Going Deeper with New Testament Greek: An Intermediate Study of the Grammar and Syntax of the New Testament

by Andreas J. Köstenberger

From their decades of combined teaching experience, Andreas J. Köstenberger, Benjamin L. Merkle, and Robert L. Plummer have produced an ideal resource enabling students to improve their skills so they may properly read, exegete, and apply the Greek New Testament. Designed for those with a basic knowledge of Greek, Going Deeper with New Testament Greek is a user-friendly textbook for intermediate Greek courses at the college or seminary level.
 
In fifteen chapters, students learn Greek grammar and how to interpret the New Testament in a way that is accessible—and even fun. Also included are chapters on the Greek language and textual criticism, verbal aspect, sentence diagramming and discourse analysis, word studies, and continuing with Greek.
 
Unique features include:
Practical examples illustrating how knowing the content of a given chapter can guide proper interpretation of Scripture. Practice sentences and vocabulary lists, including all the words that occur fifteen times or more in the New Testament. Selected texts from every New Testament author for students to translate along with detailed reading notes to guide interpretation of each text. Summary charts to help students review material, serving as a handy study guide and quick reference tool.

Genres: New Testament, Linguistics, Christian, Language, Theology, Biblical Studies, Reference

560 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

Reviews

[Chase Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I now know the Greek New Testament perfectly

[Nathan Leopard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid intermediate Greek grammar. Much more manageable than I remember Wallace being. Not sure how helpful it would be to most people disconnected from a classroom setting (I read it disconnected from a class setting). At times it felt like I would have really benefited from a professor or even a video lecture.

[Ander Blowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Intermediate Greek Textbook. I self studied through it all and loved it. They make it very clear with many examples in each section and then match the reading with the topics you learned in the chapter. I would highly recommend for anyone especially for those self-studying Greek.

[Tori Whitacre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

[Mike Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid book to go deeper with Greek syntactical observations. This book excels in giving the various categories for each semantic use of nouns, verbs, etc. In each case, they keep the categories broad enough where students aren’t memorizing dozens of use cases.

My problems with the book mostly stem from practical things. Their practice examples often rely on more advanced/rare vocabulary, which means students coming from a beginning Greek course cannot wrestle with the examples in the original language, relying on the provided translation. The book itself provides no answer key to the practice exercises, forcing someone to go online to find the answers. A summary index/chart of all syntactical categories would have been nice (again, only found on the website).

[Jon Chin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my textbook for Intermediate Greek (3rd Semester of Greek in my seminary)

This book has helped my understanding especially in the use cases for the Greek article, Nominative, Genitive, Dative, and Accusative use cases.

While the formatting of each chapter remains well-done, some chapters (especially on Verbs) may be too heavy to cover on a weekly basis. The abundance of use cases, the "Aktionsart ", was slightly overwhelming but with the help of your lecturer, you should be able to work through all uses cases in a digest-able manner.

We did not reach the last 2 chapters on particles and diagramming.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some typesetting and other editorial issues. Otherwise a helpful text. The "Reading the New Testament" sections were particularly helpful.

[Lance Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulls some of the best from all the other intermediate Greek books out there. Probably not as in-depth as some would like.

[Rex Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just great. It is so helpfully laid out for the student. I'll reference this book again and again!

[Kevin Godinho · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It was not for empty fame or childish pleasure that in my youth I grasped at the polite literature of the ancients, and by late hours gained some slight mastery of Greek and Latin. It has been my cherished wish to cleanse the Lord's temple of barbarous ignorance, and to adorn it with treasures brought from afar, such as may kindle in hearts a warm love for the Scriptures."

- Erasmus (1466-1536)

"Do I understand Greek and Hebrew? Otherwise, how can I undertake, as every Minister does, not only to explain books which are written therein but to defend them against all opponents? Am I not at the mercy of everyone who does understand, or even pretends to understand, the original? For which way can I confute his pretense? Do I understand the language of the Old Testament? critically? at all? Can I read into English one of David's Psalms, or even the first chapter of Genesis? Do I understand the language of the New Testament? Am I a critical master of it? Have I enough of it even to read into English the first chapter of St. Luke? If not, how many years did I spend at school? How many at the University? And what was I doing all those years? Ought not shame to cover my face?"

- John Wesley (1703-1791)

"The more a theologian detaches himself from the basic Hebrew and Greek text of Holy Scripture, the more he detaches himself from real theology! And real theology is the foundation of a fruitful and blessed ministry."

- Heinrich Bitzer (1900-1980)

[Michael Harshman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intermediate academic book on New Testament Greek is aimed toward an audience that has already done the basics at Greek including common vocabulary, foundational principles of syntax and have done some translating of New Testament Scriptures. It really is written more toward the college or seminar students in a sequential manner that actually makes this book fun to follow along. The authors do an excellent job of laying out the purpose of each chapter, providing examples and practice with sentences and vocabulary. But to be honest, I really liked how they did a "Built-In Reader" as they call it where they take a section of Scripture and break it down for the student to work on translation. I really appreciate how they took so many resources and combined them into a single book that really will take your Greek understanding to the next level. The chart (separate purchase) is a very nice 6-page laminated folded "cheat sheet" if you will and is keyed off of the book - it covers the syntactical categories covered in the book and also information about NT textual criticism and more. Together, these two items are invaluable to anyone wanting to go to the next level with their Greek. Highly recommended. I received a copy of this book and chart in exchange for my honest review.

[Nicholas Meriwether · Rating 5 out of 5]

As far as intermediate Greek grammars go, I find this one exceptional. It is balanced and well-researched in matters within the field (like a great section on verbal aspect), and covers a wide breadth of the specific functions of parts of speech within New Testament Greek. Perhaps the most exceptional feature of this book is its pedagogical value. It is readable (no guarantee in the world of grammars), and the summary charts at the end of each chapter are worth the price of the book alone (especially the participle chart). This was my grammar in my second year of New Testament Greek, and it really help make the language click in my head, cementing important grammatical concepts for years to come.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read the whole book, but the hour I have spent within its pages has been very helpful in understanding koine Greek. Köstenberger, Merkle, and Plummer have added a helpful tool to the Greek grammar toolbox. Their summary charts and information at the end of each chapter are very helpful. The authors also write in a manner that flows and is easy to follow. The final chapter is particularly helpful because it suggests many practical applications for becoming a life-long Greek student (Merkle and Plummer’s book Greek for Life elaborates on some of these suggestions).

[Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily my favorite Greek textbook/resource I’ve used to date. It’s extremely student-friendly: comprehensive without being overwhelming; ends every chapter with practice exercises, vocab lists, and an exegesis of a GNT passage; and is often downright ENJOYABLE to read. The authors’ exhibit a pastoral focus, regularly showing where the rubber meets the road and how the study of the Greek text directly impacts one’s life and ministry. Highly recommended for pastors and Greek students.

[Simon Wartanian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent grammar, very accessible, and understandable. The authors are clear on the definition of terms and employ web addresses and many other grammarians to help. The wealth of resources available at www.DeeperGreek.com is a testimony to the passion the authors have for God's Word and Greek.

I especially loved the "Reading the New Testament" sections and the chapter summaries provided in tables.

[Cole Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not someone who reads textbooks for fun and I would not have read this one if it was not required for my class. Yet, I very much enjoyed reading it and found the exercises helpful and engaging. The last 3 chapters were also very helpful as I look forward towards a lifetime of continued learning and reading in the Greek New Testament.

[Kevin O’Connor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Plummer is my greek Prof so I am probably biased. That being said, this book is well written and gives lots of examples for each of the grammatical and syntactical concepts it discusses. This was our textbook for our Greek Syntax and Exegesis class (a.k.a. Intermediate Greek).

[Bledar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one reference material that you absolutely need in your Greek studies. While other studies focus on the morphology (study of words and forms), this source looks more into syntax (the use of those words in sentences). This is a resource to which I will return often.

[Dustin Witmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely my favorite intermediate Greek textbook. This is one of the few books that is actually readable straight through. Wallace’s GGBB is a goldmine for sure, but books like that are more of a reference. This is the first intermediate grammar I would recommend anybody.

[Peter Sontag · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a good continuation after the beginning Greek textbook. It gets you to the place where you can translate 1 John and the Gospel of John which is really encouraging. I wish there was more on diagramming the epistles and the longer teachings of Jesus which helps for sermon prep.

[Jay Budzilowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great textbook

[Jackson Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid intermediate Greek grammar. Much more enjoyable to read than Wallace's book, though certainly less comprehensive.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super helpful book for learning Greek. It was easy to read and helped in understanding the greek New Testament better.

[Logan Prettyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is only for those familiar with the basics of Koine Greek, but deeply insightful and practical in reading the NT in its original language.

[Dane Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this textbook, it was concise and also had great charts at the end of the chapters that could be referenced at any time.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very helpful resource that was easy to understand.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this textbook to be more accessible than Daniel Wallace's textbook. I've used it to create my own intermediate Greek Grammar need-to-know sheet.

[Bobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for NT Greek professors and students. My full thoughts can be read here: https://theophileobobby.wordpress.com...

[MR S C RAWSON · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but it was challenging! Particularly enjoyed the scripture readings and notes. Quite hard going through all the uses of the various cases.

[Shane Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

2022 reads: 10

Rating: 4.5 stars.

Fantastic resource.