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Why Learn Greek?
Martin Luther put it well when he wrote: "And let us be sure of this we will not long preserve the gospel without the languages [Greek and Hebrew]. The languages are the sheath in which this sword of the Spirit is contained; they are the casket in which this jewel is enshrined; they are the vessel in which this wine is held; they are the [pantry] in which this food is stored; and . . . they are the baskets in which are kept these loaves and fishes and fragments. If through our neglect we let the languages go (which God forbid!), we shall . . . lose the gospel." (From: "To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany That They Establish and Maintain Christian Schools" (1524)).
I (Pastor Tommy) agree. The only way the Church will succeed in preserving the gospel of Jesus Christ is to preserve an accurate understanding of the original languages of the Bible, Greek and Hebrew.
I am passionate about studying, preaching, and teaching from the languages, helping pastors use them effectively in their Bible study, and teaching God's people (I am talking about "normal folk") to learn these languages.
For just one example, think about Galatians 3:16, which reads, "Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, 'And to seeds,' as referring to many, but rather to one, 'And to your seed,' that is, Christ" (NASB). Did you catch that? Paul is basing his understanding of the Old Testament on the grammar of the original text. Luther was exactly right, "We will not long preserve the gospel without the languages."
On this page, we want to offer resources to help:
- Pastors use the languages in their teaching and preaching ministry
- Others learn the languages and/or teach their children.
Check back often, as resources are developed, we will post them here. Also, if you have ideas or feedback, please let us know.
The Basics
Introduction to Biblical Greek - This is an introduction to learning to pronounce Greek words and to understand the basics of Greek sentences. After you have mastered the material in this little handout, you will be able to read the Greek New Testament. Even though you will not understand all that you are pronouncing, you will be amazed by the number of words that you will recognize.
Greek Alphabet Song - A song to aid you as you learn the Greek Alphabet. It is great to use as many senses as possible as you learn languages.
Greek Flash Cards - There are two sets of flashcards below to help you learn how to pronounce Greek. Print each set on the front and back of card stock, cut them out, laminate them (if possible), and review them often until you have mastered the sounds in the Greek language.
Beginning to Read Greek
Romans 5-6 Reader - After you have mastered the material above, you are ready to read Greek. This is my version of an interlinear for beginning Greek students. It contains the Greek text of Romans 5-6, a word-for-word rendering, using exact Greek word order, a literal translation, and helpful interpretation comments.
Resources for Pastors and Bible Students
Free Greek Fonts - The BibleWorks web site has an excellent packet of fonts for both Hebrew and Greek. These will be necessary to view any Word documents offered on this site or to make exegetical notes in Greek. Please comply with the copyright notices listed on their site.
Greek Keyboard Map - This handy document will help you learn to type in Greek using the BibleWorks Greek font (bwgrkl © 1994-2009 BibleWorks, LLC. All rights reserved.).
Word Study File - Here is a trick I learned over time—instead of repeating word studies over and over, keep them in one file. This way you can forever expand and improve your word studies without repeating work. Here is a copy of the one that I am constantly using and expanding. Feel free to use it or just take the idea and make your own. |
