In the blog discussion on the How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth podcast entry, Jason Parry let us climb on his shoulders to see some answers to a Greek translation question.
Then I came across this blog:
…What if the churches over the country began to teach a basic understand [sic] of Greek and Hebrew and could point people in the direction of some free resources that can help the readers get into the original language? This is possible but it requires first that each and every church have a person on hand with a working and teachable knowledge of the languages, which is hard.
It’s an intriguing thought, to say the least.
I wouldn’t hold my breath for something like this to take shape here at Grace, but there are things we can do individually — or in little skunkworks-style groups if folks wanted to band together — to acquire these skills for ourselves.
For one thing, there are classes on Biblical Greek and Greek Tools for Bible Study at BiblicalTraining.org, taught by Bill Mounce. They look really interesting — I hope to work through them myself sometime this year.
HT: ESV Bible Blog
This is a very intriguing idea. Our church in Chattanooga subscribed to this notion and provided some limited training. The situation there is extremely unique, however, because one of the elders, Spiros Zodhiates, happens to be a Greek scholar and facilitated most of this training. I definitely recommend his Bible dictionary and commentaries, most all of which can be found on Amazon or CBD.
I think that referencing the original Greek and Hebrew meanings of words in the normal course of teaching at Grace should be the norm anyway. That always helps to expand on points and I have always enjoyed it.
As far as teaching Greek goes at GF? Most of us non seminary students really need to learn and focus what the bible teaches in general in a very practical way and to memorize verses in English. Different English translations tend to give us good insight and many give references to the original language.
I think most of us struggle with taking the time to learn and study in our native English language. I know I do. 😉
I’m with you, C.A. Driving toward obedience to the Word in our own language is tough enough as it is. I’m quick to admit that something like this is not going to be for everybody.
But a few folks get really excited about stuff like this, too.
I think there’s a parallel between studying Greek and (for example) leading worship in song: some folks are passionately drawn to it; for other folks, it’s a dread-inducing prospect.
I think it’s fair to say that God’s design for the church is about deploying the gifts that have been given to its members so that God is glorified by all available means. If a few folks want to add to those available means by developing new skills for God’s glory — I say go for it!
I’ll throw in that I’d be interested in such a class. 🙂 If the resources available might enable our doing it even without a leader needing to know it, I’d even consider stepping up to facilitate it. Let’s see if any others respond here or in casual conversation over time.
I would suggest our our Matt Hodge as a potential teacher of an intro. course on Greek. Matt is a recent graduate of the MDiv. program at Southern Seminary.