721 Revelation
BT 722 Gospels
BT 728 Hebrews
BT 825 Romans
BT 829 New Testament Seminar
BT 848 Advanced Greek Exegesis		 6
Choose two of the following:

BT 615 Where Can Wisdom be Found?
BT 711 Introduction to Old Testament Theology
BT 714 Psalms
BT 717 The Former Prophets
BT 719 The Latter Prophets
BT 739 Biblical and Extrabiblical Aramaic
BT 817 Old Testament Specialty
BT 819 Old Testament Seminar		 6

Research and Methodology (12 credit hours)
 

RD 701 Research Methods and Design 3
RD 808 Thesis 3

Electives (3 credit hours)
 

Open Elective 3
Experiential Integration non-credit
Comprehensive Exam non-credit

* To be determined by the Program Coordinator based on the student's previous undergraduate studies.

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Eric Ortlund, PhD

eortlund@briercrest.ca
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eortlund.jpgEric, his wife, Erin, and their two children, Kate and Will, moved to Caronport in July 2006. He worked on an M.Div. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity Seminary in Chicago for two years and served as a youth pastor in a local Presbyterian church before sensing God's call to study the Old Testament. His interests focus in Isaiah and the Psalms, but he loves studying and teaching any part of the Hebrew Bible as well as the OT's Ancient Near Eastern environment, the history of interpretation, and the Hebrew language.