The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek: Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming by Douglas S. Huffman
In a mere 112 pages, Professor Douglas Huffman of Biola
University has put together a supplemental guide to those with at least one
year of Greek under their belts. More
than just a number of charts on verbal conjugations, this handy guide is a
welcome addition to textbooks on Greek grammar.
As I went through this book, having taken Greek in seminary, I found
this book as a helpful guide alongside Daniel Wallace’s Greek Grammar Beyond
the Basics. Rather than drumming on
about particular grammatical issues addressed in the book, I aim to give three
reasons why this book would be a valuable addition to your library.
The Concise nature of the Book
At only 112 pages, this book is easy to carry with you if
you are preparing sermons, studying passages in the Nestle-Aland GNT, or just
wanting to brush up on your Greek. More
than the small stature of the book is the clear explanations Huffman gives regarding
his points. In describing verb tenses, Huffman
carefully points out whether the verb is in relationship to a process or is a
whole, and also whether the verb is representing a state of action (24). This kind of explanation is not
earth-shattering but is very helpful in knowing what to look for when
identifying verbal forms. Furthermore,
some grammars provide lengthy list of examples from biblical texts which can
seem to overwhelm the student at times.
Huffman seeks to bring the most precise language to describe verbal
forms and in turn brings a great aid to
students.
The Clear Application of the Book
I found the sentence diagramming in Part to be of eminent
value in understanding the flow of thought in 1 Peter 1:3-9. By using the interrogative questions, the student
is able to follow the train of thought of the biblical author. Why is this helpful? In our English Bible and in the modern Greek
text, the verse and chapter markers do not always reveal the complete argument
or thought of an author. Therefore, the
clear sentence diagramming that Huffman shows us is indicative of sticking
closely to an argument, its thesis and supporting statements. I also thought that the way in which the
charts emphasized the changing letters in the forms gave me an extra marker to
look for in my study of the Greek text.
Clear Use of Language
Often in Greek studies, I would get sorely confused by the grammatical
language used in Greek textbooks.
Huffman does a great job at translating some of the grammatical words
into active language. He describes the subjunctive
as potentiality and the imperative as intentionality (24). These kind of translation markers help me be
aware of the temporal aspect of verbal forms.
Overall, I think Huffman makes great pains to explain concepts in such a
way as to not overwhelm the student but to give him/her confidence in learning
Greek.
This is a great book to in providing an aid to your study of
the Greek New Testament. I would give it
to layman, students and scholars wanting to have a quick reference guide for
grammar but always pointing them to key aspects of understanding the flow of
though in the Greek New Testament.
Thanks to Kregel Academic Publishers for the review copy in
exchange for a review.
Comments
Post a Comment