Devotions on the Greek New Testament: 52 Reflections to Inspire and Instruct

by Zondervan

Zondervan is known for its excellent resources in biblical languages, and many of our resources encourage professors, students, and pastors to continue to use their Hebrew and Greek Bibles beyond their seminary years. Devotions on the Greek New Testament continues on this path of excellence by introducing these devotions---based on a careful reading and study of the Greek New Testament---written by some of the top Greek scholars of today. Contributors include Scot McKnight, Daniel B. Wallace, Craig L. Blomberg, Mark Strauss, and William D. Mounce, among others. Devotions on the Greek New Testament can be used as weekly devotional or as a supplemental resource throughout a semester or sequence of courses. The main point each devotion offers comes from a careful reading of the passage in the Greek New Testament, not from the English Bible. These authors use a variety of exegetical approaches in their devotions: grammatical, lexical, rhetorical, sociohistorical, linguistic, etc. Each devotion closes with a practical application.

Genres: Theology, Devotional, Biblical Studies, Christian, New Testament, Nonfiction, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2012

About the author

Zondervan is an international Christian media and publishing company. Zondervan is a founding member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). They are a part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. and has multiple imprints including Zondervan Academic, Zonderkidz, Blink, and Editorial Vida. Zondervan is the commercial rights holder for the New International Version (NIV) Bible in North America.

Reviews

[Lane Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely solid devotional for anyone wanting to spend time in the Greek texts of Scripture. I greatly appreciated the diversity of contributors to the book, which come from different seminary backgrounds and teaching experiences. Each devotional is richly packed with thoughtful words and I know that I will continue to read through this one again! So, whether you are currently learning Greek, wanting to refresh your Greek grammar, or wanting to pick it back up again, this is one of the best places to start!

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

While in Seminary, the value of learning Koine Greek and Hebrew can quickly get lost in all the vocabulary memorization, learning of declensions, and parsing of passages. And then once one leaves seminary, it is a rarity for one to keep up with their biblical language skills. There are some tools floating around that try to help, by making original language readings devotional; but those are far and few between. Not long ago J. Scott Duvall and Verlyn D. Verbrugge, have compiled a small, manageable devotional guide from the Greek New Testament. This 154 page paperback has 52 entries written by 31 reputable New Testament scholars, such as Craig Blomberg, Darrell Bock, Scot McKnight, William Mounce, Ben Witherington III, to name just a few. The 52 readings start with Matthew and work their way, in order, through to Revelation.

Each entry begins with a short piece from the Greek New Testament. Then the author of that particular devotion unpacks the text (and context) pointing out the salient grammatical items, drawing from other passages and wrapping up to a conclusion. Each section covers around two pages, but the brevity is its brilliance! Though a reader may have forgotten most of their Greek grammar, each author patiently and quickly explains a grammatical point but doesn't belabor the issue. And because an individual devotion is short, but substantive, the reader is able to "keep their study of Greek a deeply Spiritual experience" (11).

"Devotions on the Greek New Testament" is a real jewel! It's perfect for the seminarian, or seminary-trained person. I have found myself regularly ending a devotion praying and rejoicing in the goodness of God! I recommend that you hustle out and get this book for yourself or for that person in your life who had to take Greek in seminary.

[Michael Heidle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this!!
Too much time has passed since I was active in regular studies in Greek; so I wasn't sure whether I could manage this at all. So, I was very pleased with the short readings -- some with simple vocabulary, others with quite challenging vocabulary; some with easy grammar, others with quite complex grammar; yet each and every one (written by various authors) conveyed significant and inspirational explanations of the texts in devotional format!
The 52 devotions in this volume (and there is a second volume available) lend themselves to one study per week to cover a year for review and to "stay in the Greek"; however, I really enjoyed reading one or three per day which served as a more immersive review.
Each and every devotion was helpful in various ways. Very well done and highly recommended!!!

[Brent Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I just wish it were longer or had more volumes.

[Michael Schmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of 52 short devotionals (usually just 2-3 pages each) on different passages from the Greek New Testament. I did not find every devotional to be that insightful (in some cases, I even thought that the reference to the Greek text was irrelevant, as the points made could equally have been made from an English translation). However, in the majority of cases, the devotionals helped me gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the Greek text and of what the biblical writers were actually wanting to communicate. On several occasions, the devotionals were some really valuable gems. Well worth a read!

[Louis Lapides · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for daily devotions in the Greek NT. Do you need to know Greek to get usage from this book? Unfortunately, yes you do. Yet someone without knowledge of Greek would be able to catch the gist of most of this book. The devotions are short, to the point and not repetitive of other chapters.

I read two chapters daily since one did not satisfy my interest. Anyone with an elementary knowledge of Koine Greek will get a lot out of this devotional series.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional has a great mix of devotional thoughts and explanations of the Greek text of the New Testament. I really enjoyed reading these insights from these experts in the Greek text. Sometimes they go into the grammar of the text and other times you get an overview of a verse or two.

I recommend this devotional for anyone who has a firm grasp of New Testament Greek and wants to see how it applies to a devotional life. You will not be disappointed with this read.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful little devotional book for the seminary student in your life. While there are a few reflections that may be a swing-and-a-miss, most are on-point.

[Abbey Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun, super edifying. Easy, low-hanging way to practice translation. I'd say appropriate for a range of Greek students.

[Brian Algie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent source to keep the Greek text before your eyes (thinking seminary students or pastors), while also gaining some valuable insight into various verses throughout the New Testament.

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A devotional work designed to feature one devotional a week for a year regarding specific details within the New Testament in Greek which provides encouragement and benefit to readers.

The book features a variety of authors who are experts in understanding the Greek New Testament. Verses are provided in Greek and the authors generally point out particularities in the Greek text which are difficult if not impossible to render coherently in an English translation.

In this way the reader gets the benefit of understanding nuances in the Greek text not present in English.

The book requires at least an elementary understanding of Greek syntax and grammar. Most of the points made have value, but as is usual in such a field, one may at times have reason to question whether the syntax or grammar is really attempting to convey what it is being suggested or whether it is a case of wanting the grammar or syntax to be more specific than it really is.

Nevertheless, a profitable devotional for consideration.

*--galley received as part of early review program

[Matt Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tool for holding onto Greek. I wish they'd come out with several volumes. Invites the reader to keep translating and reading passages from various portions of the Greek New Testament. The devotionals are only 2-3 pages long, and each one reinforces the value of learning and holding onto knowledge of original languages, in this case, Greek. Blomberg's treatment of the Great Commission, Duvall's handling of Jesus fury as he approached the tomb of Lazarus, among many others were very helpful.

[Josue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written devotional for those who have knowledge of the [Koine] Greek language. It contains 52 entries, written by one of 31 Greek scholars.

I think this is a great resource for anyone who has studied Greek in the past, but who has failed to keep up with it; or for anyone with knowledge of Greek who desires to see more how that knowledge ought to fuel one's devotions.

[Thaddeus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short weekly devotional! Some awesome insights and was a nice way to keep active in my Greek. Plus reading as devotional material helped guard against becoming to stiff and academic. Can't wait to get my hands on the second one!

[Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for those learning Greek. Works as kind of a mini-commentary on select passages from the NT. Very valuable for exegesis as well.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hit or miss on this one. It definitely reinforces the importance of learning Greek, but there were a number of sections that I found difficult to follow.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

enlightening and educational as well as devotional.

[David Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my new devotional. I like it!