Assessment

Percentage contribution for learners who maintain an average of 70% in their formative assessments: Formative Exercises 100% / Percentage contribution for learners who do not maintain an average of 70% in their formative assessments: Formative Exercises 20% + Exam 80%

Module Aims

This module builds on BL181 the introduction to Biblical Greek. It aims to further learners' study of Biblical Greek, in order to enhance understanding of Scripture, especially the New Testament. The course covers complex sentences, more advanced elements of Biblical Greek morphology and syntax, and a wider vocabulary of key words needed for translating Biblical Greek texts. To illustrate use of the language, one or two biblical passages are read in Greek, in addition to sentences from the assigned grammar book.

Indicative Syllabus:

1. Pronouns and Conjunctions
2. Verbs and Conjugations
3. Nouns and Declensions (including 3rd declension)
4. Complex sentences
5. Moods and Voices (including Active / Middle / Passive Voices)
6. Participles and their uses
7. Frequently occurring vocabulary
8. Reading of selected passages from the Gospels and Apostolic Writers

Learning Outcomes

• — Translate simple sentences of New Testament Biblical Greek, and also explain elements of Biblical Greek morphology and syntax.
• — Articulate some major features of Greek grammar and indicate their impact on how major Biblical Greek texts are to be interpreted.
• — Translate a few basic Biblical Greek passages, and also apply Greek grammatical rules to conjugate other verbs and decline other nouns of a similar pattern.
• — Through a close attention to common Greek words, parse their grammatical form.
• — Demonstrate some discernment regarding diverse translations of key Greek words in modern biblical versions.

Bibliography

• — Jeremy Duff. The Elements of New Testament Greek. 3rd ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005). [487.4 DUF & eBook]
• — Ranjar, Clifard Sunil. Grammar of the New Testament Greek. Subsidia Biblica 52; Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute, 2020.
• — Nestle-Aland, Novum Testamentum Graece. 28th Edition. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft; 2012.
• — Decker, Rodney J. Koine Greek Reader: Selections from the New Testament, Septuagint, and Early Christian Writers. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2007. [487.4 DEC]