Biblical Languages for Translation and Missions Major (M)
The theology department identifies its purpose in terms of Concordia’s statement of purpose, especially the following statements with spiritual focus:
“The total program is centered in the Christian philosophy with a confessional Lutheran emphasis…. Concordia University seeks to develop mature Christians in whom knowledge and understanding of the Holy Scriptures, the inspired, inerrant Word of God and the source and norm of Christian truth, are united with personal faith in Jesus as God and Savior. Concordia’s spiritual resources are directed to the development of Christian faith and practice of Christian virtues so that the student can form value judgments and arrive at ethical principles required for purposeful living. Concordia’s programs … nurture religious commitment, provide insights for Christian action in the world, and … provide an opportunity for intelligent selection of vocations for service to God, church and society…. Concordia … is interested in exerting a Christian influence on the community, nation, and world.” (Departmental Statement of Purpose, August 30, 2002)
We know that the Lord works miraculously through Scripture, and that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. So if you feel the Lord’s calling to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel” to those who have never heard or read the Bible in their own language, start by arming yourself with the proper training: learn how to read and interpret the Bible in its original languages.
The Biblical Languages major will prepare you to translate Scripture into the languages of those you are ministering to through learning Hebrew and Greek. In addition to translating the Bible, your coursework will include an in-depth exploration of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and Christian Doctrine. To complete your well-rounded studies, you’ll also delve into anthropology, communications, and missions to gain the basic skills necessary to work in a variety of mission settings.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will observe, assess, and interpret today’s cultures and world views. Students will be familiar with various methods of delivering and defending biblical truth in a relevant and practical way to diverse groups.
- Students will develop an understanding of the origin of the Bible, recognize the unique qualities of God’s Word, and appreciate the varied yet unified content of the Old and New Testaments, and use sound principles in interpreting Scripture.
- Students will recognize Greek vocabulary, distinguish between the various parts of speech, analyze Greek morphology, and apply rules of syntax in order to create translations of Greek texts that represent a synthesis of Greek vocabulary, morphology, and syntax.
- Students will recognize Hebrew vocabulary, distinguish between the various parts of speech, analyze Hebrew morphology, and apply rules of syntax in order to create translations of Hebrew texts that represent a synthesis of Hebrew vocabulary, morphology, and syntax.
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements 1 | 45 | |
| Major Requirements | 30 | |
| Electives | 51 | |
Minor: Required (minimum 18 credits) | ||
| Total Hours | 126 | |
- 1
For transfer students, please see the Advanced Transfer Core.
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses | ||
| Cross-Cultural Communication (Society and Culture) | ||
| Greek I (Communication and Language) | ||
| Old Testament (Bible Content) | ||
| Biblical Theology (Christine Doctrine) | ||
| Great Commission Evangelism (Theology Elective) | ||
| Required Courses | ||
| REL 326 | World Missions II | 3 |
| GRK 202 | Greek II | 3 |
| GRK 303 | Greek III | 3 |
| GRK 304 | Greek IV | 3 |
| HEB 301 | Hebrew I | 3 |
| HEB 302 | Hebrew II | 3 |
| HEB 401 | Hebrew III | 3 |
| HEB 402 | Hebrew IV | 3 |
| REL 203 | New Testament | 3 |
| REL 316 | World Missions I | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |