Original Languages
Book Reviews by
Fred G. Zaspel
My favorite beginning Greek Grammar will probably always be Machen's New Testament Greek for Beginners (Prentice Hall). That may be merely because it is the book from which I first learned the language. But this is not my opinion only – it is a recognized classic. But William Mounce has given Machen a run for his money in his Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar (Zondervan). I've not used this myself yet in teaching as a required text, but I may next time around. Mounce's "English first" approach is no doubt helpful to beginning language students, particularly given the general lack of knowledge of English grammar these days. I'm not sure what to make of his (admittedly now common) approach of teaching the case endings – nominative and accusative first and the others later; I was taught the paradigms all at once, and it made perfect sense to me. I do the same with my students, and so far it has worked well also (and I'm even teaching six children right now, ages 11-16). No doubt this newer approach has advantages of which I am unaware. One of the things attractive to me – and something that has brought me back to the book for consultation during my own lesson preparation – is the tremendous amount of detailed information (trivia, often) found particularly in the footnotes. This is computer age Greek! A very good Greek grammar text. No doubt the text of choice for a rising majority. (If you have already learned Greek and want merely to review, Machen is undoubtedly much better – except, again, for the great amounts of "trivia" found in Mounce's footnotes.)
A First John Reader: Intermediate Greek Reading Notes and Grammar by S. M. Baugh (P&R)
Like any other language help, this one will do you no good at all if you don't use it! But if you will take even a few minutes a day, you'll find your NT Greek skills sharpening quickly. Baugh uses the text of 1 John to illustrate the principles and procedure of reading and interpreting the Greek NT, and he does it very well. A very good and very easy review of second year Greek.
Greek Grammar: Beyond the Basics by Daniel Wallace (Zondervan)
Subtitle: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. A most helpful textbook of intermediate and advanced Greek grammar. More "user friendly" than most; very simple and straightforward. A great text and a great resource. And if you've not kept up with your Greek, this is the book you want for review.
New Testament Greek Syntax: An Illustrated Manual by Wesley J. Perschbacher (Moody Press)
Yes, NT Greek grammars have come of age – the computer age, that is. I've not yet taught second year Greek, but I suspect this would not be your only text. But in my opinion it is far too valuable to overlook. Other grammars will provide more in-depth information – rules and exceptions, etc. This is designed to provide the student with a brief, clear statement of the basic rules, followed by numerous "real life" illustrations from the Greek NT. As such, it is a magnificent compendium of exegetical grammar. Major areas of study are grouped alphabetically from "adjectives" to "verbs" with subcategories beneath. Complete with Scripture index, subject index, and select bibliography (for each section). Invaluable for learning and for review of the basics of exegetical grammar. Highly recommended.
Greek New Testament Insert by Benjamin Chapman and Gary Shogren; and Hebrew Bible Insert by Frederic Putnam (Stylus Publishing).
I frankly don't know how they did it in the old days without nice summaries of grammar such as these, but this is just another privilege of living in the modern world – two years of Greek and two years of Hebrew each condensed into a handy single, small reference booklet. Easy to use, well organized, and well presented, these are extremely useful tools for every language student. Both Gary and Fred are friends and former professors of mine, and they deserve commendation for a job very well done. (By the way, these are both available also on the advanced level of Logos Bible Software.) As virtually every language student already knows, these are great learning aids. They are also very helpful reviews for those who have already learned – and perhaps forgotten? The Greek Insert is a thorough revision of the older work by Chapman. Both should be kept handy and consulted regularly by pastors and teachers alike.
You Can Learn New Testament Greek: An Easy Teach Yourself Guide by W. E. Vine (Kregel, 1997)
Kregel has reprinted an older work of NT Greek grammar by W. E. Vine, the famous author of Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, originally titled New Testament Greek Grammar: Course of Self Help for the Layman. I didn't learn Greek on my own, and I frankly can't imagine having to, particularly if there is no previous acquaintance with language studies. There are several of these "self-help" grammars around, and this is touted as one of the best and simplest. I am really no judge of this, not having learned Greek without help; but I've not seen yet a book that I felt could really deliver an effective knowledge of NT Greek, unless the student already had some acquaintance with language. This is a very good summary of NT Greek Grammar, and it is very clearly and simply laid out. It provides an excellent review and is well worth the price for that ($9.99). But whether this can teach you the language on your own if you're not already acquainted with how language works, I just can't say. But if you're rusty on your Greek, this would be a very easy and effective review.
See also my reviews of Greek Tutor and Hebrew Tutor from Parson's Technology Instructional computer CDs.
HOME
Biblical Studies | Book Reviews
Word Of Life Baptist Church Web Site - COPYRIGHT 1996 Fred Zaspel