New Testament Greek A
Unit Overview
We have an embarrassing wealth of English resources to help us read and interpret the Bible, making it possible to interpret Scripture well without learning the languages it was originally written in. But studying Greek enables you to grow in your understanding of the biblical text and the context in which it was written, and to get the most out of detailed commentaries. This subject will help you find answers to questions like: Why might we favour one Bible translation over another? and, How can we determine which of two or three interpretations is the most convincing? The study of Greek vocabulary and grammar will also give you insight into cross-cultural issues, focus and improve your comprehension of a passage, and help structure your sermons and Bible studies.
Please visit the timetable by clicking here for the current dates on when this subject is offered.
Subject Details
Mode |
Online |
On-campus |
Workload |
12 credit points |
12 credit points |
Status |
Elective (Core for MDiv students) |
Elective (Core for MDiv students) |
Subject code |
LA005 |
LA005 |
Prerequisites |
You cannot take LA002 with or after LA005. |
You cannot take LA002 with or after LA005. |
Teacher |
Andrew Malone |
Mark Simon |
Content
- Greek A completes roughly half the textbook (Greek B completes the rest of the textbook)
- Textbook: Jeremy Duff, The Elements of New Testament Greek [Cambridge University Press, 2008]
- Students will also be introduced to library and software resources to aid your study of the Greek text.
LA005 – Intensive Mode (On-campus)
The February intensive is, indeed, an intense three weeks (but it is clearly one of the best ways to learn a language). Each morning involves classroom contact, and most afternoons and evenings will require you to consolidate your learning. You ought to set aside 6–8 hours each day to meet the challenge. Note that the LA005 intensive continues into to a weekly lecture for weeks one and two of semester 1; these two classes are formally part of the intensive including the exam. LA006 continues as a weekly lecture for the rest of the year (view the timetable here). These lectures will complete the grammar of Duff, as well as working through some decent chunks of the New Testament.
Enrolment should be completed as early as possible; the preceding November or December is preferred. Please arrive on day one of the intensive having obtained your text, able to pronounce and write the Greek alphabet, and having read and digested the section on English grammar 240-249. A song to help you with the alphabet is here.
Study Expectations
In this subject, you can expect to be guided through a variety of weekly learning activities which are designed to develop your understanding of and skills in the themes and passages covered in the syllabus. For online students, these usually include watching videos, reading, completing set learning tasks and contributing to online seminars and interacting with your peers. Students are to allow 8-10 hours of study time per week for this subject.