Graduate Certificate in Advanced Biblical Languages

Q: Is biblical Greek the same as modern Greek?

Biblical Greek, also known as “Koine Greek,” was spoken from 300 BC to 300 AD, and was seen as an everyday dialect of Greek.1 This type of Greek is used in the New Testament and in churches. Modern Greek refers to what the Greek language has become today, and even though it has traces of Koine Greek within it, it is a more complex, academic form of the language.

Q: What is the difference between biblical Hebrew and modern Hebrew?

Biblical Hebrew is also known as “Ancient Hebrew” and has significant differences in vocabulary, grammar and phonology from the modern Hebrew language. Ancient Hebrew was used between 10th century BC and 4th century AD and comprised a combination of dialects. Ancient Hebrew has evolved to become modern Hebrew, the most popular language of Israel.2

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Degree Level

Master's

Class Setting

Online

Area of Study

Theology

Program

Grad. Cert. in Advanced Biblical Languages

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Overview

Grow Your Understanding of the New Testament

Deepen your understanding of biblical languages by enrolling in the advanced graduate certificate in biblical languages program at GCU. This certificate may be ideal for anyone who is looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Hebrew and Greek biblical languages. In your biblical Hebrew and Greek courses, you can develop advanced grammar and syntax skills relating to the original biblical languages, providing you with the opportunity to gain experience in hermeneutics.

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Biblical Languages

Offered By

College of Theology

Class Settings

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $600 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 16

Online: 8 weeks

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The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.

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Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Master's)

Undergraduate Degree*
2.8+ GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

GMAT: 500
GRE: 300 combined**

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).

Why GCU

Take Online Advanced Biblical Languages Classes

GCU strives to make earning your advanced biblical languages certificate more convenient by offering biblical Hebrew and Greek courses online. These online courses can provide you with the flexibility you may need to help earn your graduate certificate without sacrificing your priorities. While completing your certificate online, you also have access to online learning resources and support to aid you in your studies.

Coursework

Study Advanced Biblical Greek and Hebrew Course Topics

This graduate advanced biblical languages certificate focuses on teaching you in-depth knowledge related to the Hebrew and Greek biblical languages. While completing this program, you will cover specific course topics such as:

Greek (elementary and advanced): Your studies will have an emphasis on the vocabulary and morphology of the New Testament. You will be taught to use linguistic tools to translate and interpret specific passages.
Hebrew (elementary and advanced): You will be taught the grammar, syntax and vocabulary of the Hebrew language. You will also utilize linguistics tools to interpret and translate passages.

This certificate in biblical languages graduate program aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of advanced Greek and Hebrew languages. By taking these courses, you will prepare yourself for the opportunity to gain various language skills, such as the ability to:

Use language foundations to assist in the translation and interpretation of biblical passages
Collaborate with those holding different viewpoints on interpretations of biblical texts
Apply your knowledge of these languages to provide an accurate and detailed exegesis of Old and New Testament passages
Understand the importance of relaying complex exegetical research in an accurate and relevant way
Assist others without a foundation in biblical languages to gain detailed and accurate conclusions in hermeneutical studies

Careers

Career Paths With an Advanced Biblical Languages Certificate

As a graduate of this program, you will have had the opportunity to gain a strong foundation of Hebrew and Greek biblical languages. This knowledge may be useful in a variety of workplaces, whether they be in a church or other organization. Graduates may find themselves exploring careers in different career settings, such as:

Ministry
Religious education
Translation services
Administration

Accreditation

Earn Your Graduate Certificate From an Accredited University

GCU is an institutionally accredited university since 1968, when it was accredited by the Higher Learning Commissions. Accreditation status speaks to the quality of a university and its programs. For more information on institutional and programmatic accreditation, visit our accreditation page.

FAQ

Advanced Certificate in Biblical Languages FAQs

Read through some of our most frequently asked questions to learn more about the Greek and Hebrew biblical languages and earning your graduate certificate in advanced biblical languages.

Is a certificate in biblical languages worth it?

A graduate certificate in biblical languages may be worth it to you for various reasons. If you are looking to pursue a ministry position, learning these languages can be useful in your growth and journey into ministry. In general, this advanced certificate can provide you with a deeper ability to analyze and think textually about biblical scripts, potentially opening up a deeper understanding of your faith.

Is biblical Greek the same as modern Greek?

What is the difference between biblical Hebrew and modern Hebrew?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major16 credits

Degree Requirements16 credits

Core Courses

GRK-501

4 Total Credits

GRK-601

4 Total Credits

HEB-501

4 Total Credits

HEB-601

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Take Your Next Step With GCU

If you have been called to further your understanding of the Old and New Testaments by acquiring a deep knowledge of advanced biblical languages, consider enrolling in the graduate certificate in advanced biblical languages at GCU. Fill out the form on this page to learn more.

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DifferenceBetween. (n.d.). Difference Between Koine Greek and Modern Greek. Retrieved Aug. 10, 2023.
DifferenceBetween. (n.d.). Difference Between Ancient and Modern Hebrew. Retrieved Aug. 10, 2023.