Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
A Concentration In
Biblical Languages
An emphasis within the B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies — read both Testaments in the languages they were written in.
Greek and Hebrew
Both biblical languages, not just one
Read the Original Text
Move past translations to the words themselves
Seminary-Ready
Built to prepare graduates for divinity programs
Every translation is also an interpretation. The Biblical Languages concentration takes you behind the English text to the Greek of the New Testament and the Hebrew of the Old, so you can read, study, and teach Scripture from the words themselves.
For this track, the BA’s academic core includes Elementary Greek I and II, and the concentration adds Biblical Hebrew I and II plus twelve credits of upper-division language study. You graduate able to work in both biblical languages — a foundation few undergraduate Bible programs offer and exactly what the best seminaries look for. It’s built for students headed to divinity school, serious exegetical ministry, or academic biblical studies.
Read New Testament Greek
Build a working command of Koine Greek to read and study the New Testament in its original language.
Read Biblical Hebrew
Learn the Hebrew of the Old Testament, from the alphabet through reading real biblical text.
Handle the Original Languages With Care
Use lexicons, grammars, and original-language tools to interpret responsibly.
Go Deeper in Upper-Division Language Study
Build advanced skill through twelve credits of upper-division language coursework.
Bridge Languages and Theology
Bring original-language work to bear on the doctrines and texts you study across the BA.
The Biblical Languages concentration rests on a simple conviction: if Scripture is God's word, the words themselves are worth the work of learning to read.
The Words Matter
Doctrine and interpretation often turn on a single word, tense, or construction. Reading the original languages lets you weigh those details yourself rather than depending entirely on someone else's translation choices.
Equips you to study and teach Scripture from the text, not just about it.
Humility Before the Text
Learning Greek and Hebrew is slow, humbling work that exposes how much a translation smooths over. That posture — careful, patient, ready to be corrected by the text — shapes a faithful interpreter.
Forms the kind of careful reader good theology requires.
Serving the Church
Original-language skill isn't for showing off — it's for serving. Pastors, teachers, and translators who can read the text well can feed others more faithfully.
Prepares you to use the languages in the service of teaching and ministry.
Original-language skill is among the strongest preparations for graduate theological study — and for ministry and scholarship that take the text seriously.
Seminary or Divinity School
Enter a master's program with Greek and Hebrew already in hand — exactly what the best programs want to see.
Exegetical Teaching Ministry
Preach and teach from the original text in pastoral and teaching roles.
Bible Translation & Linguistics
Build toward work in Bible translation, linguistics, or missions that depends on original-language skill.
Academic Biblical Studies
Prepare for graduate work and scholarship in Old or New Testament studies.
Christian School Bible Teacher
Teach Bible with the depth that original-language training provides.
The Biblical Languages concentration goes where most undergraduate Bible programs don't — into serious, sustained work in both Greek and Hebrew.
Both Languages, Not One
Greek in the major core and Hebrew in the concentration mean you work in both Testaments' original languages.
Twelve Credits of Upper-Division Language
Beyond the introductory courses, advanced language study builds real, lasting skill.
Pre-Seminary Strength
Graduates enter divinity programs with language preparation many master's peers are still trying to acquire.
Read Scripture for Yourself
Move past the limits of any single translation to study the text directly.
Already drawn to the BA in Biblical and Theological Studies? Adding the Biblical Languages concentration takes a few clear steps.
Apply to ACU
Submit your application for admission to Arizona Christian University.
Start Your ApplicationChoose Biblical Languages as Your Concentration
Tell your academic advisor so they can sequence Greek, Hebrew, and the upper-division language courses into your plan.
Start the Language Sequences Early
Greek and Hebrew each build in order, so begin them early to leave room for upper-division language work.
Shape Your Upper-Division Language Electives
Choose twelve credits of upper-division language study that line up with where you're heading after graduation.
The Biblical Languages concentration gives you Greek and Hebrew and the skill to use them well. Apply or reach out today.