INTRODUCTION
Read pages 7 through 11 of the book or this web page, or listen to the audio of the lesson. It is better if you do both.
This course will introduce the reader to the Greek language as was used in the New Testament and in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint.
Why study biblical Greek?
What some still fail to see these days is that, it is quite true, Christianity has deep roots into the Jewish culture and the Hebrew language, but the role that the Greek language played in the birth and spread of Christianity, as well as the composition of the Scriptures of the new covenant in Christ, was vital.
It was not something new in the history of monotheism. When the Hebrews were forced to enter Egypt, their identity was not the same as that when they went out through the leadership of Moses. The greatest legislator of the Jewish religion had studied and had been acquainted with state administration, languages, laws, etc, of the Egyptian court. It took forty years in the desert so that Moses could actually be ready for God’s great purpose in his life. Yet, the contact with the Egyptian culture had prepared him like no-one before in his country.
At the same time, Paul was so deeply educated in both the Greek culture and language, so well instructed in the Tanakh (Old Testament) that he was the perfect instrument to define the Christian doctrine and work at its growth outside of the borders of Israel.
The crash of two different cultures created the right circumstances for the birth of the Law of Moses and for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Still keeping in mind the fundamental influence of the Jewish culture and language, it is to Greek that the language of the New Covenant in Christ Jesus was entrusted.
In our study, then, we will try to avoid to fall victim of extremes in favor of Greek or Hebrew.
In fact, lately some try to go back to sort of a Jewish form of Christianity, neglecting how it was meant and actually went – linguistically, as well as culturally – outside of the borders of Israel and Semitic influence. These days some people have put so much stress on Hebrew terms and names, on Hebrew culture and pre-Christian Judaism, to the extreme that it seems that becoming a Christian must needs go through becoming a Jew first. This was not the case with the primitive church. This is a problem solved by the primitive church and an error in which we cannot indulge today.
Others may be tempted to rely totally on Greek culture and language, forgetting the wonderful Jewish influence on the language used – I dare say, created – to translate the Old Testament and to write the New Testament.
We will try to keep a safe balance which is what a sincere and also educated approach to the Holy Scriptures leads us to maintain and promote.
This course will be divided in four lessons in which we will discuss the history of the Greek language and give the student some basic Grammar information that may turn out to be very useful even in the personal study of the Bible.
Its peculiarities due to the strong Semitic influence made Koinè Greek the language of Christianity, perfectly conveying the teachings of Jesus and the doctrines of the new faith, using new words, yet keeping the Jewish heritage alive.
We will consider New Testament Greeks words and expressions. Many new ones and as many borrowed, or even transliterated from Hebrew and Aramaic.
We must not lose focus why we are studying the original language of the New Testament.
Usually we seek knowledge to get advanced in our social position. To get a better job, a better pay. It is all legitimate and even good. Yet, in approaching the study of the Word of God our intents must be different. We must be looking for two things mainly: personal growth and a better way to serve, God and the Church. Without these two goals in mind, the knowledge we will gain by studying Greek will be useless, it will benefit just us and contribute to fatten our ego.
May we learn to gain knowledge to be better Christians, be more aware of the wonderful meaning of the Scriptures, which must result into a personal spiritual growth as Christians.
To say it with Paul’s words,
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
We want to be fully equipped, be blessed and become a blessing for others.
Now, let us begin our fascinating journey.
Giuseppe Guarino