Biblical Hebrew language refers to the ancient Semitic language that was primarily used by the Israelites during the period when the Hebrew Bible, or the Old Testament, was written. It is the language in which the sacred scriptures of the Hebrew Bible were composed, which are considered authoritative by both Judaism and Christianity.
Biblical Hebrew is characterized by several unique linguistic features, differentiating it from other Semitic languages. It is written from right to left and consists of a consonantal writing system, with vowels often represented by dots and dashes. The script used in biblical Hebrew is known as Paleo-Hebrew or sometimes as the Phoenician script.
In terms of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, biblical Hebrew contains archaic elements that differ from modern Hebrew, the national language of modern-day Israel. The vocabulary of biblical Hebrew consists of approximately 8,000 words, but many words have multiple meanings, making interpretation context-dependent.
The grammar of biblical Hebrew is complex and features rich, extensive verbal and nominal systems with various conjugations, tenses, and aspects. The syntax, or sentence structure, differs from modern Hebrew and employs different word orders.
Studying biblical Hebrew is essential for the interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, as it allows scholars, theologians, and readers to understand the original meaning of the sacred texts. Additionally, it provides insights into history, culture, theology, and the religious traditions of ancient Israel.
