What does it take to be a Greek and/or Hebrew Bible scholar?

Question

im just wondering what it would take and what they actually do

Answer 1

You would have to have a degree in Hebrew and/or Greek. They would need to be specializing in the language of that period.

What they do depends on where they work. My Theology Professor said that no one can truly be a theologian unless they know both Greek and Hebrew. So many are theologians in seminaries and universities.

Also some teach Biblical Hebrew and/or Greek.

Another career choice of course is teaching Bible in a seminary or University.

But what you are probably asking is many of them work with the ancient manuscripts and work at translation. They have to have a thorough knowledge of the culture. They work daily to improve our knowledge of the scripture and other ancient documents. It is a very demanding field.

At one point I was fluent in Latin and Greek. But keeping up with the studies requires a lot of work which I haven't been able to do.

Pastor John

Answer 2

Learn Greek (Biblical Greek called Koine...not modern Greek) and Hebrew -- oh, and, Aramaic which is what Jesus spoke. Learn First Century Jewish customs and culture. Study the Talmud and the Gemara and the Mishna. Study archeology, literary terms (for the various types of literture used in the OT). Learn about the Persian, Babylonian, Greek and Roman empires that once ruled Judea. Each left its definitive mark on the area and the Jewish people. If you have the passion, run with it.

Answer 3

"Scholar" is a loaded term, but most Christian seminaries require you to be fluent in both Greek (New Testament) and Hebrew (Old Testament). The languages don't directly translate word for word in English. Not only does it help to know the language, but to understand the cultural references. High School Musical won't make much sense 1k years from if you don't have a barometer for understanding today's culture.

Answer 4

Based on the general quality (or the lack of it) in that field, it doesn't take much.

There's more fakers claiming to know Greek and Hebrew than there ar authentic scholars ... and most people aren't smart enough to tell them apart.

Answer 5

The easy way is to get a Hebrew and Greek Interlinear and look of the definitions of words. You need to go to an accredited college to learn the tenses and grammar.

Answer 6

Watch my Big Fat Greek Wedding, learn to shot Ouzo, also the Greek art to constantly nag and stress out your friends with all trivial dramas going on in your life. Have a Greek Ordained Minister christen and baptise you as a Greek. Once accepted marry a Greek so you can totally blend into the Greek community. OOMPAH !!

Answer 7

I have a friend who is a Doctor in Old Testament and Hebrew. I know he went to a 4 years seminary and then post-graduation and Masters.

Answer 8

Knowledge. Study of the Greek and/or Hebrew language. Learning culture and tradition in order to properly interpret word meaning. Study of how they lived and how they now live. Most importantly!!!!!!!!! GOD to lead you!!!

Answer 9

Being Jewish or Greek is a good start. Also you have to study A LOT.

Answer 10

It would take a thorough and intimate knowledge of those two languages and all the cultural idioms embraced by the respective cultures through their native languages.

Translation and interpretation is the product of their work.