In this volume, John Cook provides a foundational analysis of the Aramaic text of Ezra and Daniel. The analysis is distinguished by the detailed yet comprehensive attention paid to the text. Cook’s analysis is a convenient pedagogical and reference tool that explains the form and syntax of the biblical text, offers guidance for deciding between competing semantic analyses, engages important text-critical debates, and addresses questions relating to the Aramaic text that are frequently overlooked or ignored by standard commentaries.

Beyond serving as a succinct and accessible analytic key, Aramaic Ezra and Daniel also reflects the most up-to-date advances in scholarship on grammar and linguistics. This handbook proves itself an indispensable tool for anyone committed to a deep reading of the biblical text.

Praise

"Aramaic Ezra and Daniel is an excellent volume. The content of the volume far exceeds expectations for a 'handbook.' It is not only a helpful guide; it offers many fresh insights." - Choong-Leong Seow, Distinguished Professor of Hebrew Bible, Vanderbilt University

"Because of the trenchant discussion of the Biblical Aramaic text provided by Cook in conversation with contemporary scholarship, and the interpretive results that emerge, this will prove to be a significant resource for future students of the Aramaic portions of Ezra and Daniel and will contribute to scholarly discussion of these books....highly recommended." - Thomas Haviland-Pabst, Criswell Theological Review

"A thorough introduction addresses the linguistic features of biblical Aramaic, with special attention to particularly challenging syntactical questions." - The Bible Today

"Aramaic Ezra and Daniel provides up-to-date, sophisticated linguistic analysis and explanation from one of the top scholars in the field….It is highly recommended for those teaching or taking graduate-level courses in Biblical Aramaic, those studying Ezra or Daniel, and those preaching these books who want access to the riches of the original Aramaic text, led by a capable guide." - Books at a Glance

John A. Cook is Professor of Old Testament and Director of Hebrew Language Instruction at Asbury Theological Seminary and is a Research Fellow at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa.