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Greek Lessons
- Verbal Aspect in New Testament Greek: Imperfective vs. Perfective
- Chiasmus, Inclusio, and Anaphora in New Testament Greek
- Numbered and Named: Genitive Constructions and Enumerated Tribes in Revelation 7:7
- Semantic Range of Greek Verbs in the New Testament: A Case Study on ἀγαπάω and φιλέω
- Released to Serve Anew: Aorist Passives, Participles, and the Tension of Transformation in Romans 7:6
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Category
Monthly Archives: October 2019
Identifying Adjectives in New Testament Greek: A Practical Guide
Spotting adjectives in New Testament Greek can be a bit tricky at first, but there are some key patterns and grammar rules to help. This guide offers practical tips for recognizing adjectives in New Testament Greek, an essential skill for accurate reading and translation. Here are the main ways to identify adjectives in NT Greek:
1. Adjectives Agree in Gender, Number, and Case with the NounAdjectives in Greek must match the noun they modify in gender (masculine, feminine, neuter), number (singular or plural), and case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative).
Example: In ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος (good man), the adjective ἀγαθός, (good) agrees with the noun ἄνθρωπος, (man) in gender, number, and case.… Learn Koine Greek
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Learning New Testament Greek: Avoiding Common Student Mistakes
Learning New Testament Greek can be challenging, and students often encounter several common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes that new students typically make and suggestions on how to avoid them:
1. Neglecting VocabularyMistake: Students often focus too much on grammar and overlook the importance of vocabulary, leading to difficulty in reading and comprehension.
Solution: Regularly practice vocabulary using flashcards or apps. Try to learn a set number of new words each week and review them frequently.
2. Ignoring Context
Mistake: Students may translate phrases in isolation without considering the broader context of the passage, leading to misunderstandings.
Solution: Always read the surrounding verses or chapters.… Learn Koine Greek
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If That’s the Case: Marriage and Discipleship in Matthew 19:10
λέγουσιν αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ· Εἰ οὕτως ἐστὶν ἡ αἰτία τοῦ ἀνθρώπου μετὰ τῆς γυναικός, οὐ συμφέρει γαμῆσαι
After Jesus’ strict teaching on divorce, the disciples respond with an almost stunned objection. Their words in Matthew 19:10 are brief but packed with realism—and their grammar reflects that intensity. This isn’t a question, it’s a conclusion. Their reaction reveals just how radical Jesus’ view of marriage sounded in a first-century context.
Grammatical FoundationsThe verb λέγουσιν is present active indicative, 3rd person plural: “they say.” Combined with the dative pronoun αὐτῷ, it introduces direct speech to Jesus. The speakers are identified next: οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ—his disciples.… Learn Koine Greek