To Breathe' or 'A Witness'? Ugaritic, Hebrew, and the Text of Proverbs 12:17, with Andrew Burlingame: Proverbs 12:17

To Breathe' or 'A Witness'? Ugaritic, Hebrew, and the Text of Proverbs 12:17, with Andrew Burlingame: Proverbs 12:17

Author: Wheaton College June 1, 2026 Duration: 8:46

We are approaching the centenary of the discovery of the Ugaritic language, which belongs to the same family of languages as Hebrew, Aramaic, Moabite, and others. This relationship with Hebrew permits insights to flow both from Hebrew to Ugaritic and Ugaritic to Hebrew. One illustration of this is found in Prov. 12:17. A word traditionally parsed as a verb in a context that seemed to call for a noun was confirmed to be a noun when Ugaritic parallels were uncovered. Some English translations are still catching up. Dr. Andrew Burlingame, a prior contributor to this podcast, is a Wheaton College Classical Languages program alumnus and is now Assistant Professor of Hebrew at the same. He specializes in Northwest Semitic languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, Phoenician, and Ugaritic, along with their history and texts. Some of his recent publications are featured here.

 

Check out related programs at Wheaton College:

B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4dbosJz 
M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4nb1vKP 


Ever wondered what a single Greek word or a subtle Hebrew nuance can reveal about a familiar biblical passage? Exegetically Speaking, from Wheaton College and The Lanier Theological Library, explores exactly that. Host Dr. David Capes guides conversations with scholars who specialize in the biblical languages. Each week, in a concise seven to eleven minutes, these experts unpack a specific text, demonstrating how a knowledge of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek transforms understanding. This isn't about dry grammar lessons; it's about the tangible payoff of seeing scripture through the lens of its native tongue. You'll hear how a verb tense shifts a parable's meaning or how a cultural idiom deepens a prophetic message. The podcast makes scholarly insight accessible, offering listeners a direct line to the foundational tools of biblical interpretation. Whether you're a student, a pastor, or simply curious about the Bible's depth, these focused episodes provide a regular dose of discovery, highlighting why engaging with the original languages remains a vital and enriching practice for anyone interested in the Christian faith. Tune in for a thoughtful, expert-led journey into the text itself.
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