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Introduction



Introduction to the Ancient Hebrew Alephbet

Ancient Hebrew Inscription Ancient Hebrew Inscription

This 4,000 year old Paleo-Hebrew Inscription was found in the land of Israel. It is written in the pictographic script of the ancient Hebrew language alphabet. The square Hebrew script (lamedaleph) in use today evolved out of this ancient pictographic script. The pictures in the inscription above are "aleph", an ox head (meaning strength) and "lamed", a shepherd's staff (meaning authority). These paleo-hebrew pictures and their meanings are then combined to form the word lamedaleph (pronounced 'el and usually translated as God) literally meaning "the strong one of authority".

The Tenack/Old Testament Bible was originally written in Hebrew, by Hebrews whose language and culture were very different from our own. Through the study of the ancient Hebrew language and culture we can better understand the Biblical texts.



Introduction to the Ancient Hebrew Language

The Hebrew Bible was written by Hebrews 2,500 to 3,500 years ago, whose culture and lifestyle were very different than our own. When we read the Word of G-d as a 20th Century American, our culture and lifestyle often influence our interpretation of the words and phrases.

The word rain is a good example of how culture can influence ones view of a word. To a bride and groom preparing for an outdoor wedding the news of rain has a negative meaning, but to the farmer in the middle of a drought, the same word has a positive meaning. For many of us, rain means a spoiled picnic but to the ancient Hebrews, rain meant life, for without it their nomadic life would end. Without a cultural understanding of the words in the Bible, much is missed or overlooked.

Many times our 20th century culture can influence definitions of words that were not intended by the original author. The Bible often refers to keeping and breaking God's commands and covenant. To "keep" the commands of God is usually understood as to "obey" the commands, but this is not completely true as the Hebrew word "shamar" literally means to gaurd or protect. The breaking of the commands is usually understood as "disobeying" but the Hebrew word "Parar" literally means to trample underfoot).

A peoples language is very related to thier culture, without an understanding of the Hebrew culture we cannot fully understand their language. To cross this cultural bridge, we need to understand the ancient Hebrew culture, lifestyle and language.



The study of the Ancient Hebrew Language and Alephbet

Archeology uncovers ancient tools, household objects, texts and inscriptions of the ancient Hebrews and other related cultures. Anthropoloy studies the culture and lifestyle of the ancient people as well as modern day nomads whose culture and lifestyle have remained virtually the same since the days of Avraham. Linguistics study the ancient languages including Hebrew and other related languages which can shed light on Biblical words. The Bible which was written by the ancient Hebrews also teaches us much about the ancient Hebrews.

When we combine and study the material provided by these fields of study, we open the door into thier culture and lifestyle which will help us to better understand their words which they have recorded in the Tenack (Old Testament). The purpose of this web site is to teach the relationship between the Hebrew language and the Hebrew culture, which will give us a deeper understanding of Biblical words.



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Ancient Hebrew Research Center

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