Biblical Aramaic for Biblical Interpreters: A Parallel Hebrew-Aramaic Handbook, by Scott N. Callaham. Wilmore, KY: GlossaHouse, 2021. xv + 249 pp. $35.99.
Through extending certain learning patterns that have already been well-established via a student’s study of biblical Hebrew, one can cut a much more efficient path toward the effective interpretation of so-called “biblical Aramaic” (Gen 31:47; Jer 10:11; Ezra 4:8–6:18; 7:12–26; Dan 2:4b–7:28). For this reason, Scott N. Callaham is to be commended for his fine work: Biblical Aramaic for Biblical Interpreters: A Parallel Hebrew-Aramaic Handbook.
To be clear, within Biblical Aramaic for Biblical Interpreters (hereafter BABI), Callaham reviews the most fundamental aspects of biblical Hebrew (BH) grammar as part and parcel of learning biblical Aramaic (BA) using the comparative method; hence the volume’s (appropriate) subtitle: A Parallel Hebrew-Aramaic Handbook. Said otherwise, because BH and BA are both Northwest Semitic languages, the “family resemblance” between each of them makes possible a dramatic reduction in learning time if one provides (as Callaham successfully does) a “running outline-style overview” of BH so as to build a bridge to “span the language to BA” (x).
Whenever BABI places biblical Hebrew and biblical Aramaic words/concepts side-by-side for comparison, the arrangement is (generally) BH on the left (review material) and BA on the right (new information). The book itself is arranged into two main parts: (1) Non-Verbs, i.e., particles, prepositions, nouns, numbers, adjectives, etc., and (2) Verbs. Inexplicably, though, both sections are non-titled (the above overview thus employs my own terminology).
A detailed glossary (187–235), a list of non-annotated “recommended resources” for students of biblical Aramaic (177), a short appendix (more on both of these later), and a clear Scripture index (color-coded to highlight the explicitly Aramaic citations) round out the volume. Regrettably, though, there is no author index. This is a particularly grievous (and somewhat pedagogically insensitive) omission as Callaham’s remarkably thorough and up-to-date bibliography is (alone) worth the price of the book (236–45). But, without an author index, finding those helpful in-book citations (including Callaham’s impressive and extensive engagement with other BH and BA reference grammars, such as Joüon, Segert, Merwe et al., and Waltke and O’Connor, for example) is needlessly laborious. Might future editions remedy this oversight?
The outline format of this textbook commends its use as a reference tool for exegesis. Quite uniquely, however, yet also most welcome, Callaham employs a clear abbreviation system (J, M, R) to point to the corresponding sections of three standard intermediate BA grammars with a view “toward maximizing the book’s usefulness as a reference at the introductory and intermediate levels” (xiii). These three grammars are: (1) Alger F. Johns, A Short Grammar of Biblical Aramaic, rev. ed. (Andrews University Press, 1972) [J]; (2) Takamitsu Muraoka, A Biblical Aramaic Reader: With an Outline Grammar, 2nd rev. ed. (Peeters, 2020) [M]; and (3) Frank Rosenthal, A Grammar of Biblical Aramaic, 7th exp. ed., (Harrassowitz, 2006) [R].
It cannot, perhaps, be overstated how useful these cross-references are to any user of BABI as they are “one-of-a-kind” unique to Callaham. To be clear, no other introductory grammar of biblical Aramaic I am aware of (one thinks, for instance, of the otherwise fine works of Greenspahn, Steinmann, and Schuele) provides such exhaustive and clear cataloging of what have inconvertibly been considered the crème de la crème of resources for this biblical language.
By way of comparison, while Van Pelt does provide not a few references to Rosenthal’s grammar, for instance, within his Basics of Biblical Aramaic: Complete Grammar, Lexicon, and Annotated Text (Zondervan, 2011), most of these citations occur in the Annotated Biblical Aramaic Text portion—not the grammar. Arguably, this feature also warrants BABI’s purchase.
In a related way, Callaham (unlike certain other, similar works) provides appropriate cautions and caveats in claiming that this book is suitable for independent study, stating,
For strongly motivated and self-directed learners…the student should gather learning aids for reference. To view grammatical concepts in context, students should carry out searches with advanced Bible software…as they work through the textbook. These searches will fortify grammatical concepts with more contextual examples than are possible to include in this textbook. Furthermore, in rough priority order they should consult see above one or more of the…BA grammars…the teaching grammar previously used for BH study, and a BH reference grammar. Critical consultation of these resources can fill gaps in understanding that would typically call for a teacher’s insight and guidance. Of course, wise use of these resources benefits students in every learning setting (xii).
Special mention should also be made here of Callaham’s consistently effective use of color throughout the text. Red, black, and blue ink, alongside special shading, and bold font, make for exceptionally clear comparisons and contrasts between biblical Aramaic and Hebrew. Subtle differences in paradigms, verbal forms, etc., that ought not to be unnoticed but could, otherwise, be skipped altogether or easily glossed over, are clearly marked via this time-saving tool. There is also a good use of white space throughout the text with ample room for notetaking including, at times, certain pages dedicated to this task and/or various learning exercises. The numerous charts/diagrams/tables etc. only enhance the value of the text. One does note, though, that, at times, some of the graphics do look a little “blocky” without “fine” edges (e.g., 1, 6–7).
As noted above, the book also contains a brief appendix (178–86) that provides a reproduction of the Aramaic text of Daniel 7 according to the Biblica Hebraica Stuttgartensia alongside a Hebrew translation (derived from Ms. Or. 72 in the collection of Biblioteca Angelica in Rome, folios 243–244) aligned word-for-word to demonstrate the similarity between Aramaic and Hebrew, at least as perceived by a medieval translator (179). The helpful color-coordination (red ink for Hebrew/black ink for Aramaic) is an exceptionally nice touch for students and the inclusion of a full color reproduction of a photograph (see pg. 186) of Or. Ms. 72, Folio 244 Verso (the final word of Dan 7:4 until the fourth from final word of Dan 7:19) is a real bonus.
To critique, the fact that the recommended resources for students of biblical Aramaic (177) is non-annotated does somewhat mar its utility. Given that each of the works cited vary considerably with respect to tone, scope, position, theological orientation, and technical detail, would not a few comments have enhanced its usability and been a great boon to the reader?
More significantly, however, those individuals who disagree with Callaham’s assertions concerning memorization and such will be less than pleased with this text. Callaham states,
Contemporary advances in technology allow study method sic to reduce dependence upon onerous and time-consuming rote memorization. Indeed, it is less necessary than in previous eras to store a great deal of raw data in the brain for reference, for most anyone in any location with a capable mobile device can access an electronically searchable copy of the Bible in its original languages. Therefore, this course focuses upon developing student’s ability to read—not like computers—but as critical thinkers. That is to say, this course pointedly does not advocate the memorization, nor the reproduction, of the details of comprehensive paradigm charts in order to amass a mental database of forms prior to reading biblical texts. Furthermore, this textbook contains no decontextualized lists of vocabulary words to commit to short term memory. Instead, the course leads students to develop recognition-based reading skills. Hence through their reading, students will readily pick up unfamiliar BA forms and vocabular words as they appear in the textbook and in BA texts (xi).
Students and educators, alike, though, must discern for themselves whether or not appropriating Callaham’s specific methodologies as laid out in BABI truly pay the dividends that he claims. Such matters notwithstanding, there is no better resource available for learning biblical Aramaic via the biblical Hebrew “contrast and comparison” method that can contend with Scott M. Callaham’s Biblical Aramaic for Biblical Interpretation: A Parallel Hebrew-Aramaic Handbook. Its primary users are likely Bible college and seminary students alongside (hopefully!) industrious pastors. Highly recommended!
Dustin G. Burlet
Millar College of the Bible, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
