Bible and the Ancient Near East

The Department of Bible and the Ancient Near East at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers a comprehensive and in-depth academic program designed to explore the rich history, culture, and religious traditions of the ancient Near East, with a particular emphasis on biblical studies. This programme provides students with an opportunity to engage critically with the foundational texts of the Hebrew Bible, as well as with archaeological findings, linguistic analyses, and historical contexts that illuminate the development of ancient Israelite society and religion. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students are encouraged to develop a nuanced understanding of the biblical narratives, their socio-political environment, and their influence on subsequent religious thought and history. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including the history of the ancient Near East, Hebrew language and literature, biblical exegesis and interpretation, archaeology of the ancient Levant, and comparative studies of ancient Near Eastern religions and cultures. Students will benefit from the department's distinguished faculty, comprised of leading scholars in biblical studies, archaeology, and Near Eastern history, who provide mentorship and guidance throughout their studies. The program emphasizes both textual analysis and archaeological research, fostering skills in critical thinking, research methodology, and scholarly writing. Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in academia, archaeology, education, religious studies, and cultural heritage preservation, or for further specialized study in related fields. The Hebrew University’s location in Jerusalem offers students unique access to archaeological sites, libraries, and research institutions, enriching their learning experience. Whether students are interested in biblical history, ancient languages, or the archaeology of the Near East, this program provides a solid foundation and the opportunity for advanced research, opening pathways to understanding the origins of monotheistic religions and their enduring legacy.

Course of Study for "The Bible: Cultural and Historical Context"

The M.A. program consists of 42 credits over four consecutive semesters, including required coursesin Biblical Hebrew, Akkadian, History and Culture of the Ancient Near East and Introduction to Biblical Literature, as well as elective courses and tutorials. Group tutorials are offered in Biblical Aramaic andTargum Onqalos.

First-Year Studies
During the first year of studies, students will be expected to take courses that fulfill the following distribution:

• Biblical Hebrew – Intermediate

• Reading Courses in Biblical Texts

• History and Culture of the Ancient Near East

• Introduction to Biblical Literature and Culture

Second-Year Studies 

During the second year of studies (20 credit hours), students will take the following courses:

• Biblical Hebrew – Advanced

• Archaeology of the Biblical Period

• Exegesis (Midrash/Medieval Commentators) or The Bible in Western Culture

• Reading courses in Biblical Texts

Course of Study for "The Bible and the Ancient Near East"

First-Year Studies

During the first year of studies (22 credit hours), students will be expected to take courses that fulfill the following distribution:

• Biblical Hebrew – Intermediate

• Akkadian

• Reading course in Biblical Texts

• History and Culture of the Ancient Near East

• Introduction to Biblical Literature and Culture

Second-Year Studies

During the second year of studies, students will take the following courses:

• Biblical Hebrew – Advanced

• Second-Year Akkadian

• Reading courses in Biblical Texts

• Archaeology of the Biblical Period

Students in either track who wish to study an additional ancient language will, in consultation with their advisor, be able to reduce the above credit load.

Qualified students with a Bachelor's degree from accredited institutions of higher education are eligible for admission to the program. Admission is competitive and is based on transcripts and letters of recommendation. Students must have:

• A minimum of 3.2 ("B") grade-point average or the equivalent

• A relevant background in Bible studies

• Biblical Hebrew: at least one year of Biblical Hebrew. Students lacking knowledge of Biblical Hebrew must attend the intensive elementary-level summer course offered at the RIS before commencing the program.

• Modern Hebrew: be elgilble to enroll in at least level Gimel Hebrew at the beginning of their first year of study. Students who have minimal or no knowledge of Hebrew (levels Aleph-Bet) must attend the Summer Ulpan. 

• Students lacking knowledge of Biblical Hebrew must attend the intensive elementary-level Biblical Hebrew summer course offered in the language at the RIS before commencing the program.

• Knowledge of English: Applicants are required to submit official TOEFL, IELTS, or Amir scores. The minimum TOEFL score required is 573 on the paper-based test, 230 on the computer-based test and 89 on the internet-based test.  The minimum IELTS score is 7. The minimum Amir score is 220

• Exempted from this requirement are applicants who have completed a full degree (a minimum of four years) taught solely in English at a recognized institution of higher education. Applicants who have completed a B.A. in English Language and Literature may request an exemption provided that they submit documentation from their university stating that the language of instruction is English.  

Hebrew Requirements

• Students will be expected to attain a sufficient command of the Hebrew language by the beginning of the second year of study (i.e., completion of level Heh) so that they may read scholarly publications and sources in Hebrew during their second year. Students will be expected to complete level Vav by the end of their second year of study. The Hebrew exemption examination (p’tor) is optional for all students and is not a requirement of the M.A. degree.

   

Funding options for the Bible and the Ancient Near East program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem include various scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities available to both local and international students. The university offers competitive scholarships based on academic merit, need-based scholarships, and specific awards for students specializing in Jewish studies, archaeology, history, and related disciplines. Applicants are encouraged to explore the Israel Excellence Scholarship, which supports outstanding students in the field of Jewish and Hebrew studies, and various departmental scholarships that are awarded annually based on academic achievement and research potential. Additionally, students may qualify for government-funded programs such as the Tuition Assistance Program, which assists eligible students with their tuition fees, and other national grants aimed at promoting higher education in Israel.

Students enrolled in the program can also seek external funding sources, including international scholarships, fellowships, and research grants from foundations dedicated to the study of the Bible and the Ancient Near East. The university provides guidance and support through its financial aid office to help students identify and apply for these opportunities. Tuition fees are consistent with other graduate programs at The Hebrew University and are structured to accommodate both Israeli residents and international students. Payment plans and options for partial scholarships are available to ease financial burdens.

Moreover, many students participate in research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and part-time roles within the university to support their studies financially. These positions often provide a stipend or tuition reduction. The university’s strong emphasis on academic excellence, research, and community involvement ensures that students have access to various resources that can help mitigate the costs of higher education. Overall, students interested in the Bible and the Ancient Near East program are encouraged to thoroughly explore all available funding opportunities early in their application process to secure necessary financial support for their studies.

The Bible and the Ancient Near East program at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers an in-depth exploration of the theological, historical, and cultural contexts of the biblical texts within the broader framework of the ancient Near Eastern civilizations. This program is designed for students who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of the origins and development of biblical literature, as well as the archaeological and historical background of the ancient Near East. The curriculum combines courses in biblical studies, archaeology, history, and languages such as Hebrew and Aramaic, providing students with the necessary skills to analyze ancient texts and artifacts critically.

Students will examine the development of biblical texts from their earliest forms through various revisions and translations, including the Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls. They will study ancient Near Eastern cultures such as the Babylonians, Assyrians, Persians, and Egyptians, and learn how these civilizations interacted with and influenced the biblical world. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating textual analysis with archaeological findings, comparative studies, and linguistic research to create a holistic understanding of the biblical world.

Courses may include topics such as the history of Israel and Judah, ancient Near Eastern religions, biblical archaeology, and the social and political history of the region. Students might also have opportunities for fieldwork at archaeological sites and participation in excavations. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, archaeology, museum work, religious studies, and education, providing a solid foundation in both the biblical texts and their ancient setting.

Faculty members are renowned experts in the fields of biblical studies and Near Eastern archaeology, offering personalized mentorship and fostering an active scholarly community. The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in theology, history, languages, and archaeology, and it often attracts individuals aiming to pursue advanced research or academic careers. Graduates receive a comprehensive education that not only deepens their understanding of biblical literature but also enhances their skills in research, analysis, and interpretation within the context of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.