A syllabus is a structured outline or plan that details the topics, steps, or chapters to be covered in a course of study. In this context, it provides a comprehensive framework for learning New Testament Greek grammar, including the alphabet, vocabulary, grammatical concepts, syntax, and practical applications, guiding students through the foundational aspects of the language systematically.
Learning New Testament Greek (NT Greek) grammar involves a systematic approach to understanding its structure, vocabulary, and syntax. Here’s a comprehensive outline of the topics, steps, or chapters typically covered in a course or textbook on NT Greek grammar:
1. Introduction to New Testament Greek
- Overview of the Greek language — its place among Indo-European languages
- Historical context of NT Greek — Koine vs Classical Greek; influence of Septuagint
- Importance for biblical studies, exegesis, and theology
- Differences between NT Greek, Modern Greek, and Classical Greek
- Role of Greek in early Christian worship, theology, and manuscript tradition
2. The Greek Alphabet
- Greek letters and pronunciation (majuscule & minuscule forms)
- Vowels and consonants — short vs long vowels
- Diphthongs and digraphs
- Breathings (smooth & rough)
- Accent marks and their functions (acute, grave, circumflex)
- Punctuation in Greek manuscripts
3. Basic Vocabulary and Common Phrases
- Frequently used words in the New Testament (e.g., θεός, κύριος, ἄνθρωπος)
- Common greetings and liturgical expressions (e.g., χάρις ὑμῖν, εἰρήνη)
- Numbers and counting in Greek
- Basic expressions of time, place, and possession
4. Nouns
- Definition and function
- Gender: masculine, feminine, neuter
- Number: singular, plural, dual (historical note)
- Case system: nominative, genitive, dative, accusative, vocative — functions & examples
- Declensions of nouns (1st, 2nd, 3rd) — patterns and irregularities
- Contract nouns and spelling changes
5. Pronouns
- Personal pronouns — subject and object forms
- Demonstrative pronouns (οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος)
- Relative pronouns (ὅς, ἥ, ὅ)
- Interrogative pronouns (τίς, τί)
- Indefinite pronouns (τις, τι)
- Reflexive and reciprocal pronouns
6. Adjectives
- Definition and function
- Agreement with nouns (gender, number, case)
- Types of adjectives: attributive, predicative, substantive
- Comparative and superlative forms
7. Articles
- The definite article — declension and uses
- Use for emphasis, specificity, and generality
- Absence of the indefinite article — implications for translation
- Article usage with proper nouns and abstract nouns
8. Verbs
- Verb structure and functions
- Principal parts of Greek verbs
- Voices: active, middle, passive; deponent verbs
- Tenses: present, imperfect, future, aorist, perfect, pluperfect — aspect and time
- Moods: indicative, subjunctive, optative, imperative
- Conjugation of regular and irregular verbs
- Contract verbs and vowel changes
- Mi-verbs and their unique conjugation
9. Adverbs
- Definition and function
- Formation from adjectives
- Types: manner, time, place, degree
10. Prepositions
- Common prepositions and their meanings
- Case-governed meaning changes
- Compound verbs formed with prepositions
11. Conjunctions
- Coordinating and subordinating conjunctions
- Logical, temporal, and contrastive connectors
12. Participles
- Definition and function
- Present, aorist, perfect participles
- Adverbial and adjectival uses
- Participle of attendant circumstance
13. Infinitives
- Definition and function
- Articular infinitives
- Purpose, result, and epexegetical uses
14. Clauses
- Independent and dependent clauses
- Relative, conditional, and causal clauses
- Temporal clauses
15. Special Constructions
- Use of the subjunctive mood
- Conditional sentences — classifications and examples
- Indirect discourse and reported speech
- Periphrastic constructions
16. Syntax
- Sentence structure — simple, compound, complex
- Word order — emphasis and style
- Agreement rules: subject-verb, noun-adjective
- Clause chaining and parataxis
17. Vocabulary Building
- Frequency-based learning strategies
- Use of flashcards, word lists, and spaced repetition software
- Contextual vocabulary acquisition from NT passages
18. Reading and Translation Practice
- Graded reading from simpler to complex NT texts
- Parsing and diagramming sentences
- Comparing translations for interpretive nuance
19. Manuscript Awareness and Textual Criticism
- Overview of NT manuscripts (papyri, uncials, minuscules)
- Use of the critical apparatus
- Common textual variants and their grammatical implications
20. Resources for Further Study
- Recommended grammars (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
- Lexicons: BDAG, Liddell-Scott-Jones
- Online databases and tools (Perseus, STEP Bible)
21. Review and Assessment
- Regular quizzes and comprehensive exams
- Translation projects and exegetical papers
22. Applied Exegesis
- Using grammar and syntax in sermon preparation
- Interpreting theological themes through Greek grammar
This outline can be tailored based on the specific course or textbook you choose, but these topics generally provide a solid framework for learning New Testament Greek grammar.
