Online Graduate Biblical Languages Certificate
Embrace and Explore the Original Language of the Bible
Through earning a Post-Master of Arts in Theology: Introductory Biblical Languages Certificate from Grand Canyon University, you will have opportunity to develop a strong foundation of biblical language knowledge and scriptural interpretation. Biblical language tools are at the heart of this graduate certificate program, which is available to online students. You will be guided to explore best practices in communicating the message of Christ within a ministerial context.
Offered by Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, the biblical text certificate guides you through the process of analyzing Scripture in original languages. Biblical language software supports original language study. The certificate program is designed to enable you to acquire core competencies in New and Old Testament exegesis with a foundation of the essentials of biblical Hebrew and Koine Greek.
Earn Your Graduate Certificate at GCU
Within GCU’s online learning community of like-minded scholars, you’ll be encouraged to deepen your devotion to God, to emulate a Christ-like character and to develop a stronger understanding of the message of salvation. Our Christian university has developed the curriculum for this biblical studies certificate program with an eye toward empowering learners to pursue their desire to know and grow closer to God. You will examine Christ’s message in the Bible’s original languages by exploring foundational competencies in Hebrew and Greek. In addition to examining biblical language tools, you will have opportunities to apply language skills and interpretation tools to Scripture.
Skills You Will Be Taught in This Graduate Certificate Program
During your studies, you will be prompted to embrace personal and professional growth as you polish your communication skills and other soft skills. You will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge learned from the exegesis of Scripture to oral and written communication to be shared in a ministerial context.
Throughout this certificate program, you will be encouraged to enhance your analytical thinking skills, develop a stronger appreciation for the Christian worldview with faith-integrated leadership skills and collaborate respectfully with others who have differing viewpoints.
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Courses in This Online Certificate Program
This certificate includes coursework in the following areas:
- The grammar, syntax and vocabulary of Hebrew, along with linguistic tools for Scriptural translation and interpretation
- The grammar of Greek as used in the New Testament, with a close examination of vocabulary and morphology
- The interpretation of the Pentateuch
- An exegetical examination of the New Testament and the application of Greek interpretive tools
Certificate in Biblical Languages Program Highlights
This certificate program aims to teach foundational competencies in Greek, Hebrew and interpretive tools. Some of the highlights of the curriculum are as follows:
In this course on Hebrew, you will examine grammar, syntax, vocabulary and the use of linguistic tools. You’ll be taught about essential nouns and articles, as well as rules for accent shifts and vowel changes. These linguistic skills will be put to work in Old Testament Exegesis: Pentateuch, where there is a focus on key theological themes. You’ll also explore Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
You will then turn your attention to Greek linguistic skills, examining the alphabet, vowels, nouns and declensions. Emphasis is placed on the vocabulary and morphology of the New Testament. In New Testament Exegesis: Gospels and Acts, you will be guided to apply elementary Greek language skills and interpretation tools to select passages of the New Testament. These include the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John.
Careers Paths for Biblical Language Certificate Holders
Advanced knowledge of biblical languages has the potential to enhance your impact within a ministerial role. You may decide to focus on interpreting the Bible and communicating its message to deliver thoughtful spiritual guidance to your Christian community.
The coursework in biblical language tools is intended to inform your own personal devotion to God and to equip you to share the Christian worldview with others. Careers that may be related to this certificate include roles such as a religious activities and education director or postsecondary philosophy and religion teacher.
This post-master’s certificate program is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree. With a master’s degree and perhaps additional credentials, such as this certificate program, you may decide to pursue a postsecondary education role at a community college.1
Earn Your Graduate Certificate From an Institutionally Accredited University
GCU is proud to be an institutionally accredited university that prioritizes the quality of our instruction and the thoroughness of our curriculum. The Higher Learning Commission has continually accredited GCU since 1968. It’s our mission to academically prepare our students to pursue their professional ambitions with biblically centered integrity and a readiness to tackle modern ethical dilemmas with dignity.
The Grand Canyon Theological Seminary shares our university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies. You can explore further accreditation of specific programs in the Grand Canyon Theological Seminary on the school’s accreditation page.
Biblical Languages Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
Before enrolling in this biblical studies program, you may have some questions. We have compiled the following FAQs and answers to guide your decision-making process.
Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew. However, a few parts were written in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek.2 In the biblical text certificate program at GCU, you will focus on two of these languages — Hebrew and Greek.
The length of time it may take you to complete your certificate program can depend on various factors, such as previous educational background and time commitment. To better understand how long it might take to earn your certificate, fill out the form on this page to request a consultation with a university counselor.
A certificate in theology can be worth it for many students. If you aspire to deepen your understanding of faith, educate others in biblical languages and spread the knowledge gained from scriptural interpretations, a biblical syntax certificate could be beneficial to you.
There are many compelling reasons to consider engaging in an in-depth exploration of biblical studies. For those who work in ministerial settings (or aspire to do so), these competencies can provide greater insights into God’s Word and, consequently, inform one’s ministerial activities. Even those who do not plan on working in ministerial settings can benefit from enrolling in biblical text classes. Doing so can demonstrate a deep commitment to discipleship, enhance the reading and interpretation of Scripture and may enrich your relationship with God.
Begin your walk with God online and deepen your faith and biblical understanding.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, April 17). How to become a postsecondary teacher. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
2 Biblica. (n.d.). In what language was the Bible first written? Biblica. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
Core Courses
Course Description
This course introduces biblical Hebrew with a focus on grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and the use of linguistic tools for the translation and interpretation of selected passages.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the first major division of the Old Testament. Special attention is given to key theological themes. Emphasis is also placed on the interpretation of selected passages from the Pentateuch and the elementary Hebrew language skills and interpretive tools. Prerequisite: HEB-501.
Course Description
This course introduces the grammar of New Testament Greek with an emphasis on the vocabulary and morphology of the New Testament and the use of linguistic tools for the translation and interpretation of selected passages.
Course Description
This course is an exegetical study of the initial books of the New Testament. Special attention is given to key theological themes. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of selected passages from the Gospels and Acts and the application of elementary Greek language skills and interpretive tools. Prerequisite: GRK-501.
Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.
* 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.