Three books on greek language, the new testament and the hebrew bible are spread across a table.
Undergraduate | In-Person

Biblical Languages

Christian faith does not depend on one’s ability to read Biblical Hebrew or Koine Greek, but it can aid in discerning Scripture when read in the context of its original languages. 

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College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Danielle Walden
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615.460.8340

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Why Major in Biblical Languages? 

With verb tenses and specific articles that don’t exist in modern English, as well as different grammatical rules, these ancient languages allow for a broad variety of expression and intricacy.

Studying Biblical Languages at Belmont allows you space to ask questions and forge a better understanding of Scripture. Moreover, this program challenges you to engage in biblical translations while elevating your study of the Bible.

What You'll Learn

  • Deepen your understanding of ancient biblical texts, the intentions of their authors and the context in which they were written.
  • Receive immersive instruction in biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek, focusing on the vocabulary, grammar and syntax of selected biblical scriptures.
  • Prepare for excellence in biblical study.
  • Gain proficiency in both biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek.

Career Possibilities

  • Biblical Scholar
  • Researcher
  • Pastoral Leadership
  • Professor

Program Details

Curriculum

The Biblical Languages major leads to a bachelor of arts. It requires 128 hours of coursework.

  • BELL Core requirements: 52 hours
  • Major requirement including religion core, area of emphasis and electives: 36 hours
  • Minor requirements: 18 hours
  • General electives: 16 hours

See All Program Requirements

Courses you'll take include:

  • REL 1250, Introduction to New Testament and Exegetical Methods: An advanced Biblical studies course for religion majors which focuses upon the interpretation of the New Testament and introduces the methodology of biblical exegesis.
  • REL 2350, Christian Doctrine: A study of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith.
  • REL 1410, Vocation and the Christian Life: An introduction to the study of religion with emphasis on research skills, writing and personal development.
  • REL 2410, Spiritual Formation: An emphasis upon using an entire lifetime to be formed by God. The course focuses upon personal discipline, spiritual reading, journal keeping and dream interpretation as means of being attentive to God.
  • REL 2510, Christian Ethics: An introduction to Christian Ethics, with attention given to methodology, biblical foundations, types of ethical thought and Christian responsibility in relation to current social problems.
  • REL 3310, Church History I or REL 3320, Church History II
  • REL 3310 Church History I: Ancient and Medieval Eras: A survey of the history of Christianity from the first to the fourteenth centuries that explores significant ideas, persons, movements and institutions.
  • REL 3320 Church History II: Reformation and Modern Eras: A survey of the history of Christianity from the fifteenth century to the present that explores significant ideas, persons, movements and institutions.
  • REL 4015, Colloquium for Religion Majors: A colloquium designed as a capstone experience for majors which integrates biblical, theological, historical and practical studies. The course focuses on the student as a practicing theologian.
  • World Religions (choose one course)
    • REL 3090 Spirituality in World Religions: A comparative exploration of spirituality in the major world religions and select indigenous peoples, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relation to the divine.
    • REL 3095 Ethics in World Religions: This course is an exploration of ethics and choice in the major world religions, examining how these traditions perceive the purpose of human life and ultimate concerns in relations to the Divine. This course explores the frameworks of Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism and Islam.
    • REL 4590 World Religions: A phenomenological study of the major world religions with emphasis on the attempts of each to deal with the problems which confront humans.
  • Any REL 3000 level Study Abroad course
  • REL 2110, Intermediate Biblical Hebrew: A reading course in the Hebrew Scriptures using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized.
  • REL 2120, Advanced Biblical Hebrew: A reading course in the Hebrew Scriptures using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms, and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized.
  • REL 2150, Intermediate Koine Greek: A reading course in the Greek New Testament using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized. Meets B.A. language requirement for Religion majors.
  • REL 2160, Advanced Koine Greek: A reading course in the Greek New Testament using various books and passages chosen according to need. Vocabulary, forms and fundamentals of syntax are emphasized.
  • REL 3110, Readings in the Hebrew Bible: A rotating study of segments of the Hebrew Bible. The course emphasizes vocabulary and grammar. May be repeated so long as it does not cover the same segment.
  • REL 3120, Readings in the Hebrew Bible: A rotating study of segments of the Hebrew Bible. The course emphasizes vocabulary and grammar. May be repeated so long as it does not cover the same segment.
  • REL 3150, Reading in the Greek New Testament: A rotating study of segments of the Greek Literature of the Gospels, Epistles, Acts and the Apocalypse. The course emphasizes both vocabulary and grammar. May be repeated, so long as it is not the same segment.
  • REL 3160, Reading in the Greek New Testament: A rotating study of segments of the Greek Literature of the Gospels, Epistles, Acts and the Apocalypse. The course emphasizes both vocabulary and grammar. May be repeated, so long as it is not the same segment.