3.2 Greek and Hebrew Terms

Greek and Hebrew terms should be handled clearly and consistently. Students with training in Greek or Hebrew may use the original script when the form of the word matters for the argument. In most student papers, however, transliteration is sufficient. Hebrew may normally be cited without vowel points unless the vowels are important to the argument.

When transliterating Greek or Hebrew, use a standard or general-purpose system and apply it consistently. Do not mix spellings from different sources without explanation. This is especially important because biblical studies, classical studies, Jewish studies, and esoteric studies may use different conventions for the same word.

• Right: The image of the Tree of Life depends on the relation among the ten sefirot. In this paper, Tiphereth is treated as the central sefirah in the ethical and symbolic movement of the initiate toward balance.
• Wrong: The image of the Tree of Life depends on the relation among the ten sephiroth. In this paper, Tiphereth is treated as the central sefirah in the ethical and symbolic movement of the initiate toward balance.

Use original Greek or Hebrew only when it helps the discussion. Do not insert Greek or Hebrew script merely for ornament.

When Greek, Hebrew, or other non-Latin scripts are needed, use Unicode fonts from the SIL font family, such as Galatia SIL for Greek and Ezra SIL for Hebrew, or another approved Unicode font. SIL’s font resources include Unicode fonts for Latin, Greek, Cyrillic, and other scripts. See §1.1.2.1 Fonts.