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Description

The aim of this course is for students develop a working facility with the Greek New Testament. Its primary objective is to enable you to read and exegete the sacred text as it was written, to your profit and that of your hearers. In keeping with this goal, exercises and readings are taken almost exclusively from Scripture, and you will begin exegesis as soon as a very fundamental knowledge of the language allows.

As the Lord in his providence has preserved His Word over the centuries, so He has preserved the knowledge of the biblical languages, that His Church may continue to rightly divide the Word of Truth. To each generation is given the joyous privilege and responsibility of learning the ancient languages of Scripture. It is especially needful in this time of cultural decline and famine for the Word, that we equip the next generation to faithfully hold forth the Word of Life.

The primary text for the course is William D. Mounce’s Basics of Biblical Greek text, and its accompanying workbook, both available on Alibris. You can learn more about Dr. Mounce and his work on his personal website.

Requirements

The course is open to students in good standing 15 years of age and older, and adults. Exceptions to the minimum age limit are considered based on merit. The course is 4 semesters. Class size is limited to 12 students. Initial enrollment of up to 15 students is accepted, in consideration of probable attrition. Tuition is refundable if the student drops within the first 2 weeks of the semester. Scholarships will be considered on a case by case basis. Specific inquiries about this course may be made to the teacher .

Demands of the Course

Before committing to take this class, you should count the cost. The rewards are indeed great, but the time commitment is commensurate. To reap the rich fruits of success in this course, you should plan to study at least 1 to 1.5 hours a day, 5-6 days per week. Study groups can be quite helpful, and are strongly encouraged.

Time and Place

Classes are about 2 hours long, with a short break in the middle. They will be held once per week, probably in the early evening. We will make our best efforts to accommodate everyone’s schedule. Classes will begin in the 2nd week of September, and there will be scheduled breaks for holidays. The full schedule for the semester will be available here once it is finalized. Location is yet to be determined.

The Teacher

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The course is taught by Andrew vonderLuft, B.A. Classics, who has read a few bits of classical Greek literature, including some Homer, Xenophon, Plato, and the Greek playwrights. But his true love is the Holy Scriptures – he habitually reads and studies the Greek New Testament.

Updates and Collaboration

This website, GKNT.org is meant to be an information portal and place of reference. Check here regularly for class updates and new resources for your study of Greek. We also have a slack site, gknt.slack.com set up for class collaboration. The teacher will be available there to respond to questions throughout the week.

Class Books

We will be using Dr. Mounce’s text and workbook. There only minor differences between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions. Therefore if you already have any of these editions, you may use what you have. If you do not, they are available now at Alibris.

Here is the list of books: required, recommended, and resources.

REQUIRED

  • Biblical Greek Study Guide - a set of laminated ‘cheat’ sheets.

  • Basics of Biblical Greek Flash Card Set. These are very helpful for learning vocabulary. You can download the free Flashworks computer program for PC and Mac from Bill Mounce’s site. However these traditional flashcards have no dependency on a computer and are hence more desirable, since you can easily take advantage of travel time in the car, etc.

  • Greek New Testament. This is after all the whole point, viz. to gain facility reading the Greek New Testament, but you don’t absolutely need to have your own copy right away. 3rd or 4th edition.

  • Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament This gem is out of print, and getting a used copy can be fairly pricey. You may be able to get a good price at Alibris or Amazon, and it is well worth it if you can. But be sure to get the earlier edition linked to here, as the new edition has been thoroughly revised and is laced with much theological axe-grinding, unlike the earlier edition.

SOFTWARE

RESOURCES

Preparation

Before the first class:

  • Acquire the required books listed above
  • Read the first 3 chapters of BBG (Basics of Biblical Greek)
  • Master the Greek alphabet
  • Watch Dr. Mounce’s lecture below to help you learn the alphabet
    • (With all due regard, your teacher does not agree with Dr. Mounce in everything, e.g. pronunciation.)

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χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη