Questions about the Logos "Hebrew Audio Pronunciations" Resource

In general, I'm wondering about the value/usefulness of the Hebrew Audio Pronunciations Resource available for Logos 6.

It's my understanding that there are significant differences between biblical Hebrew and modern Hebrew, one of which is pronunciations. Since the resource in question deals with pronunciations, that's the difference I'm most interested in.

It's my impression that this resource attempts to mimic the biblical Hebrew pronunciations.

Is that correct?
Is there anything resembling a consensus as to what authentic biblical Hebrew pronunciations should be for most words?
Is there a consensus on how to temporarily handle the pronunciations of words that may be in dispute?
If there is a consensus regarding items 2 & 3, do the pronunciations provided in this resource line up with them--at least for the most part?
Should I be able to expect the pronunciations provided in this resource to line up with the transliterations provided in most modern commentaries (i.e. those published over the last 25-50 years) and with the pronunciations used in OT Mobil Ed resources?
In general, if you have used this resource, how useful do you feel it is?

NOTE: I'm just a lay person, so I realize my interests/needs are most likely far different from those of pastors, teachers, and scholars. I also realize there may be differences of opinion regarding the answers to my questions. Even so, I would benefit from and appreciate feedback from anyone willing to provide it.

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Mark Barnes

Is that correct?

Sort of. It's a mix (which is common in Hebrew teaching). He calls it "Israeli Biblical Hebrew", which is how (many) modern Israelis pronounce the Biblical text, which is not the same as how modern Israelis pronounce modern Hebrew, but possibly not the same as how ancient Hebrew was originally pronounced. Here's the official blurb:

This vocabulary reading follows standard Israeli practice on the consonants and vowels. It also distinguishes ḥêṯ [ח] and ʿayin [ע] from ḵap̄ [כ] and ʾālep̄ [א], a common Israeli practice for biblical readings for sounds that are still part of some Israeli Hebrew dialects. Some words are pronounced slightly on a slow side in order for English speakers to better hear a full enunciation of rêš [ר], ḥêṯ [ח], and ʿayin [ע]. Modern Hebrew vowels are 5: i e a o u. English ears will hear some difference when a vowel is in a syllable that is open+accented vs. closed+unaccented, with something in between such differences in open+unaccented and closed+accented syllables.

Is there anything resembling a consensus as to what authentic biblical Hebrew pronunciations should be for most words?

Scholars aren't all over the shop, but there remain some disagreements. Frankly, it's unlikely that the pronunciation of Hebrew was unchanged during the Biblical period, or that everyone had the same accent/dialect, so almost by definition there should be some variation/disagreement. I don't think you need to worry about that too much unless you're a Hebrew scholar.

Should I be able to expect the pronunciations provided in this resource to line up with the transliterations provided in most modern commentaries (i.e. those published over the last 25-50 years) and with the pronunciations used in OT Mobil Ed resources?

Transliteration is more complex than pronunciation, because they have different aims (that is, translit is not always intended to help you pronounce the word correctly, it's intended to represent the word in a different character set).

If there is a consensus regarding items 2 & 3, do the pronunciations provided in this resource line up with them--at least for the most part?

Randall Buth (the guy who did the audio) is a genuine expert in this field. That doesn't mean his pronunciation is always correct, of course, but it's about as good as anyone elses.

Rick Ausdahl

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/815495#Comment_815495

Mark,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful and helpful reply. [:)]

I didn't mention it in my original post because I figured I was already trying to clarify several things, but I'm not nearly as concerned with whether the audio pronunciations in the resource accurately reflect what biblical Hebrew sounded like when the events in the OT were actually taking place (or when they were documented in the textual resources) as I am with whether or not there is a current consensus as to how the academic/scholarly world has determined the biblical Hebrew should be pronounced in order to facilitate a common basis for the study, teaching, and speaking of biblical Hebrew.

As you noted, I realize actual biblical pronunciations most likely changed over time even within specific/local geographic areas, and would almost certainly (as with many languages) varied from one geographical area to another based on unique local influences. So it's hard for me to imagine how anyone today could truly know how biblical Hebrew was originally pronounced.

My main concern will be satisfied if the pronunciations in the resource would be viewed as being in line with what most current scholars and academics would be following. Unless I've misunderstood you, it sounds like you feel this resource does a reasonable job in that regard, in which case my concerns are satisfied.

Again, thank you for your feedback!!!

Mark Barnes

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/815510#Comment_815510

My main concern will be satisfied if the pronunciations in the resource would be viewed as being in line with what most current scholars and academics would be following. Unless I've misunderstood you, it sounds like you feel this resource does a reasonable job in that regard, in which case my concerns are satisfied.

That's correct. A large number of seminaries will be teaching pronunciation like this.