In the summer of 2021, Gordon-Conwell formally transitioned to new degree programs. Learn More. The program below remains active for students who entered before that time who have not yet graduated. No new students are being accepted into this specific program.
Quick Facts
Credit hours: 60
Completion time: 2 years (full-time study)
Digital Option: Up to 50% digital/remote
Degree requirements »
Program Overview
Deepen your understanding of the Old and New Testaments by learning the nuances of the biblical languages, Greek and Hebrew, at an advanced level through our Master of Arts (Biblical Languages). In this degree, you will also have opportunities to explore other ancient languages, such as Ugaritic, Aramaic, Latin and Akkadian, to further your knowledge of the Scriptures.
Program Distinctives
- Embodiment of the institution’s commitment to the original text and biblical languages
- Thorough uniting of biblical language with biblical studies
- Opportunities to work in the languages on a daily basis, and graduate as a language specialist
- Emphasis on understanding the nuances of the original languages, including grammatical structures, discourse and narrative patterns, and logic of discourse
- Opportunity to study six ancient languages from distinguished faculty in the field
- Access to other top-tier institutions, including Harvard Divinity School and Boston University School of Theology, through the Boston Theological Institute
Typical Student
Masters of Arts—Biblical Languages students are typically interested in pursuing doctoral work, for which this degree is excellent preparation. Some may choose to earn a dual degree with Old Testament or New Testament to enhance their preparedness for further studies. If you are interested in Bible translation, teaching or other related ministries, the MABL will prepare you well by equipping you with essential exegetical and hermeneutical skills using the original languages.
Potential Careers
- Doctoral studies
- Bible translation
- Teaching in Christian education
Degree Goals
- To understand the basic content and themes of the Old and New Testaments in their historical and cultural settings as well as the historical and theological dimensions of the Christian faith
- To gain an intermediate competency with biblical Hebrew and Greek in order to develop exegetical and hermeneutical skills using the original languages, and also to acquire competency in ancient languages other than Hebrew and Greek
- In keeping with the highest tradition of Christian scholarship, to develop advanced skills for biblical research and writing, using original languages, and to develop an awareness of important bibliographic resources
- To foster love for God and his Word and therefore to cultivate the practices of spiritual maturity and Christ-like character, and to understand the Christian’s ethical responsibility in church and society
- To acquire a biblical perspective and Christian worldview on the forces in our culture and to learn to engage those as they are at work both outside and inside the life of the church
- To understand the historical and theological development of the Christian faith in order to integrate this faith with global ethical and missiological issues.
Spotlight Alum
I chose Gordon-Conwell for its academic rigor in a spiritually sensitive environment. Specifically, I chose to pursue the MAOT and MABL degrees as preparation for doctoral study, and they prepared me well for completing my Ph.D. at The Pennsylvania State University. Overall, Gordon-Conwell provided serious academic engagement with the biblical text while never losing sight of the transforming power of the gospel.
Jonathan Greer, MAOT ’01, MABL ‘03
Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary | Grand Rapids, MI; Archaeological Researcher | Tel Dan, Israel