Category Archives: Beginners

Koine Greek phonology, the sound system underlying the New Testament, is built on a 24-letter alphabet divided into vowels and consonants, with a relatively consistent sound-to-letter correspondence. The seven vowels—α, ε, η, ι, ο, υ, ω—once distinguished by length, gradually lost this distinction in the Koine period, though vowel quality remained crucial for grammar, especially in contractions, diphthongs, and accentuation. Consonants are categorized by articulation (labials, velars, dentals, etc.) and voicing (unvoiced, voiced, aspirated), and their interactions shape morphological changes. For example, future tense formation often involves consonant-sigma combinations (e.g., γράφω → γράψω), while nasal assimilation smooths pronunciation (e.g., σύν + βάλλω → συμβάλλω).… Learn Koine Greek

Mastering the most frequently used words in the Greek New Testament is essential for developing fluency and deepening comprehension, as these words form the structural and theological backbone of the text. High-frequency terms include function words like καί (“and”), ὁ/ἡ/τό (“the”), and δέ (“but”), which guide syntax and logical flow, as well as content words like λέγω (“I say”), θεός (“God”), and Ἰησοῦς (“Jesus”), which carry narrative and doctrinal weight. These words appear thousands of times—καί alone over 9,000 times—making them indispensable for reading without constant reference to a lexicon. Efficient memorization strategies include using flashcards, focusing on frequency lists, and reading in context.… Learn Koine Greek