Learning modern Greek can provide students of the New Testament with several advantages for a deeper understanding of the language. Although the academic study of ancient Greek is still critical for New Testament students, modern Greek can enhance the students’ knowledge of Koine Greek, the language the New Testament was written in. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of learning modern Greek for students of the New Testament.

Linguistic Similarities with Koine Greek

One of the primary advantages of learning modern Greek is the significant linguistic similarities with Koine Greek. Koine Greek was widely spoken in the Eastern Mediterranean area, including Judea, where the New Testament was written. Learning modern Greek can aid in the comprehension of Koine Greek with similarities in alphabets, vocabularies, and grammar. Modern Greek is regarded as the continuation of the Greek that was used in the Byzantine Empire. Therefore, vocabulary used in modern times have been retained from the ancient past.

Increased Language Learning Resources Availability

Aside from the similarity between modern Greek and Koine Greek, learning modern Greek can also increase the resources available to New Testament students. It is true that there are many commentaries, concordances, translations and other valuable resources available in English. However, many useful resources are still only available in Greek. By reading and understanding the language, the student has access to a vast richness of resources, including academic journals and commentaries, that are otherwise inaccessible to solely English speakers.

Appreciation of the Language

Learning modern Greek can be hugely enjoyable and a fulfilling experience for New Testament students. It helps to understand the evolution of the ancient language, the nuances of which might otherwise be missed. Modern Greek can even provide a glimpse into the ancient culture and mindset that formed the context of the New Testament. This enhances the students’ appreciation of the language and its importance, and enriches the study of the New Testament.

In summary, learning modern Greek has several advantages for New Testament students. It can provide language connections that are essential for gaining a profound insight into the New Testament whilst increasing the academic resources available. Furthermore, it can provide a deeper appreciation of the language itself and the ancient culture it portrays. While it’s not mandatory to learn modern Greek to be a successful New Testament scholar, it certainly provides an additional set of tools that can significantly enrich one’s study of the New Testament.