MULTIPLY
WHOLE-BIBLE TRANSLATIONS

Masters programs in Classical Hebrew & Translation Consulting

 Whole Word Institute trains full Bible translators and translation consultants. The Masters in Classical Hebrew & Translation Consulting combines biblical languages and consultant training with field experience to equip global translation teams with qualified consultants. Optional specializations (Hebrew Teaching, Oral Bible Translation, Deaf Bible Translation) provide foundations for the multiplication of translators and consultants around the world and in oral and Deaf communities.

Deaf Bible Translation

Oral Bible Translation

Why is consultant training important?

A translation team normally works on one translation. A trained consultant can oversee multiple translation projects at the same time. Working from the biblical source language enhances understanding, improves accuracy, and accelerates the speed of translating the full Bible into people’s heart languages. Many of the translators that go through this specialized program will become consultants within just 2 years. 

“National organizations across the globe have wrestled with the challenge of developing translation consultants for Bible translation in their country. Few such organizations have the resources within themselves for translation consultant development at a pace to address the 2033 All Access Goals. Though there is general agreement that the Old Testament is foundational for understanding Jesus’ Gospel of the Kingdom and building sustained disciple-making movements, only 9% of the world’s languages have a full Bible. With as many as 4,000 languages that might need Old Testament translation, there is a critical need to build capacity for Old Testament translation. One estimate is that an additional 10,000 translators and 2,000 consultants will be needed to meet the Old Testament need. In this project with Whole Word Institute, Wycliffe USA and multiple other organizations are collaborating on a faster, cheaper, and better means of translation consultant development through two MA programs: a one-year MA in Biblical Hebrew and a two-year MA in Biblical Hebrew and Translation Consulting.”

–Ken Schmitt, Sr. Advisor for Special Projects, Wycliffe

Masters in Classical Hebrew

OVERVIEW OF CLASSICAL HEBREW MA PROGRAM

The MA in Classical (Biblical) Hebrew is a fully accredited  source language training program designed for consultants and translators who already have a BA. This  program consists of a 9-18 month residence in Jerusalem during which the student completes the School of Biblical Hebrew plus an additional period of study depending on the elective courses as described below.

PART 1: SCHOOL OF BIBLICAL HEBREW

Part 1: School of Biblical Hebrew 

The first 9 months of study are the School of Biblical Hebrew (SBH), the aim of which is for participants to attain basic translation proficiency in Biblical Hebrew (48 credits). This program is run during the 9 months from mid-September to mid-June. (See SBH section for more information.)

PART 2: JERUSALEM STUDY TERMS

Part 2: Jerusalem study terms

Upon completion of the SBH, while still in Jerusalem, participants will undertake additional semesters of elective courses (5-10 credits). Participants will be able to select from a variety of courses tailored to fit their career paths and the requirements of their agency.

The time required in Jerusalem will depend upon the elective courses chosen.

SAMPLE COURSE OFFERINGS

Course                                                                                                              Credit

SBH Hebrew Certificate…………………………………………………….  48

Intro to the Hebrew Bible Including Masoretic Text …………………………….. 2

A History of Israel and the Ancient Near East………………… 1

At least five credits from the following or approved substitute:

Biblical Foundation of Orality………………… 1

Intro to Oral Bible Translation……………………………………………..2

Hebrew…………………………………………………………………………… 4-10

Aramaic………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Total……………………………………………………………………………….56 (or more)

Scripture Reading Requirement for all MA candidates

Prior to graduation each student is expected to have read the Hebrew Bible. The absolute minimum requirement entails the Torah (Breshit through Dvarim), the first 12 chapters of Isaiah, and 30 selected Psalms. 

* Some courses may be available online

* Not all courses are offered every year, and depend upon availability

* Additional fees may be incurred for courses that run after the fourth semester

FEES

Total for full 1-year MA in Classical Hebrew:   $33,350*

Includes:

  • Tuition and academic fees for the entire MA program
  • Room and board, & all academic tours and school related local transport in Israel for 12 months   

Does NOT include:

  • Flights, insurance (approximately 13NIS a day), visa fees ($500), or books ($500).
  • Accommodation and meals in Jerusalem for any program longer than 12 months
  • Additional visa fees for extensions beyond 12 months

*Course fees subject to change without notice

CONTACT & APPLICATION DETAILS

For further details, contact [email protected]

To apply, click here

Masters in Classical Hebrew & Translation Consulting

OVERVIEW OF MA - CLASSICAL HEBREW & TRANSLATION CONSULTING PROGRAM

The MA in Classical (Biblical) Hebrew and Translation Consulting is a consultant training program consisting of source language and consultant skills training modules.

This degree combines Hebrew training with translation consulting training and practical consultant work in Bible translation. A person who successfully completes this degree will have core competencies in Hebrew and in translation consulting to serve as a Translation Consultant.

This 70 credit program consists of a 12-18 month residence in Jerusalem (School of Biblical Hebrew plus 1 additional quarter), and supervised field internship coupled with remote learning courses.

* Internship duration will depend on the individual project and will vary

YEAR 1: JERUSALEM STUDY

Part 1: School of Biblical Hebrew

The first 9 months of study are the School of Biblical Hebrew (SBH) the aim of which is for participants to attain basic translation proficiency in Biblical Hebrew (48 credits). This program is run during the 9 months from mid-September to mid-June. (See SBH section for more information.)

Part 2: Jerusalem study term

Upon completion of the SBH, while still in Jerusalem, participants will undertake additional courses (11 credits). These courses are taught in English and intended for Translation Consultants-in-Training.

* Reading and understanding English at an academic level is required

YEAR 2: FIELD INTERNSHIP & REMOTE COURSES

Part 1: Field Internship (8 credits)

Participants complete two field internships of 4 credits each under the supervision of a translation consultant. It is expected, but not required, that at least one internship is based on a written Bible translation project. Field internships are coordinated with partner translation organizations, therefore their duration can vary from 3 months to 1 year each. If a student is planning on a Specialization, they may substitute an internship appropriate to the Specialization for the second internship. Deaf internships may be based solely on sign language projects.

Part 2: Required Readings and Remote Courses (3 credits)

Prior to graduation, each student is expected to have read the Hebrew Bible. The absolute minimum requirement entails the Torah (Breshit through Dvarim), the first 12 chapters of Isaiah, and 30 selected Psalms.

In addition to the field internships participants will complete three credits offered remotely. Remote courses may either be concurrent with, or supplemental to, the internship depending upon the duration of the internship and the timing of course offerings.

SAMPLE COURSE OFFERINGS

Course ………………………………………………………………………………..Credit

SBH Hebrew Certificate…………………………………………………………. 48

Intro to Language…………………………………………………………………. Pre-req

Intro to Translation……………………………………………………………….. Pre-req

Performing Scripture………………………………………………………………..Pre-req

Communication Theory…………………………………………………………..2

Advanced Translation Issues…………………………………………………… 2

Cross-cultural Service & Teamwork………………………………………….. 1

Project Management & Tools……………………………………………………. 1

Biblical Foundations Orality…………………………………………………….. 1

Oral Bible Translation………………………………………………………………2

Translation Quality Assurance…………………………………………………. 2

Consulting Internship A………………………………………………………….. 4

Consulting Internship B………………………………………………………….. 4

Intro to the Hebrew Bible Masoretic Text  ……………………………… 2

A History of  Israel & the Ancient Near East
Directed Reading…………………………………………………………………………. 1

Total……………………………………………………………………………………………. 70

 

*See Whole Word Institute Catalogue for course descriptions

FEES

Total for full 2-year CiT training program/MA in Classical Hebrew and Translation Consultancy:   $39,975

Includes:

  • Tuition and academic fees for the entire MA program (both in Jerusalem & in the field)
  • Room and board, & all academic tours and school related local transport in Israel for 12 months

Does NOT include:

  • Flights, insurance, visa fees, field internship expenses (vary by location)
  • Accommodation and meals in Jerusalem for any program longer than 12 months
  • Additional visa fees for extensions beyond 12 months

*Course fees subject to change without notice

CONTACT & APPLICATION DETAILS

For further details, contact [email protected]

To apply, click here

SPECIALIZATIONS

Three specializations may be incorporated into this degree:

  1. Oral Bible Translation specialization
  2. Hebrew Teaching specialization
  3. Deaf Bible Translation specialization

Acceptance into these specializations is dependant upon academic performance, agency support, and an academic interview

* Specializations require further study time in Jerusalem and may incurr additional fees

* While possible to undertake multiple specializations, this must be in accordance with your agency and your scholarship provider (if you have a scholarship).

* The specializations are a separate certificate that can only be granted if you have completed the MA-CHTC program

“I just want to thank you all again for the chance that you gave me to study Hebrew in Jerusalem. These studies still benefit me every day of my work. In February, I was approved as a translation consultant. Now I just finished my first checking session without a mentor. In September, I will help teach during a workshop on how to translate the Psalms and then I will check the book of Psalms for two projects. My time at Whole Word Institute has given me a good foundation to dig deeper into the treasures of Hebrew.”

–Pnina פנינה