New Testament Greek (Koine Greek) is a nuanced and historically rich language that served as the original medium for the Christian Scriptures. Its grammar and vocabulary are key to understanding the message, theology, and structure of the New Testament. Mastery of Koine Greek enhances one’s ability to interpret the biblical text with precision and depth.
This web page presents a comprehensive overview of key grammatical topics in New Testament Greek, addressing phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, textual criticism, and rhetorical structures. It explains how verbs, nouns, particles, and clauses function in Koine Greek, while shedding light on tense, aspect, voice, and idiomatic expressions central to interpretation.
Whether you are a student, scholar, or enthusiast, this resource provides a structured and thorough entry point into Koine Greek grammar. By studying these topics, one can gain a stronger understanding of the theological precision and linguistic artistry in the New Testament.
1. Syntax (Sentence Structure & Word Order)
- Typical Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order
- Use of emphasis through fronting and placement
- Parenthetical and explanatory clauses
- Asyndeton, parataxis, and hypotaxis in sentences
- Function of conjunctions like γάρ, δέ, οὖν
2. Morphology (Word Formation & Inflection)
- Verbal forms: indicative, subjunctive, optative, imperative
- Participles and infinitives
- Declension of nouns and adjectives (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Personal pronouns and enclitic forms
- Article usage and agreement
3. Semantics (Word Meaning & Usage)
- Semantic range of Greek verbs (e.g., ἀγαπάω vs. φιλέω)
- Figurative and metaphorical uses
- Theological vocabulary (e.g., χάρις, πίστις)
- Words with multiple meanings based on context
4. Lexical Studies (Word-by-Word Analysis)
- Root forms and compound words
- Hapax legomena in the New Testament
- Greek synonyms and semantic distinction (e.g., λέγω, λαλέω)
- Loanwords from Aramaic, Latin, Hebrew
5. Small Words & Particles
- Contrastive particles: δέ, μέν
- Logical connectors: οὖν, διό
- Temporal indicators: ὅτε, πρίν, τότε
- Modal particles: ἄν, μή, εἰ
6. Textual Criticism & Manuscripts
- Variants in key manuscripts (Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, etc.)
- Comparison between Byzantine and Alexandrian texts
- Interpolation and harmonization in Gospel texts
- Use of early versions: Syriac, Latin, Coptic
7. Rhetorical & Poetic Features
- Chiasmus, inclusio, and anaphora
- Wordplay and assonance
- Parallelism in Pauline letters
- Use of rhetorical questions and diatribe form
8. Discourse Analysis & Narrative Technique
- Historical present tense
- Direct vs. indirect speech
- Use of particles in discourse coherence
- Development of themes across pericopes
9. Idioms & Figurative Language
- Greek idioms with Hebraic influence
- Anthropomorphic expressions (e.g., “hand of God”)
- Kinship metaphors (e.g., “children of light”)
- Parabolic and symbolic speech
10. Verb System (Aspect, Tense, Mood, Voice)
- Verbal aspect: imperfective vs. perfective
- Understanding the aorist tense
- Middle and passive voice distinctions
- Use of subjunctive and optative in conditionality
11. Use of Prepositions
- Prepositions and case usage (e.g., ἐν, εἰς, ἐκ)
- Idiomatic combinations (e.g., ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματι)
- Differences in meaning with accusative, genitive, dative
12. Gender & Number Agreement
- Adjective-noun agreement
- Collective vs. plural uses
- Exceptions and irregularities (e.g., neuter plural with singular verb)
13. The Greek Definite Article
- Functions beyond definiteness
- Use with proper names and titles
- Pronominal function of the article
14. Negation & Prohibition
- οὐ vs. μή distinction
- Double negation for emphasis
- Prohibitive use of μή with aorist subjunctive
15. Conditional Clauses
- First to fourth class conditions
- Use of εἰ and ἐάν with verb moods
- Contrafactual conditionals
16. Infinitives & Participles
- Adverbial and substantival uses
- Genitive absolute constructions
- Articular infinitives with prepositions
17. Vocatives & Direct Address
- Forms of address with or without the article
- Honorific expressions (e.g., κύριε, διδάσκαλε)
- Switching between vocative and nominative
18. Semitic Influences in Greek Grammar
- Septuagintal influence on NT style
- Hebraisms in Gospel and Revelation Greek
- Word-for-word translation habits
19. Emphasis & Word Order
- Fronting for emphasis
- Position of negatives and adverbs
- Redundant subject pronouns
20. Numerical Expressions
- Cardinal and ordinal numbers
- Use of genitive and accusative with numbers
- Symbolic numerology in apocalyptic texts
21. Clause Types and Sentence Connectivity
- Main vs. subordinate clause distinctions
- Conjunctions introducing time, cause, result
- Use of ὅπως, ἵνα, ἐπειδή, ἄν
- Purpose and result clauses
22. Relative Clauses and Pronouns
- Use of ὅς, ὅστις, οὗ, etc.
- Function of attraction to the antecedent
- Placement of pronouns in sentence structure
23. Use of the Optative Mood
- Wishes, potentiality, indirect discourse
- Common in Luke-Acts and Pauline doxologies
- Comparison with subjunctive uses
24. Tense Usage in Narrative
- Historical present for vividness
- Pluperfect and imperfect in flashbacks
- Aorist as narrative backbone
25. Case Functions in Greek
- Eight-case system reduced to five forms
- Genitive of relationship, Dative of means, Accusative of respect
- Vocative for direct address
26. Word Order in Poetry and Hymns
- Strophic structures in Philippians 2 and Colossians 1
- Inversion and focus in early hymnic texts
- Elliptical constructions for rhythmic balance
27. Use of Interjections and Exclamations
- ἰδού and οὐαί as emphatic devices
- Exclamatory infinitives and clauses
28. Greek Compound Verbs
- Prepositional prefixes modifying meaning
- Distinctions between base verb and compound (e.g., βαίνω vs. ἀναβαίνω)
29. Passive and Middle Voice Usage
- True passive vs. deponent forms
- Reflexive and reciprocal middle
- Semantics of the middle in voluntary actions
30. Poetic Forms and Syntax in Greek Prose
- Rhythmic cadence in Luke and Hebrews
- Formal patterns in prayers and doxologies
- Balance of clause structures in sermons and speeches
31. Nominal Clauses and Predicate Position
- Use of the article in distinguishing subject and predicate
- Equative clauses without an expressed verb (especially in John)
- Predicate-first and subject-first structures
32. Cohesion and Thematic Development
- Use of transitional particles to link discourse units
- Lexical repetition and key theological terms
- Developing themes across epistolary sections
33. Address and Honorific Language
- Vocatives in formal and informal address
- Use of honorifics like κύριε, ἀδελφοί, διδάσκαλε
- Elliptical forms of address in parables and dialogues
34. Emphasis and Intensification Devices
- Repetition of words or clauses for emphasis
- Redundant personal pronouns for highlighting subjects
- Double particles (e.g., καὶ…καί, μήποτε)
35. Gender Dynamics in Language
- Generic masculine and gender inclusivity
- Feminine forms in vocatives and personal references
- Theological implications of gender in Greek grammar
36. Use of Adverbs and Adverbial Expressions
- Temporal: νῦν, τότε, πάλιν
- Locative: ἐκεῖ, ὧδε, πάντοτε
- Manner and degree: οὕτως, σφόδρα, μακρὰν
37. Theological Particles and Emotional Nuance
- ἄν in divine permission or possibility
- οὐαί and ἴδε as expressive and prophetic devices
- Interplay between grammar and theological tone
38. Ellipsis and Implied Elements
- Omitted verbs where context supplies the action
- Nominal ellipsis in appositional clauses
- Implicit references in parables and dialogic questions
39. Non-Greek Words in the New Testament
- Aramaic expressions (e.g., ταλιθά κουμ, Ἐλωΐ Ἐλωΐ)
- Hebrew names and transliterations
- Latin legal terms and Roman titles
40. Influence of Poetic Structures on Grammar
- Poetic parallelism in Revelation and doxologies
- Compression of syntax for metrical purposes
- Elevated diction in Christological and eschatological hymns
