Exercises for the Bibliographical Tools
Read the introductions to BDB (pp. v—xii) and BHS (pp. xi—xiii). All of the examples from the exercises will focus on Exodus 1:1—7.- With the help of the English key to the BHS, decipher the following notes: 1a, 2a, 5a, 5c.
- Assuming that the notes in BHS are relatively complete, write out (without vocalization) the text of Exodus 1:1— 5 as it appears in the Samaritan Pentateuch. Characterize the differences between the MT and the Samaritan Pentateuch.
- What is the meaning of the words
and 
in v. 1? Where did you find these definitions in BDB? (Cite page number, then root, then number and if relevant, letter.) - Where did you find the form
(with that vocalization) in BDB? What kind of a form is it? - How many homonyms are there for the root
in BH according to BDB? Which fits the meaning of v. 7? How do you know? - Where in Mandelkern and in Even-Shoshan did you find the personal names
(v. 4) and 
(v. 3)? (Cite page and column number.) - V. 7 uses the expression
. Where else is that expression found? What does it mean? Note the tools that you used to answer this question. - Let's imagine that you had difficulty parsing the verb
. Which of the tools outlined in this chapter could help you out? (Be comprehensive!) Which is most useful? - V. 7 contains the set of verbs
. Are these verbs elsewhere all used together? What are the implications of your examination of these verbs used elsewhere for your understanding of v. 7? - How would you translate the
of (v. 5) 
? Justify. - Optional (more difficult): As noted in BHS note 5a, there is some variation between
and 
at the beginning of v. 5. Are both of these readings possible in BH? Which is preferable? Why?