The following are misunderstandings which I have learned are quite common regarding NTG, especially for those who do not know the language. I admit, that before beginning to study the language, I innocently believed some of these. This article and these explanations are not meant to be negative, belittling, or attacking in any way. However as the study of Greek is so often attacked and misunderstood, the following is an attempt to bring clarity and closure on these common objections and misunderstandings, and inform the Body of Christ of the truth. There will be some overlap in several of these points, therefore it is best to read the article as a whole:

1. All somebody needs to do is learn enough Greek to be able to use study tools and look the word up in a dictionary/lexicon or on the computer, find its definition, and apply it to the verse in question. Therefore, we only really need to know enough Greek for Word Studies. If we can do that, then there is no real other need to go deeper.

This belief results from the assumption that Greek words typically have one meaning which can be found by looking in the dictionary, then applying it to the passage. Most Greek words do not have just one meaning. There are several factors which determine the final outcome of the meaning of the word, namely context. Yet, how often do we hear in a sermon, “This word in the Greek means…”? or "In the original text it says" "In the original this word means". When you hear these words it's often time to be wary. Those words often provide the introduction to misleading information. It would be more accurate and truthful to say, “This word in the Greek/original translates here as…”

In the words of David Alan Black, "Most Greek words are “polysemous”, that is, they have many possible meanings, only one of which is its semantic contribution to any passage in which it occurs. (In case you were wondering: Reading all of the meanings of a Greek word into any particular passage in which it occurs is called “illegitimate totality transfer” by linguists.)”

It can be then, very dangerous to define a word simply based on looking in a lexicon and then applying what you find there or clicking a button in a computer program and getting a quick answer, without actually knowing the language and its grammar and correct function. While word studies can be profitable if done correctly, for the above mentioned reasons, they can also be highly dangerous if the user does not know what they are doing. It can be just a matter of moments before a detrimental exegetical fallacy is committed that does no justice to the text, but only harms it and its hearers. Even more so, Greek is useful for far more than just word studies. It is such a rich and deep language in which many treasures are found. Why settle for a translation, second hand knowledge, when we can go to the original source?

For info about correct word studies see this page: Functional Greek
Also see this blog post about Common Exegetical Fallacies

2. Greek is a very difficult language to learn. Only those with special language learning abilities or language gifting can learn it. The average Christian probably could not learn Biblical Greek.

The motives, intentions, and purity of the heart often mark the difference between right and wrong in the study of God's Word. This is no different when mentioning the study and correct use of the Biblical languages. There has no doubt been much abuse in the realm of New Testament Greek and its public presentation to the body of Christ. Satan would jump at the opportunity to take something so precious such as Biblical Greek and present the temptation to a man who is studying it to become prideful, causing him to think he is something because he possesses some knowledge that others don't.

There is much need for clarification on the topic, and that is what I intend to do here. There are two dangerous extremes which exist. First, the Greek language has been abused in the pulpit, particularly in some of what are commonly called "reformed churches", though not in all of them. Bold declarations such as these often sound forth from the pulpit: "In the Greek it says", "The English translators got it wrong here", etc. The listeners can be made to feel as though they are second class Christians. They may be left doubting their English Bible, or feeling that they cannot trust it as a result of the pastor/preacher misusing the Greek New Testament. The people in a way feel stripped of their own individual priesthood as the seminary graduate appears to be the only one with an inside view of the Bible, due to his knowledge of the original language. This sounds like Papery, and in a way it is. This is indeed a tragedy.

It is my desire that this blog would be used to encourage other Christians to study NTG, whether only the basics or fully, while at the same time fostering within them a love and appreciation for the New Testament in its original language. Personally, I do not view the study of NTG as merely an intellectual exercise or a means of gaining knowledge.  Nor, do I study it because I am enamored with the details of syntax and morphology, but rather I view the language as a way to know the one true God, His Son, and His Word in a deeper way than I currently do. Someone may study Latin and consequently be able to read the Philosophers. One may study Biblical Greek and read the New Testament! Because of the love and interest which God has given me for His Word, I have chosen the latter. This page is an outflow out of this love for His Word. Hopefully, through this small effort, some within the church will see that NTG is far more attainable and accessible for the the average person than is often believed.

What is the purpose of this blog?
Well, I am not a Greek Scholar, and you will not find a long list of formal educational accolades here. I am simply a student of my Greek New Testament, something I will be, Lord willing, until the day I die.  I do not have all the answers, nor do I pretend to have them. I hope to use this webpage to share resources, thoughts, insights, and to ask questions and have discussions along the lines of Biblical Greek, with a special attention given to self-teaching. It is my hope that more and more Christians will discover a love and passion for God's Word in the original languages, and that they will see that seminaries and Bible schools are not necessary in order to learn the language. If you are desiring or thinking about embarking on the journey of being a life-long student of NTG, please contact me, I would love to talk to you about it.