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The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek: Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming
Whether you're learning biblical Greek or using it, this is the reference tool to keep on hand. In a quick visual layout, it supplements textbooks to gives you immediate access
- GenresNonfiction
112 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2012
About the author
Douglas S. Huffman
35 books3 followersDouglas S. Huffman (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is Professor and Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University.
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December 31, 2014
The title aptly describes the book’s function—it is a guide, not an exhaustive reference. Huffman states that this book is “for second-year Greek students, pastors, teachers, and preachers,” “will not replace grammar and syntax textbooks,” “to be less cumbersome and more readily accessible” than “larger grammar and syntax books,” “presumes some of the basics of NT Greek,” and is “intended as a useful tool and ready reference.” There you have it—why this book was produced.
The book is broken down into three parts: 1) Greek Grammar Reminders, 2) Greek Syntax Summaries, and 3) Phrase Diagramming.
There is a lot to commend about this book. First, it’s concise, just as you would expect a “handy guide” to be (in contrast, for example, to Brill’s four-volume, 3,600+-page Handbook for the Study of the Historical Jesus, ringing in at a staggering $1,200). The Brill example was merely to highlight that when we hear terms like “handbook” or “guide,” most of the time we expect something compact, just what this book is. A “handy guide” must be useful. It must glean important information from other volumes and put it in a more accessible work and that’s exactly what you should expect from Huffman.
Second, and perhaps the primary draw of this book, there are helpful little hints here and there that help the reader recall/remember the function of a particular part of speech or a category into which some element of grammar falls. After all, it’s meant to help fairly new students of Greek recall and retain information they had previously studied. These are often found in standard grammars, but I was glad to see some of them here. For example, in the section dealing with the cases, Huffman provides alliterative descriptions associated with each case’s function.
Nominative – typically nominates the subject
Genitive – typically generates some description
Dative – typically names “to/for” whom an action is done, as in “dating”
Accusative – makes accusation about what the subject did
Vocative – vocalizes who being addressed
Admittedly, these are very simplified descriptions (and even I shortened what was in the book) and don’t draw out the nuances each case can embody, but again, this is a resource for review not advanced study.
Another feature that you don’t find in many Greek grammars is the section on diagramming. My first- and second-year Greek professors instilled the importance of diagramming in us (thankfully so–it’s a very useful exercise), so I can appreciate Huffman’s decision to include them here.
Third, this volume is portable. I didn’t realize it at first, but it’s virtually identical in terms of width and height of the standard editions of the Greek New Testament (NA28/UBS4). It’s like they were made for each other!
As you might expect, there are also charts and tables aplenty! What is a good book on Greek without the requisite tables and charts?!
Though I may only refer to this volume once in a while, I can still appreciate its usefulness. I remember one of the assignments I had for an advanced Greek class was to take Wallace’s advanced grammar and make a summary outline of it, every category and sub-category trimmed down to the essentials (I still have it). The reasoning was so that we would have a more accessible guide handy when working through a Greek text. It was a long and tedious assignment, but I used that condensed outline for some time after the class. This is essentially what Huffman has done, only not having drawn from a single source.
In sum, this is a wonderful little volume that should aid students who haven’t quite found their footing on the sometimes-treacherous terrain of Greek grammar. The book’s greatest strength (its conciseness) will likely be its greatest weakness for some; however, if one keeps in mind the purpose for which it was written, this little volume should serve many and serve them well.
The book is broken down into three parts: 1) Greek Grammar Reminders, 2) Greek Syntax Summaries, and 3) Phrase Diagramming.
There is a lot to commend about this book. First, it’s concise, just as you would expect a “handy guide” to be (in contrast, for example, to Brill’s four-volume, 3,600+-page Handbook for the Study of the Historical Jesus, ringing in at a staggering $1,200). The Brill example was merely to highlight that when we hear terms like “handbook” or “guide,” most of the time we expect something compact, just what this book is. A “handy guide” must be useful. It must glean important information from other volumes and put it in a more accessible work and that’s exactly what you should expect from Huffman.
Second, and perhaps the primary draw of this book, there are helpful little hints here and there that help the reader recall/remember the function of a particular part of speech or a category into which some element of grammar falls. After all, it’s meant to help fairly new students of Greek recall and retain information they had previously studied. These are often found in standard grammars, but I was glad to see some of them here. For example, in the section dealing with the cases, Huffman provides alliterative descriptions associated with each case’s function.
Nominative – typically nominates the subject
Genitive – typically generates some description
Dative – typically names “to/for” whom an action is done, as in “dating”
Accusative – makes accusation about what the subject did
Vocative – vocalizes who being addressed
Admittedly, these are very simplified descriptions (and even I shortened what was in the book) and don’t draw out the nuances each case can embody, but again, this is a resource for review not advanced study.
Another feature that you don’t find in many Greek grammars is the section on diagramming. My first- and second-year Greek professors instilled the importance of diagramming in us (thankfully so–it’s a very useful exercise), so I can appreciate Huffman’s decision to include them here.
Third, this volume is portable. I didn’t realize it at first, but it’s virtually identical in terms of width and height of the standard editions of the Greek New Testament (NA28/UBS4). It’s like they were made for each other!
As you might expect, there are also charts and tables aplenty! What is a good book on Greek without the requisite tables and charts?!
Though I may only refer to this volume once in a while, I can still appreciate its usefulness. I remember one of the assignments I had for an advanced Greek class was to take Wallace’s advanced grammar and make a summary outline of it, every category and sub-category trimmed down to the essentials (I still have it). The reasoning was so that we would have a more accessible guide handy when working through a Greek text. It was a long and tedious assignment, but I used that condensed outline for some time after the class. This is essentially what Huffman has done, only not having drawn from a single source.
In sum, this is a wonderful little volume that should aid students who haven’t quite found their footing on the sometimes-treacherous terrain of Greek grammar. The book’s greatest strength (its conciseness) will likely be its greatest weakness for some; however, if one keeps in mind the purpose for which it was written, this little volume should serve many and serve them well.
March 9, 2013
In the decade and a half since I began studying New Testament Greek, I’ve acquired numerous books and software-based resources to help me stay active in my language studies. A favorite of mine for many years has been Matthew S. Demoss’s Pocket Dictionary for the Study of New Testament Greek (IVP, 2001). While I’ll continue to keep Demoss’s book close at hand, it now has a new neighbor in the stack of key resources I keep at my desk. All that to say, I’m excited to add Douglas S. Huffman’s The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek (Kregel Academic, 2012) to my personal library.
While the book is brief at only 112 pages, don’t be fooled by it’s small size. It has a lot to offer. Huffman breaks the book into three parts. Part one is a refresher on all of things that are typically covered in a first year Greek Grammar (alphabet, breathing marks, nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.). Part two is a refresher on Greek syntax (case usage, article usage, and verb usage). Sections one and two of the book will be great for both review and as a reference. Where the book really shines is part three, which focuses on phrase diagramming. To be honest diagramming wasn’t my favorite part of Greek studies. However, the presentation of material in part three of the book is straight forward and practical with several detailed examples. I came away encouraged, thinking that maybe I can do this diagramming “stuff” after all.
Greek students, pastors, and even Greek professors will all find Huffman’s book to be quite useful as a quick reference for various elements of Greek grammar and syntax. First and second your Greek students should consider picking up a copy of the book to review in order to keep their Greek skills sharp over summer break. It would also make a great gift for the Greek-loving Bible college or seminary student in your life, who’s graduating this spring.
The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek is my new favorite Greek quick reference guide. It will occupy a special place on my desk for years to come. Highly recommended. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
About the Author:
Douglas S. Huffman is professor and chair of the Department of Biblical and Theological studies at Northwestern College in Minnesota. He is the coeditor of God Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents God.
Disclaimer:
This product was provided by Kregel Academic for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
While the book is brief at only 112 pages, don’t be fooled by it’s small size. It has a lot to offer. Huffman breaks the book into three parts. Part one is a refresher on all of things that are typically covered in a first year Greek Grammar (alphabet, breathing marks, nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.). Part two is a refresher on Greek syntax (case usage, article usage, and verb usage). Sections one and two of the book will be great for both review and as a reference. Where the book really shines is part three, which focuses on phrase diagramming. To be honest diagramming wasn’t my favorite part of Greek studies. However, the presentation of material in part three of the book is straight forward and practical with several detailed examples. I came away encouraged, thinking that maybe I can do this diagramming “stuff” after all.
Greek students, pastors, and even Greek professors will all find Huffman’s book to be quite useful as a quick reference for various elements of Greek grammar and syntax. First and second your Greek students should consider picking up a copy of the book to review in order to keep their Greek skills sharp over summer break. It would also make a great gift for the Greek-loving Bible college or seminary student in your life, who’s graduating this spring.
The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek is my new favorite Greek quick reference guide. It will occupy a special place on my desk for years to come. Highly recommended. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
About the Author:
Douglas S. Huffman is professor and chair of the Department of Biblical and Theological studies at Northwestern College in Minnesota. He is the coeditor of God Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents God.
Disclaimer:
This product was provided by Kregel Academic for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
February 10, 2020
A great tool that I'm certain I'll keep on hand and refer to often.
November 23, 2019
What a great little book and excellent resource for quick reference.
December 14, 2019
Great little book with some fresh explanations. My only criticism is that the orange ink is difficult to see in certain sections.
June 30, 2020
Helpful
February 15, 2024
Looking forward to using this as a resource in my studies as I continue to learn the language!
December 17, 2012
As anyone who has studied another language can attest to, having shorter versions of your grammar and syntax books can be a big help for translating. No one wants to have to lug around their big language books and flip through numerous pages to find a verb or noun translation chart on a page you cannot remember. Much less, having small sticky notes sticking out of the top pages of the book makes you look, well, nerdy – right?
For several years now linguists and grammarians of New Testament Greek have been producing short helpful summaries of the various paradigms students need to have memorized and be able to refer to quickly when translating. While most of these helps have come in the form of laminated charts (ranging from one to six connected sheets) Douglas Huffman has written a very helpful little book titled The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek: Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming. And handy it is!
Purpose
Huffman justifies the form and purpose of this book for several reasons. First, while it would be of help to beginning first year Greek students, the book is primarily and most helpful for second year students. Second, while in book form, the contents are mainly comprised of every chart one would need with a few explanatory remarks on the nature of nouns, verbs and those slippery (but important) prepositions. Third, given the contents of the book it is ideal for quick review in between semesters or before a final exam. This will also make it easier for pastors to keep up with their Greek right out school while adjusting to new ministry demands. No one intends to lose their Greek but it happens and this can certainly help prevent it. Fourth, the size of the book (5.1″ x 7.4″) makes it smaller than your Greek NT and thus not a hindrance to always keeping it with your Greek NT.
Contents
The book is divided into three sections: grammar reminders, syntax summaries and phrase diagramming helps. For the grammar reminders all of the first and second year memorization charts are contained. This includes the alphabet, liquid verb contracting rules, noun, adjective, pronoun and verb charts. For all of the grammar parts there is a brief definition of each. For instance, each of the parsing parts of a verb are defined as well as the six verb tenses. What is particularly helpful with the verb charts is that each principle part is color coded so students can separate and see them better on the chart. Further, peculiarities about different parts of speech are briefly noted such as the characteristics of second and third declension nouns.
For syntax summaries there are much fewer charts but more summary definitions. These include case endings (e.g., all 20 uses of the genitive), article and verb usages and the various conditional sentence structures. Along with most of the various syntactical uses of each grammatical part is part of all of a Greek verse in parenthesis to show as an example. The various uses of hoti and hina clauses are explained in chart form. Also, a very helpful yes and no answer chart is used to help with labeling the various participles.
Lastly, the phrase diagramming helps aid the student in diagramming a sentence or paragraph in order to see the flow of thought of the author. This aids not only in exegesis but also interpretation and finally preaching. Huffman focuses on phrase diagramming (as opposed to technical, semantic diagramming and arching) since it is more user friendly for pastors and produces the same results as other more technical forms. Huffman provides an eight step process with examples and charts to guide the student from choosing a passage to diagram to making an outline for a sermon or teaching lesson.
Conclusion
As one who really enjoys NT Greek (though I have not kept up with it as I should) I am very excited about this book! Reading through it reminded me of why I love NT Greek and so much that I learned came to the forefront of my memory. Though aimed more at second year students, I recommend this book for first year students as well. Get it early and use it often! You are sure to wear this book in with frequent use very quickly. This is the kind of book I am sure many teachers wish they could have made for their students and every student will wish they had years ago when they first started learning NT Greek. Hats off to Huffman for making a resource that will no doubt have timeless use for all NT Greek students!
NOTE: I received this book for free from Kregel and was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
For several years now linguists and grammarians of New Testament Greek have been producing short helpful summaries of the various paradigms students need to have memorized and be able to refer to quickly when translating. While most of these helps have come in the form of laminated charts (ranging from one to six connected sheets) Douglas Huffman has written a very helpful little book titled The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek: Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming. And handy it is!
Purpose
Huffman justifies the form and purpose of this book for several reasons. First, while it would be of help to beginning first year Greek students, the book is primarily and most helpful for second year students. Second, while in book form, the contents are mainly comprised of every chart one would need with a few explanatory remarks on the nature of nouns, verbs and those slippery (but important) prepositions. Third, given the contents of the book it is ideal for quick review in between semesters or before a final exam. This will also make it easier for pastors to keep up with their Greek right out school while adjusting to new ministry demands. No one intends to lose their Greek but it happens and this can certainly help prevent it. Fourth, the size of the book (5.1″ x 7.4″) makes it smaller than your Greek NT and thus not a hindrance to always keeping it with your Greek NT.
Contents
The book is divided into three sections: grammar reminders, syntax summaries and phrase diagramming helps. For the grammar reminders all of the first and second year memorization charts are contained. This includes the alphabet, liquid verb contracting rules, noun, adjective, pronoun and verb charts. For all of the grammar parts there is a brief definition of each. For instance, each of the parsing parts of a verb are defined as well as the six verb tenses. What is particularly helpful with the verb charts is that each principle part is color coded so students can separate and see them better on the chart. Further, peculiarities about different parts of speech are briefly noted such as the characteristics of second and third declension nouns.
For syntax summaries there are much fewer charts but more summary definitions. These include case endings (e.g., all 20 uses of the genitive), article and verb usages and the various conditional sentence structures. Along with most of the various syntactical uses of each grammatical part is part of all of a Greek verse in parenthesis to show as an example. The various uses of hoti and hina clauses are explained in chart form. Also, a very helpful yes and no answer chart is used to help with labeling the various participles.
Lastly, the phrase diagramming helps aid the student in diagramming a sentence or paragraph in order to see the flow of thought of the author. This aids not only in exegesis but also interpretation and finally preaching. Huffman focuses on phrase diagramming (as opposed to technical, semantic diagramming and arching) since it is more user friendly for pastors and produces the same results as other more technical forms. Huffman provides an eight step process with examples and charts to guide the student from choosing a passage to diagram to making an outline for a sermon or teaching lesson.
Conclusion
As one who really enjoys NT Greek (though I have not kept up with it as I should) I am very excited about this book! Reading through it reminded me of why I love NT Greek and so much that I learned came to the forefront of my memory. Though aimed more at second year students, I recommend this book for first year students as well. Get it early and use it often! You are sure to wear this book in with frequent use very quickly. This is the kind of book I am sure many teachers wish they could have made for their students and every student will wish they had years ago when they first started learning NT Greek. Hats off to Huffman for making a resource that will no doubt have timeless use for all NT Greek students!
NOTE: I received this book for free from Kregel and was under no obligation to provide a favorable review.
January 16, 2013
This is a book review of The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek:
Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming by Douglas S. Huffmann. Thanks to Kregel Academic for providing a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Handy Guide to New Testament Greek, Douglas Huffmann
I have often commented that a pastor/teacher can teach anything with a timeline, a map, an outline, and a chart/table. This book fits conveniently in the last two categories. It is filled with tables that make quick reference easy and readable. It is a book every post-first year Greek student and pastor should have “handy.”
Physical characteristics:
The physical dimensions match exactly the NA-27/28 editions as well as the UBS-4th edition. Thus, it can be easily stored and taken alongside the Greek New Testament for easy reference. This makes a convenient aid for pastors who want to maintain some fluency with NT Greek as well as seminary students.
The font and color combinations make for a readable book. The only possible change I could suggest refer to change the light color of the headings to be darker, specifically on pp. 54-58. The font is already different than the text font, and so the faint orange color of the headings are less than ideal. This is more problematic in low light situations and for those who have partial color blindness.
Part 1 Grammar:
The first 54 pages are tables of various forms for parts of grammar (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.). These are generally very concise summaries and good for review. The tables are clear, and cover what is necessary in a review of this kind.
When discussing prepositions, he includes only one table (p. 23), and that in reference only as prefixes for verbs. I think another table of common prepositions with multiple cases would have been helpful for review. Thus, the differences in meaning of δια with either genitive (“through” used of instrument, space, time, i.e. John 4:4) or accusative (“on account of” i.e., Matt. 24:9) and other prepositions could be summarized—an important aid for the students. In my experience, the confusion on preposition usage and translation continues even after the first year.
Part 2 Syntax:
The case reviews for nouns were comprehensive while still being concise. I liked the fact that he included at least one NT reference for each part of the discussion. Also, the genitive case tends to be the most flexible and least understood of the noun forms. He provides 20 different elements for better understanding the function and meaning of the genitive. Well done!
The section on verbs is thorough as well. The Introduction on pp. 61-63 is the best Tense introduction to verbs I have seen; good aid for students. The table on p. 62 concerning the three aspects (progressive, summary, stative) of verb usage is almost worth the price of the book itself as a teaching aid. I like the explanations of imperfect and aorist tense (pp. 64-65).
For Mood, the descriptions and examples continue to make this valuable. The discussion of Subjunctives, pp. 70-71, provides an excellent resource. The table on p. 69 is likewise crucial for review. The Participle presentation, pp. 75-79 is very helpful. The chart, Participle Usage Identification Guide, p. 80 , is excellent. It is the first time I have seen something that comprehensive put into one concise page.
Part 3: Diagramming
The diagramming of sentences in Greek is probably the least understood and used by first year students. I think that is because many have never had to diagram English sentences. Thus, the concept itself is almost foreign to our seminary students. Thankfully, this is the most detail oriented section of the entire book.
Huffmann has provided a valuable tool to accomplish the diagramming of Greek phrases/sentences. Not only does he describe the process, he shows completed examples, as a motivation for the student to continue to use this process in Bible study and sermon preparation.
Summary:
Douglas Huffmann offers a valuable tool for progressing students of Koine Greek. I have taught Greek several times over the past three decades and this would have been an important contribution toward the end of the first year. For continuing students of Greek and for pastors wishing to brush up and review Greek, this tool will be well worth your time and money.
Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming by Douglas S. Huffmann. Thanks to Kregel Academic for providing a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Handy Guide to New Testament Greek, Douglas Huffmann
I have often commented that a pastor/teacher can teach anything with a timeline, a map, an outline, and a chart/table. This book fits conveniently in the last two categories. It is filled with tables that make quick reference easy and readable. It is a book every post-first year Greek student and pastor should have “handy.”
Physical characteristics:
The physical dimensions match exactly the NA-27/28 editions as well as the UBS-4th edition. Thus, it can be easily stored and taken alongside the Greek New Testament for easy reference. This makes a convenient aid for pastors who want to maintain some fluency with NT Greek as well as seminary students.
The font and color combinations make for a readable book. The only possible change I could suggest refer to change the light color of the headings to be darker, specifically on pp. 54-58. The font is already different than the text font, and so the faint orange color of the headings are less than ideal. This is more problematic in low light situations and for those who have partial color blindness.
Part 1 Grammar:
The first 54 pages are tables of various forms for parts of grammar (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.). These are generally very concise summaries and good for review. The tables are clear, and cover what is necessary in a review of this kind.
When discussing prepositions, he includes only one table (p. 23), and that in reference only as prefixes for verbs. I think another table of common prepositions with multiple cases would have been helpful for review. Thus, the differences in meaning of δια with either genitive (“through” used of instrument, space, time, i.e. John 4:4) or accusative (“on account of” i.e., Matt. 24:9) and other prepositions could be summarized—an important aid for the students. In my experience, the confusion on preposition usage and translation continues even after the first year.
Part 2 Syntax:
The case reviews for nouns were comprehensive while still being concise. I liked the fact that he included at least one NT reference for each part of the discussion. Also, the genitive case tends to be the most flexible and least understood of the noun forms. He provides 20 different elements for better understanding the function and meaning of the genitive. Well done!
The section on verbs is thorough as well. The Introduction on pp. 61-63 is the best Tense introduction to verbs I have seen; good aid for students. The table on p. 62 concerning the three aspects (progressive, summary, stative) of verb usage is almost worth the price of the book itself as a teaching aid. I like the explanations of imperfect and aorist tense (pp. 64-65).
For Mood, the descriptions and examples continue to make this valuable. The discussion of Subjunctives, pp. 70-71, provides an excellent resource. The table on p. 69 is likewise crucial for review. The Participle presentation, pp. 75-79 is very helpful. The chart, Participle Usage Identification Guide, p. 80 , is excellent. It is the first time I have seen something that comprehensive put into one concise page.
Part 3: Diagramming
The diagramming of sentences in Greek is probably the least understood and used by first year students. I think that is because many have never had to diagram English sentences. Thus, the concept itself is almost foreign to our seminary students. Thankfully, this is the most detail oriented section of the entire book.
Huffmann has provided a valuable tool to accomplish the diagramming of Greek phrases/sentences. Not only does he describe the process, he shows completed examples, as a motivation for the student to continue to use this process in Bible study and sermon preparation.
Summary:
Douglas Huffmann offers a valuable tool for progressing students of Koine Greek. I have taught Greek several times over the past three decades and this would have been an important contribution toward the end of the first year. For continuing students of Greek and for pastors wishing to brush up and review Greek, this tool will be well worth your time and money.
December 16, 2012
“Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming”
Whether you're learning biblical Greek or using it, this is the reference tool to keep on hand. In a quick visual layout, it supplements textbooks to gives you immediate access to:
1. first-year Greek grammar
2. second-year Greek syntax
3. step-by-step phrase diagramming
Easy to carry and easy to use, The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek crystallizes the information you need to know for classes or enables you to develop a sermon or lesson outline from the Greek New Testament faster than you could from an English translation." (From the Kregel Academic Publications Website)
About the Author: “Editor Douglas S. Huffman is professor and chair of the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies at Northwestern College in Minnesota. He is the coeditor of God Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents God.” (From the Kregel Academic Publications Website).
My thoughts about the book: Well the saying, “It’s all Greek to me,” sure came to mind when I opened The Handy Guide to Greek New Testament and started reading and studying it. Okay, this is a solidly written book that provides incredibly invaluable and helpful information concerning the New Testament Greek language, however, for someone who does not even know or understand the Greek alphabet this book is probably not the best place to begin to try and understand the language.
Don’t get me wrong, this handy guide is worth its weight in gold when it comes to revealing essential information about the New Testament Greek Language especially for someone who is a student of the original language. The author provides numerous charts that are most helpful in understanding the grammar and syntax of the language. He also provides several references to particular words in the New Testament Scriptures so we the reader will understand how the word is used and what it means.
So, if you are into the Greek language and know the Greek Alphabet and are a student of the language itself but you would like an easy to read and understand guide to help you grow in your knowledge and use of the language, The Handy (operative word being “handy”), Guide To New Testament Greek is definitely the book for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications for the purpose of reviewing it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
Whether you're learning biblical Greek or using it, this is the reference tool to keep on hand. In a quick visual layout, it supplements textbooks to gives you immediate access to:
1. first-year Greek grammar
2. second-year Greek syntax
3. step-by-step phrase diagramming
Easy to carry and easy to use, The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek crystallizes the information you need to know for classes or enables you to develop a sermon or lesson outline from the Greek New Testament faster than you could from an English translation." (From the Kregel Academic Publications Website)
About the Author: “Editor Douglas S. Huffman is professor and chair of the Department of Biblical and Theological Studies at Northwestern College in Minnesota. He is the coeditor of God Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents God.” (From the Kregel Academic Publications Website).
My thoughts about the book: Well the saying, “It’s all Greek to me,” sure came to mind when I opened The Handy Guide to Greek New Testament and started reading and studying it. Okay, this is a solidly written book that provides incredibly invaluable and helpful information concerning the New Testament Greek language, however, for someone who does not even know or understand the Greek alphabet this book is probably not the best place to begin to try and understand the language.
Don’t get me wrong, this handy guide is worth its weight in gold when it comes to revealing essential information about the New Testament Greek Language especially for someone who is a student of the original language. The author provides numerous charts that are most helpful in understanding the grammar and syntax of the language. He also provides several references to particular words in the New Testament Scriptures so we the reader will understand how the word is used and what it means.
So, if you are into the Greek language and know the Greek Alphabet and are a student of the language itself but you would like an easy to read and understand guide to help you grow in your knowledge and use of the language, The Handy (operative word being “handy”), Guide To New Testament Greek is definitely the book for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications for the purpose of reviewing it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
February 19, 2017
It goes without saying that learning Greek can be daunting. And the only thing that gives ministerial students more nightmares than Greek is Biblical Hebrew! Whether one is currently immersed in the world of Koine (NT) Greek or if they are years removed from their time spent buried in Greek grammars and syntax books, they are sure to find this new book from Douglas Huffman a true God-send.
"The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek: Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming" (Kregel, 2012) is an accessible yet fairly comprehensive resource for the Greek student. And everything from its size and shape (designed to fit nicely next to a UBS4 or NA27/28 Greek NT) to its detailed discussion of phrase diagramming is geared to provide practical help for the average pastor as well as the up and coming Greek student.
I was impressed that it didn’t skip the basics — even covering the Greek alphabet for those of us who occasionally hit a mental block when we try to think Greek again! It provides declensions and grammatical rules, and a helpful listing of syntactical options for the various noun cases, verb qualities (tense, aspect, mood, etc.) and participles. It covers purpose clauses and conditional statements; reviews the prepositions and conjunctions; and it does all this in an incredibly useful format — making this the go-to resource for orienting yourself to the Greek text before eventually giving up and consulting the technical commentary or larger grammatical reference tool.
I most enjoyed the phrase diagramming how-to section, which discusses arcing and sentence diagramming before focusing on phrase diagramming and illustrating how helpful it can be for sermon and lesson preparation. The section on diagramming is worth the price of the book all on its own! The charts and diagrams which fill almost every page of this manual, are clear and crisp; and the explanations stay succinct enough to keep the handbook small and convenient in size.
You won’t be disappointed in picking up this reference tool. Even if you aren’t well versed in Greek, this tool can help you understand the options and make sense of some of the linguistic discussions in critical commentaries. This tool will find a place next to my reader’s Greek NT and will be my first place to turn when trying to work my way through the Greek text on my own.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Kregel Academic. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
"The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek: Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming" (Kregel, 2012) is an accessible yet fairly comprehensive resource for the Greek student. And everything from its size and shape (designed to fit nicely next to a UBS4 or NA27/28 Greek NT) to its detailed discussion of phrase diagramming is geared to provide practical help for the average pastor as well as the up and coming Greek student.
I was impressed that it didn’t skip the basics — even covering the Greek alphabet for those of us who occasionally hit a mental block when we try to think Greek again! It provides declensions and grammatical rules, and a helpful listing of syntactical options for the various noun cases, verb qualities (tense, aspect, mood, etc.) and participles. It covers purpose clauses and conditional statements; reviews the prepositions and conjunctions; and it does all this in an incredibly useful format — making this the go-to resource for orienting yourself to the Greek text before eventually giving up and consulting the technical commentary or larger grammatical reference tool.
I most enjoyed the phrase diagramming how-to section, which discusses arcing and sentence diagramming before focusing on phrase diagramming and illustrating how helpful it can be for sermon and lesson preparation. The section on diagramming is worth the price of the book all on its own! The charts and diagrams which fill almost every page of this manual, are clear and crisp; and the explanations stay succinct enough to keep the handbook small and convenient in size.
You won’t be disappointed in picking up this reference tool. Even if you aren’t well versed in Greek, this tool can help you understand the options and make sense of some of the linguistic discussions in critical commentaries. This tool will find a place next to my reader’s Greek NT and will be my first place to turn when trying to work my way through the Greek text on my own.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Kregel Academic. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
January 3, 2013
Practical. Helpful. Encouraging.
All these describe how I found Douglas Huffman's The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek: Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming. It's been a long time since I sat in a Greek class, either learning New Testament Greek for the first time, cramming a year's worth into 'suicide Greek' the summer before seminary classes began, or working through the various levels of Greek exegesis classes at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Oh how I wish Huffman's book would have been available then! It would have been a worn-out tool in my kit for all those classes.
Huffman makes Greek fun again. From humorous comments about learning first declension noun forms & rules all the way to diagramming Greek sentence structure, the author engages you. You're not intimidated or scared. The book is full of charts: noun charts, verb charts, participle charts. You name it, there's a chart for it! How easy is that?
This proves to be a great review aid, whether you're a second year student or a pastor who's quite rusty when it comes to NT Greek grammar. Huffman's guide is comprehensive (I'm not sure what he might have left out) yet concise (he's not wordy, nor does he need to be).
Perhaps, for this reviewer, the most helpful section was on the diagramming of sentences. I didn't ever get much of this in my training; nor did we do much with it, so therefore, I never really 'got it.' I would love to take a Greek course with Dr. Huffman and learn this method more thoroughly.
If you're taking Greek, entering second year Greek studies or a pastor in need of a quick review, this is your book. Get it and use it right away.
All these describe how I found Douglas Huffman's The Handy Guide to New Testament Greek: Grammar, Syntax, and Diagramming. It's been a long time since I sat in a Greek class, either learning New Testament Greek for the first time, cramming a year's worth into 'suicide Greek' the summer before seminary classes began, or working through the various levels of Greek exegesis classes at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Oh how I wish Huffman's book would have been available then! It would have been a worn-out tool in my kit for all those classes.
Huffman makes Greek fun again. From humorous comments about learning first declension noun forms & rules all the way to diagramming Greek sentence structure, the author engages you. You're not intimidated or scared. The book is full of charts: noun charts, verb charts, participle charts. You name it, there's a chart for it! How easy is that?
This proves to be a great review aid, whether you're a second year student or a pastor who's quite rusty when it comes to NT Greek grammar. Huffman's guide is comprehensive (I'm not sure what he might have left out) yet concise (he's not wordy, nor does he need to be).
Perhaps, for this reviewer, the most helpful section was on the diagramming of sentences. I didn't ever get much of this in my training; nor did we do much with it, so therefore, I never really 'got it.' I would love to take a Greek course with Dr. Huffman and learn this method more thoroughly.
If you're taking Greek, entering second year Greek studies or a pastor in need of a quick review, this is your book. Get it and use it right away.
December 23, 2012
In seminary one of my favorite classes was Greek. I enjoyed Greek because it challenged me to get further in the Word of God. In his new book New Testament Greek Grammar, Syntax and Diagramming Dr. Douglas S. Huffman writes not for the beginning Greek student but at the intermediate Greek student. This means this book is not intended for the general Christian audience, but for those who have some experience working formally or informally in the Greek language.
The best feature of this book is the structure of the book. The author breaks his book into three parts: grammar, syntax and phrase diagramming. The purpose of this book is to help beginning students gain more knowledge of the Greek language and review what they have already learned. This very handy book will help anyone who has had a little Greek and wants to keep it fresh. I highly recommend this book for students fresh out of seminary to retain what they learned in Greek. Pastors and teachers will want to have this volume at their side during their personal study and sermon preparation.
The best feature of this book is the structure of the book. The author breaks his book into three parts: grammar, syntax and phrase diagramming. The purpose of this book is to help beginning students gain more knowledge of the Greek language and review what they have already learned. This very handy book will help anyone who has had a little Greek and wants to keep it fresh. I highly recommend this book for students fresh out of seminary to retain what they learned in Greek. Pastors and teachers will want to have this volume at their side during their personal study and sermon preparation.
August 20, 2014
Wonderful, short, simple guide, yet it packs an amazing amount in. My only quibble is no lexicon and it's a skosh too big to actually fit in my pocket. Otherwise, great, especially since it gets into arcing a little bit. Highly recommended.
March 25, 2015
What a goldmine this is. This may be the most valuable tool in my Greek arsenal. This little book is portable, and full of excellent charts and descriptions of types and functions of various word categories. The book even has helpful tips on diagramming sentences. An amazing little tool.
August 2, 2014
Good to have resource for Greek students.
March 27, 2015
This book was beyond helpful during my Greek syntax class. Worth at least twice whatever I paid for it.
December 8, 2016
A helpful aid for those taking Greek Exegesis/Syntax.
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