It is my desire that this webpage would encourage Christians to study NTG, whether only the basics or in-depth, while at the same time fostering within them a love and appreciation for the NT in its original language. Some study Biblical Greek as a hobby, others because they just like "old things". Then there are those who are enamored with the details of grammar syntax and morphology, whose study is but a dead and dry intellectual exercise. There are yet others who engage in study at a higher level for the sole end of adding to a long list of formal educational accolades. My motives for studying are none of the aforementioned, rather I study Greek for the sole purpose of better knowing God's Word so that in turn I may know the Father, Son, and Spirit in a more intimate way.
If by learning the language of the New Testament, we may know the Scriptures better, more accurately and more clearly, and thus know the Father and His Son more personally, then we have every reason to diligently strive to attain this language. Someone may study Latin and consequently be able to read the Philosophers - men. One may study Biblical Greek and read the New Testament - God! Because of the love which God has given me for His Word, I have chosen the latter. NT Greek Studies is an outflow out of this love for His inerrant and perfect Word.
-Ryan D. Richie
If by learning the language of the New Testament, we may know the Scriptures better, more accurately and more clearly, and thus know the Father and His Son more personally, then we have every reason to diligently strive to attain this language. Someone may study Latin and consequently be able to read the Philosophers - men. One may study Biblical Greek and read the New Testament - God! Because of the love which God has given me for His Word, I have chosen the latter. NT Greek Studies is an outflow out of this love for His inerrant and perfect Word.
-Ryan D. Richie
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What is the purpose of this website?
Well, I am not a Greek Scholar, and you will not find a long list of formal educational degrees 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. The purpose of 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 the average Christian can learn NTG apart from formal education. If you are desiring or thinking about embarking on the journey of being a student of NTG, please contact me, I would love to talk to you about it. Who is this website for? It is hoped that this website may be of help for those who are beginning or intermediate students of New Testament Greek, those who desire to begin studying, especially those who choose the route of self-study. It may also serve for those who once studied Greek, but over the years have begun to lose it and desire to regain what they once had. This page is, however, not limited to those groups, as it may also be beneficial for any serious-minded, discerning Christian who desires to look past translation into the original language, regardless of how much or little knowledge they have of Biblical Greek. |
A Few Words of Clarification:
First: I would like to sincerely say, that I am not opposed to translations of the New Testament into other languages. Nor do I believe that Christians or ministers who do not possess a knowledge of Biblical Greek are below par, or on a lower level. And, I do not believe that those who do have a knowledge of Biblical Greek are holier or more spiritual. Second: It is my firm belief that the entire Bible, the Old and New Testaments being 66 books and constituting a closed canon, are both inspired by God and inerrant. This is a great part of the fuel and motivation which I have to study the language of the NT. I am in full agreement with the declarations made in the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, find no contradictions with it, and highly recommend the book Inerrancy. If you do not believe in the absolute perfection and inerrancy of God's Word in the original, then why bother studying it in any language? I am strongly opposed to higher criticism as it is practiced by those such as Bart Ehrman, though I realize the necessity and importance of balanced textual criticism. Therefore, this page is not for skeptics or liberal higher critics of the New Testament, but for those who firmly believe that it IS God's Word. |
When italicized font is used it indicates emphasis and/or voice inflection.
Glossary of Terminology:
Biblical Greek: Depending on context, this could be referring to only New Testament Greek, or could refer to both NTG and the LXX. The Septuagint (LXX) is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament.
Functional Greek: Refers to learning enough Greek in order to be able to use study tools, without learning grammar and mastering the Language. See this page for more info.
GNT: Greek New Testament.
Koiné Greek: Used to describe the common language of the people from about 300 B.C. - A.D. 300. This may refer also to the Greek of the Septuagint (LXX) or the Apostolic Fathers, and is not limited to the GNT.
Lexicon: See this page for more info.
NTG: New Testament Greek.
Scholar: See this page for more info.
Self Study: Refers to the route of studying Greek on one's own (i.e. at home) by using books and study materials specifically geared for self-teaching, as opposed to Formal Study in a Seminary or Bible School. More info here.
Textual Criticism: The study of the copies of any written document whose original (autograph) is unknown or non-existent, for the primary purpose of determining the exact wording of the original.
Glossary of Terminology:
Biblical Greek: Depending on context, this could be referring to only New Testament Greek, or could refer to both NTG and the LXX. The Septuagint (LXX) is the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament.
Functional Greek: Refers to learning enough Greek in order to be able to use study tools, without learning grammar and mastering the Language. See this page for more info.
GNT: Greek New Testament.
Koiné Greek: Used to describe the common language of the people from about 300 B.C. - A.D. 300. This may refer also to the Greek of the Septuagint (LXX) or the Apostolic Fathers, and is not limited to the GNT.
Lexicon: See this page for more info.
NTG: New Testament Greek.
Scholar: See this page for more info.
Self Study: Refers to the route of studying Greek on one's own (i.e. at home) by using books and study materials specifically geared for self-teaching, as opposed to Formal Study in a Seminary or Bible School. More info here.
Textual Criticism: The study of the copies of any written document whose original (autograph) is unknown or non-existent, for the primary purpose of determining the exact wording of the original.