Self-taught Greek?

[Herald]

Not sure where this thread belongs. If it needs to be reassigned, please let me know.

Since 1998 I have dabbled in Greek by myself. With the advice of a family member who is a prof at Philadelphia Biblical University, I purchased Mounce's grammar and workbook and Trenchards complete vocab. I memorized the Greek alphabet, learned diphthongs, declensions, pronunciation and increased my vocabulary. I am by no means a Greek scholar...far from it, but I am able to search lexicons and navigate my way through my UBS text quite effectively.

Compared to seminary training in Greek, I don't know how far along I am. I am interested in whether anyone else has taught themselves Greek or at least begun the process on their own. I am considering going to Catholic University in Washington, DC (I live 30 minutes from the District) for language training as I pursue my degree. Since I respect the scholarship on the PB, I am interested in hearing any and all advice and counsel.

Thanks.

[Edited on 12-26-2005 by BaptistInCrisis]

 

[Contra_Mundum]

If you have mastered Mounce (or some other basic grammar) you have got about half the basic tools for becoming truly effective in Greek. Greenville Seminary (where I went) has modified their curriculum a bit since I went there, but back then, we spent two semesters in basic greek grammar. Then another two semesters in Advanced Grammar. We used the companion volume to Mounce/Trenchard by Daniel B. Wallace.

The first part of Greek instruction gives you basic tools: like bricks, mortar, trowel, pail, level, etc., and teaches you elementary sentence structure, etc. Most first year students translate the book of 1st John, because its vocabulary is limited, and it is a beautiful, simple book (though John was obviously propoundly gifted).

When we learn a language to function within it, like little kids, we take the building blocks and we start to use them. Our method of learning operates in a cetain way. In school we learn composition, and grammar. But we seldom think analytically about the language we use in this way.

Not so with Greek. The second year of Grammar is different. You are learning the language not in order to speak it, or even simply to read it, but rather to analyze it. You are not going to take your bricks, mortar, and tools and go build a building with them. You are going to learn how others have put buildings together (the writers of the New Testament). You are going to learn how they used the language to say certain things in the context of their immersion in the language and culture of the day. You will discover how John says things is not the same as how Paul says the same things, even though they are using the same language.

You will see how each of them "built his house". You will learn the different uses of the different cases, and how each one may give the same words a different nuance. You will learn the different ways verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, etc. function in sentences. The second level is all about how the parts go together and learning how to analyze the text in order to determine with the greatest accuracy exactly what the author intended you to understand.

(This analysis is also good for your use of English. You should find that you are more precise in your own use of words, and in your reading of the words of others. A "fuzzy" general idea of what is being said or written no longer satisfies you. And, unfortunately, you will probably find yourself being a little overly-critical of others when they may not deserve it. On the other hand, you will be properly critical of the careless use of English by preachers and theologians who are supposed to be making their living by a careful reading of the Bible and then preparation and delivery of accurate teaching--not fuzzy!--of that Word.)

Following the second year, my class spent an additional two semesters in Greek Exegesis (one textbook was Richard A. Young, Intermediate New Testament Greek, A Linguistic and Exegetical Approach; we also used Beekman & Callow, Translating the Word of God, and possibly another that escapes me now...). By this time you ought to be handling the text with some facility. Translation and nailing the meaning of a passage should be fairly straightforward. Hopefully it will even be a little fun, as you get the thrill of feeling the force of the text in the power of the original, a bit like like reading it for the first time in English.

Anyway, that's the way it was. And you know, I still am not what I would like to be, as a reader especially. Exegetcally I have the tools I need, but I would love to be much more familiar and "at home" in the languages (both). Lesson: never stop learning and honing your skill; don't let the steel rust in the scabbard...

 

[Herald]

Bruce, I was not expecting so detailed and caring a response as the one you provided. Thank you. I am not bold enough to claim I have mastered Mounce's "Basics of Biblical Greek." I have completed it and feel quite comfortable that I would have "passed" Greek I.

When we learn a language to function within it, like little kids, we take the building blocks and we start to use them. Our method of learning operates in a certain way. In school we learn composition, and grammar. But we seldom think analytically about the language we use in this way.

This is the manner in which I have been approaching my Greek education. Baby steps.

By this time you ought to be handling the text with some facility. Translation and nailing the meaning of a passage should be fairly straightforward. Hopefully it will even be a little fun, as you get the thrill of feeling the force of the text in the power of the original, a bit like like reading it for the first time in English.

Bruce, I have already experienced the "thrill" as you put it, albeit in limited scope. When I pick up my UBS and can actual understand a passage (all without formal Greek education), it is a rush! If I found Greek to be boring I would not be writing about it today.

Lesson: never stop learning and honing your skill; don't let the steel rust in the scabbard...

I appreciate your admonition. I use what I know all the time and it has proven to be most useful.

 

[sola_gratia]

I am currently teaching myself Greek...not that far along yet though. I've just gotten to the beginning of the grammar. A friend that attended RTS gave me some books and study software. When I go off to college( I am graduating this year) I will probably take some greek courses eventually. I was told it's good to know Greek before attending seminary so you have time for other things. Just being able to read it in a very limited sense is quite a rush for me.