C O U R S E S Y L L A B U SB A S I C S O F N E W T E S T A M E N T G R E E K

Instructor: Rev. Joshua R. Havens, B.A., M. Div.

Course DescriptionThis course introduces the basics of Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament. Through reading, translating, and an understanding of the basic grammar and syntax, the student of God’s Word gains a deeper appreciation of the world and culture of the first century world of Jesus and the apostles. This allows the student to further his or her study of God’s communication of His message of salvation and to rightly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15) in his or her life and ministry.

Course Objectives1. Grow in relationship with God and others through the study of His written word.2. Become a better student of the written text of God’s message to humanity.3. Read and translate any portion of the New Testament with the help of lexicons, dictionaries,

and other language tools.4. Memorize the 320 vocabulary words comprising 80% of the New Testament text.

Course Requirements 1. Before each class, read all assignments from the grammar and memorize the respective

vocabulary.2. Before each class, complete the assigned exercises in the workbook. 1

3. Complete monthly vocabulary quizzes.4. Participate in monthly reviews taken from the workbook.5. Complete a final exam

Course Methods1. Each session will begin with a brief review of the material from the previous session.2. Next, the instructor will review the material from the assigned reading and lead the group

in grasping the content through lectures, videos, discussions, and other tools.3. Next, the group will review the assigned exercises and complete review exercises. This will

serve as an opportunity to learn the grammar and language as well as provide time for discussion on exegesis and study methods.

4. Finally, the group will take a brief vocabulary quiz and a quiz over the material covered from the current session.

5. In addition to this, the class may communicate and discuss any questions on the private class forum: isomgreek.proboards.com.

1Each exercise contains a section labeled 'Additional.' While not necessary, students who need extra practice should complete these sections.

Required Text/MaterialsMounce, William. Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar. 3rd edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.

(ISBN 978-0310287681, approx. $30 on Amazon.com)

__________. Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook. 3rd edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009. (ISBN 978-0310287674, approx. $15 on Amazon.com)

Recommended Text/MaterialsGoodrich, Richard J, and Albert L Lukaszewski. A Reader’s Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand

Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007. (ISBN 978-0310273783, approx. $20 on Amazon.com)

Kubo, Sakae. A Reader’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament ; and, A Beginner’s Guide for the Translation of New Testament Greek. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975. (ISBN 978-0310269205, approx. $20 on Amazon.com)

Course Outline and Reading/Exercise AssignmentsUnit 1 – The Greek Language Session 1: Introduction, the Alphabet, and the Basics of Greek Grammar: Preface – Chapter 4 (pp. x-19) Workbook: Exercises 3 – 4 (pp. 1-8)

Unit 2 – The Greek Nominal System Session 2: The Greek Case System Grammar: Chapters 5 – 7 (pp. 20-54) Workbook: Exercises 6 – 7 (pp. 11-18)

Session 3: Prepositions, Adjectives, and Pronouns Grammar: Chapters 8 – 14 (pp. 55-119) Workbook: Exercises 8 – 9, 10 – 14 (pp. 19-26, 31-52)

Unit 3 – The Greek Indicative Verbal System Session 4: Introduction to Present and Future Verbs Grammar: Chapters 15 – 20 (pp. 120-179) Workbook: Exercises 16 – 20 (pp. 59-78)

Session 5: Review,2 Introduction to Imperfect Verbs, and Textual Criticism Grammar: Chapter 21 (pp. 180-193) Workbook: Exercise 21 (pp. 83-86) Session 6: Introduction to Aorist and Perfect Verbs Grammar: Chapters 22 – 25 (pp. 194-235) Workbook: Exercises 22 – 25 (pp. 87-102)

Unit 4 – Greek Participles Session 7: Greek Adverbial Participles Grammar: Chapters 26-28 (pp. 236-267) Workbook: Exercises 27 – 28 (pp. 107-114)

Session 8: Other Uses of Greek Participles Grammar: Chapters 29 – 30 (pp. 268-284) Workbook: Exercises 29 – 30 (pp. 115-122)

2Use this time to go back over all the previous material and come to class with any questions or confusion you may have..

Unit 5 – Greek Verbs Continued Session 9: Non-indicative Moods and mi Verbs Grammar: Chapters 31-36 (pp. 285-338) Workbook: Exercises 31 – 36 (pp. 127-156)

Select Bibliography for Further StudyBlack, David Alan. Using New Testament Greek in ministry: A Practical Guide for Students and

Pastors. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1993.

Black, David Alan. New Testament Textual Criticism: A Concise Guide. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1994.

Fee, Gordon D. New Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors. 3rd ed. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002.

Goodrich, Richard J, and Albert L Lukaszewski. A Reader’s Greek New Testament. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.

Kubo, Sakae. A Reader’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: A Beginner’s Guide for the Translation of New Testament Greek. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1975.

Lamerson, Samuel. English Grammar to Ace New Testament Greek. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004.

Metzger, Bruce M. Lexical Aids for Students of New Testament Greek. Princeton, NJ: Theological Book Agency, 1969.

Mounce, William D. The Analytical Lexicon to the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1993.

__________. Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar. 3rd edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009. (ISBN 978-0310287681, approx. $30 on Amazon.com)

__________. Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook. 3rd edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2009.

Rogers, Cleon L, Cleon L Rogers III, and Fritz Rienecker. The New Linguistic and Exegetical Key to the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998.

Trenchard, Warren C. Complete Vocabulary Guide to the Greek New Testament. Rev. ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998.

Wallace, Daniel B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament with scripture, subject, and Greek word indexes. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.