[Mr. Schwandt]

We all lead busy lives so when we sit down to study the Bible we need to make the most of it. Understanding the New Testament in the original language make the best use of your time in the word.

[jkhenry]

I have a comment on this post: For the past two years I have been in the process of learning NT Greek in my spare time, without a teacher. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how challenging it has been. I have, however made progress. I watch a lot less TV and get up earlier than I ever thought I might. So far I have only seen small dividends to my investment. My hope and prayer is that if I keep with it, the returns on my investment will greatly increase.

JK Henry - Urbana, Illiois
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Josh Henry - Urbana, Illinois, USA

[Mr. Schwandt]

This is taken from the Introduction of my forthcoming reverse interlinear of the English Standard Version of the New Testament. (Crossway Books)

Perhaps the most common danger lies not from those who misuse the original language with ill motives, but from those who approach the Greek with unrealistic expectations. Most references to the original Greek in sermons and articles refer to the meaning of certain Greek words as if the Greek unlocks a deeper and more accurate meaning disguised by English translations. So many people then go on to learn Greek intending to unearth some previously ignored word meaning that will have a significant effect in their Bible study. I believe this estimation of the purpose of original language study is unrealistic and does not do justice to the value and work of translators. The first job of translators is to render the meaning of the Greek in English. They have many tools at their disposal to accomplish their task and do render their understanding of the Greek in English accurately. So when a dabbler discovers something in the Greek that isn't represented in translations, instead of thinking he has unearthed a golden nugget of meaning, he should rather take it as a warning that he may be doing something wrong.

After a time of study, students sometimes say that the work involved in acquiring Greek skills isn't worth the effort because they rarely see anything that substantially differs from their English translation. Their disappointment is the result of an unrealistic expectation of the purpose of Greek study. Beginners should not expect to correct translators who have years of experience. Rather, they should be encouraged that they are doing something right by coming to the same conclusions as those who are more advanced. Yet, this is not to say that we shouldn't expect Greek study to affect our understanding of the Scriptures in ways not available to those who are completely dependent on English translations. It is just that the fruit of our labors will normally be in areas other than word meaning.

The primary benefit of working in the original is noticing structural patterns and word play. Good translations correctly conveying the original meaning in good English style obscure these. Often times the original Greek repeats words or structures that help to identify a contrast or forcibly present a paradox. Such repetition is not as common in good English style, so these structural clues are often obscured by translations, which primarily attempt to render meaning rather than structure. More often than word repetition, translations hide the repetition in verb tense, voice and mood. Translations do play an important role in Christian life, but in making necessary difficult choices between form and meaning some of the flavor of the original is necessarily lost. If we want to have a realistic and fulfilling expectation for the benefits of learning Greek we should look toward developing a taste and a love for the ipsa verba (very words themselves) of Scripture. This is something that translations cannot replicate and will end up affecting our understanding and appreciation of our Scriptures. We also see this difference between hearing the original presentation of a momentous speech with all of its intonations, pauses, and inflections, versus reading a transcription. Reading the Scriptures in the original Greek, with all of its inflections, will often strike us differently than reading the different words and grammatical structures in a translation.

[jkhenry]

Mr. Schwandt your quotation is helpful. In addition to the things mentioned within it I would add that learning the orginal language inspires the imagination and creativity as much as it does the technical or emprical intellect. There is something indescribable about reading the exact words that Paul wrote or exact words that Jesus spoke to John in his revelation on Patmos. There is a close almost emotional connection then with the text.

Don't get me wrong my favorite English translations will always be a must, and God's truth is still clear, accurate, and impacting in them. However, reading the Greek text seems to take me back to the occasion of the text and remind me that the culture of the Bible is not my native culture and the peoples of the Bible didn't necesarrily have the same default thoughts about the issues of life that I do. I guess it helps me keep it all in context. Finding the occasional chiasm doesn't hurt things either.
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Josh Henry - Urbana, Illinois, USA