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Greek for the Rest of Us
You don't have to be a Greek student to understand biblical Greek. If you'd love to learn Greek so you can study your Bible better, but you can't spare two years for college or seminary courses, then Greek for the Rest of Us is for you. Developed by renowned Greek teacher William Mounce, this revolutionary crash-course on 'baby Greek' will acquaint you with the essentials of the language and deepen your understanding of God's Word. You'll gain a sound knowledge of basic Greek, and you'll learn how to use tools that will add muscle to your Bible studies. In six sections, Greek for the Rest of Us will help you: - Recite the Greek alphabet - Read and pronounce Greek words - Learn the Greek noun and verbal system - Conduct Greek word studies - Decipher why translations are different - Read better commentaries Greek for the Rest of Us broadens your knowledge still further with an appendix on biblical Hebrew. It also includes a CD-ROM for your computer featuring the author's class lectures in audio, combined with text and overheads.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
99 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
William D. Mounce
28 books62 followersWilliam D. Mounce (PhD, Aberdeen University) lives as a writer in Camas, Washington. He is the Vice President of Educational Development at BibleGateway.com and the president of Biblical Training, a nonprofit organization offering the finest in evangelical teaching to the world. See BillMounce.com for more information. Formerly he was the preaching pastor at a church in Spokane, a professor of New Testament and director of the Greek program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a professor of New Testament at Azusa Pacific University. He is the author of the bestselling New Testament Greek resources, Basics of Biblical Greek, and served as the New Testament chair of the English Standard Version translation of the Bible.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 20, 2023
This book was probably not the most enjoyable book I’ve ever read, but it explains Bible study Greek well.
February 19, 2017
Have you ever wanted to learn Greek? A good number of Bible students and faithful church attenders have given a yes to this question. But these same people are often perplexed as to how they can actually learn Greek, Some may find themselves overwhelmed in a intorductory Greek class and conclude that it will have to always be “just Greek to me.”
Bill Mounce, perhaps more than anyone else, has made it his mission to make the study of biblical Greek accessible to everyone. Not content to be the author of the most widely used introductory Greek textbook ("Basics of Biblical Greek"), Mounce has provided a wonderful resource for those of a less scholastic bent with his excellent book "Greek for the Rest of Us: The Essentials of Biblical Greek". Now in its second edition, "Greek for the Rest of Us" is more useful than ever and comes complete with a host of online and additional resources to guide the reader into a greater understanding of biblical Greek.
Why study Greek?
Some may wonder why all the fuss about Greek. If the English of the King James Bible was good enough for the Apostle Paul, why do we need to study Greek? In all seriousness, why exactly should we bother with the study of Greek? Mounce sees at least five benefits from the study of biblical Greek:
"•making sense of the information that Bible software shows
•finding what the Greek words mean
•seeing the author’s flow of thought and his cental message
•understanding why translations are different
•reading good commentaries and using other biblical tools that make use of Greek" (p. viii)
Three books in one
Mounce’s plan of attack is to teach the reader just enough Greek for what they need. His book is divided into three sections which will teach the reader foundational Greek, church Greek, and finally functional Greek. Those making it through the entire book, with the online homework assignments, will actually cover the equivalent of two years of Greek. But many will not need that level of detail. Here is how Mounce delineates what each level of Greek will cover:
"•Foundational Greek teaches you enough Greek so you can use the Bible study software, understand a Strong’s Bible, and do Greek word studies.
•Church Greek teaches you more Greek so you can understand a reverse interlinear and use better reference works, especially commentaries.
•Functional Greek teaches you even more Greek so you can be comfortable working with a traditional interlinear and go even deeper into the best commentaries." (p. viii)
Greek on the bottom shelf
Mounce is a teacher extraordinaire. He has a gift in bringing concepts down to the bottom shelf where anyone can understand them. Illustrations, charts, pictures and examples abound. In everything he stays very practical and helpful. The layout of the book is easy to read and clear. He gives sample entries in Greek dictionaries that are recommended for those in foundational Greek. He provides screenshots from a variety of Bible software programs (some accessible freely online) and explains how to use them. And he covers interlinears and references a host of Greek tools that would be a benefit for those aiming to keep their Greek.
One of the best features of this book is his development of phrasing. He shows how to break down a passage of Scripture into meaningful phrases and examine how they are strung together in the text. As the level of Greek understanding grows, he returns again and again to the phrasing model adding more and more to the exegetical strategy he is teaching. Finally he provides a wonderful group of semantic tags for the functional Greek student to use in selecting which relationships different phrases have to each other in a given text. This method has immediate relevancy for Bible teachers, students and pastors.
Helpful cautions for the budding scholar
Along the way, Mounce offers careful cautions to those just stumbling into the stimulating world of Greek. He reins in the tendency to find meaning in a word’s etymology and make too much of word studies divorced from the actual context of a given passage. He also provides some helpful thoughts as he begins to expand on verb tenses:
"[After covering this material,] does this mean you can look at a verb and decide for yourself what its nuance is? Probably not…. Does this mean you can argue with a commentary or translation based on your knowledge of Greek. Absolutely not. You just don’t know enough Greek…. Will you be able to see why translations are different and be able to follow the discussion in commentaries? Yes." (p. 126)
He also gives a thorough treatment of Bible translation differences and the differences between the different Greek text families (Byzantine manuscripts vs. Alexandrian, etc.). There again he cautions those who are not fluent in Greek from presuming to know more than they do when it comes to the realm of textual criticism. As a Bible translator himself, he explains how all Bible translations are interpretive by their very nature and highlights the difficulties inherent in translation. Even so, he does not recommend dynamic translations for serious Bible study (p. 268).
Mounce also details what to look for and how to use good Bible commentaries. In short, Mounce doesn’t leave you with Greek on the brain, but brings you to where you can apply the Greek you have in ongoing Bible study.
Evaluation
This book is the most helpful introduction to Greek I’ve seen. It can be used for a wide variety of contexts, and would make a perfect resource for a church-led Bible institute class. It would allow some to be exposed to Greek and give others the tools to pursue it at a greater level. There is also a nice laminated resource sheet with declensions and common vocabularly words that is available along with this title and would make a great learning aid suitable for such an institude class.
The book would also serve well as a reference tool in its own right for those trying to remember some Greek fact which has been muddied by the passage of time. There are online tools and even vidoe sessions that go along with the book, making it ideal for personal study, and it could even work for a homeschooling family aiming to introduce biblical Greek to their children.
One point to bring out here, is that this book will highlight differences in BIble translations and while it doesn’t answer every question raised, his explanation does favor the modern scholarly consensus favoring the Alexandrian texts. It can still be used with great benefit by those favoring a Majority text view, in my opinion, however. There may be various points where one may disagree with Mounce’s approach, but in the whole he is to be thanked for giving the church such a useful resource.
Disclaimer: this book was provided by Zondervan. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
Bill Mounce, perhaps more than anyone else, has made it his mission to make the study of biblical Greek accessible to everyone. Not content to be the author of the most widely used introductory Greek textbook ("Basics of Biblical Greek"), Mounce has provided a wonderful resource for those of a less scholastic bent with his excellent book "Greek for the Rest of Us: The Essentials of Biblical Greek". Now in its second edition, "Greek for the Rest of Us" is more useful than ever and comes complete with a host of online and additional resources to guide the reader into a greater understanding of biblical Greek.
Why study Greek?
Some may wonder why all the fuss about Greek. If the English of the King James Bible was good enough for the Apostle Paul, why do we need to study Greek? In all seriousness, why exactly should we bother with the study of Greek? Mounce sees at least five benefits from the study of biblical Greek:
"•making sense of the information that Bible software shows
•finding what the Greek words mean
•seeing the author’s flow of thought and his cental message
•understanding why translations are different
•reading good commentaries and using other biblical tools that make use of Greek" (p. viii)
Three books in one
Mounce’s plan of attack is to teach the reader just enough Greek for what they need. His book is divided into three sections which will teach the reader foundational Greek, church Greek, and finally functional Greek. Those making it through the entire book, with the online homework assignments, will actually cover the equivalent of two years of Greek. But many will not need that level of detail. Here is how Mounce delineates what each level of Greek will cover:
"•Foundational Greek teaches you enough Greek so you can use the Bible study software, understand a Strong’s Bible, and do Greek word studies.
•Church Greek teaches you more Greek so you can understand a reverse interlinear and use better reference works, especially commentaries.
•Functional Greek teaches you even more Greek so you can be comfortable working with a traditional interlinear and go even deeper into the best commentaries." (p. viii)
Greek on the bottom shelf
Mounce is a teacher extraordinaire. He has a gift in bringing concepts down to the bottom shelf where anyone can understand them. Illustrations, charts, pictures and examples abound. In everything he stays very practical and helpful. The layout of the book is easy to read and clear. He gives sample entries in Greek dictionaries that are recommended for those in foundational Greek. He provides screenshots from a variety of Bible software programs (some accessible freely online) and explains how to use them. And he covers interlinears and references a host of Greek tools that would be a benefit for those aiming to keep their Greek.
One of the best features of this book is his development of phrasing. He shows how to break down a passage of Scripture into meaningful phrases and examine how they are strung together in the text. As the level of Greek understanding grows, he returns again and again to the phrasing model adding more and more to the exegetical strategy he is teaching. Finally he provides a wonderful group of semantic tags for the functional Greek student to use in selecting which relationships different phrases have to each other in a given text. This method has immediate relevancy for Bible teachers, students and pastors.
Helpful cautions for the budding scholar
Along the way, Mounce offers careful cautions to those just stumbling into the stimulating world of Greek. He reins in the tendency to find meaning in a word’s etymology and make too much of word studies divorced from the actual context of a given passage. He also provides some helpful thoughts as he begins to expand on verb tenses:
"[After covering this material,] does this mean you can look at a verb and decide for yourself what its nuance is? Probably not…. Does this mean you can argue with a commentary or translation based on your knowledge of Greek. Absolutely not. You just don’t know enough Greek…. Will you be able to see why translations are different and be able to follow the discussion in commentaries? Yes." (p. 126)
He also gives a thorough treatment of Bible translation differences and the differences between the different Greek text families (Byzantine manuscripts vs. Alexandrian, etc.). There again he cautions those who are not fluent in Greek from presuming to know more than they do when it comes to the realm of textual criticism. As a Bible translator himself, he explains how all Bible translations are interpretive by their very nature and highlights the difficulties inherent in translation. Even so, he does not recommend dynamic translations for serious Bible study (p. 268).
Mounce also details what to look for and how to use good Bible commentaries. In short, Mounce doesn’t leave you with Greek on the brain, but brings you to where you can apply the Greek you have in ongoing Bible study.
Evaluation
This book is the most helpful introduction to Greek I’ve seen. It can be used for a wide variety of contexts, and would make a perfect resource for a church-led Bible institute class. It would allow some to be exposed to Greek and give others the tools to pursue it at a greater level. There is also a nice laminated resource sheet with declensions and common vocabularly words that is available along with this title and would make a great learning aid suitable for such an institude class.
The book would also serve well as a reference tool in its own right for those trying to remember some Greek fact which has been muddied by the passage of time. There are online tools and even vidoe sessions that go along with the book, making it ideal for personal study, and it could even work for a homeschooling family aiming to introduce biblical Greek to their children.
One point to bring out here, is that this book will highlight differences in BIble translations and while it doesn’t answer every question raised, his explanation does favor the modern scholarly consensus favoring the Alexandrian texts. It can still be used with great benefit by those favoring a Majority text view, in my opinion, however. There may be various points where one may disagree with Mounce’s approach, but in the whole he is to be thanked for giving the church such a useful resource.
Disclaimer: this book was provided by Zondervan. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
October 3, 2022
I hugely appreciate Bill Mounce. His lectures are always of the highest quality, but for some reason, I really struggle with his written teaching style. Something isn't clicking for me...but that might be a "me" issue rather than a Mounce issue! I much preferred his Basics of Biblical Greek textbook, which, ironically, felt much simpler!
February 19, 2013
Great book for those that don't have time to learn Greek. Gives you all the grammer without having to learn the vocab. This allows you to effectively use an interlineary NT....and other tools to go deeper into the Greek behind the English, or Hindi :-)
February 21, 2025
Having read other works by Mounce and enjoyed his methodical and well-paced walkthrough of biblical languages with an audience who understood the need to care about the subject, I had some good confidence that this book would match his previous books. This is the case here. If you've read or gone through Mounce's probably more well-known book on the subject Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar this is going to be familiar and is in the same vein. Where that one is a focus on the grammar, Greek For the Rest of Us is a focus on the grammar as well as the syntax. Just as a note, I did read this in conjunction with a weekly church study that was using this book along with class activity and the use of Logos software to give an understanding of Greek in a more than surface-level undertaking and utilizing the Bible software to do a good amount of work for you as well. So individual results may vary.
Mounce starts off with the basics such as letters and Greek words to memorize are at the end of most chapters. Then the push to understand English grammar that will help the reader of non-native Greek understand the concepts of what will be talked about throughout the book. So, this study suddenly becomes a chest-clenching double study as you curse the government schools that failed to impress upon you your own language. Where Mounce's previous book had a chapter dedicated to that, this book has almost introduction chapters of English language to set the stage for the Greek of that same type. Mounce also sprinkles in Concordance software (as he has a controlling interest in that software) but the use of some type of Bible software capable of assisting with the learning is very helpful.
The layout in the chapters are methodical and well-laid out. The use of a sub-numbering system to make going back through easier for reference. This section does a good job of showing biblical examples and here's where I would say is a negative of the book. While an example is given, it is usually a simple one and a few more examples showing different appearances of the syntax in question would have been really helpful to almost triangulate you into what you may be missing or helping find a relationship between the examples and your understanding of the section. Also, there are times where a concept is defined and the example is given, it may have been helpful to add a line or two going over the example and really driving home the point to help the reader understand the concept. Here are there, there are grammar and syntax concepts that need to be looked up if you don't understand it, and some circling back to previous points or definitions would have been helpful.
This isn't a book you'll be able to read passively and be good overall. Going through examples and making this a study will be the most beneficial use of this resource and your time. Having the benefit of struggling with a group and being dedicated was a huge benefit to me. I also had the benefit of a teacher who was far enough along in seminary and knew Greek well enough to develop the curriculum around the use of this book. So the recommendation and grade should be understood in light of that interaction with the book. Final Grade - B
Mounce starts off with the basics such as letters and Greek words to memorize are at the end of most chapters. Then the push to understand English grammar that will help the reader of non-native Greek understand the concepts of what will be talked about throughout the book. So, this study suddenly becomes a chest-clenching double study as you curse the government schools that failed to impress upon you your own language. Where Mounce's previous book had a chapter dedicated to that, this book has almost introduction chapters of English language to set the stage for the Greek of that same type. Mounce also sprinkles in Concordance software (as he has a controlling interest in that software) but the use of some type of Bible software capable of assisting with the learning is very helpful.
The layout in the chapters are methodical and well-laid out. The use of a sub-numbering system to make going back through easier for reference. This section does a good job of showing biblical examples and here's where I would say is a negative of the book. While an example is given, it is usually a simple one and a few more examples showing different appearances of the syntax in question would have been really helpful to almost triangulate you into what you may be missing or helping find a relationship between the examples and your understanding of the section. Also, there are times where a concept is defined and the example is given, it may have been helpful to add a line or two going over the example and really driving home the point to help the reader understand the concept. Here are there, there are grammar and syntax concepts that need to be looked up if you don't understand it, and some circling back to previous points or definitions would have been helpful.
This isn't a book you'll be able to read passively and be good overall. Going through examples and making this a study will be the most beneficial use of this resource and your time. Having the benefit of struggling with a group and being dedicated was a huge benefit to me. I also had the benefit of a teacher who was far enough along in seminary and knew Greek well enough to develop the curriculum around the use of this book. So the recommendation and grade should be understood in light of that interaction with the book. Final Grade - B
September 30, 2020
This is what Mounce calls a “baby Greek” course. The object is to teach enough Greek to enable the average Christian to be a much better interpreter of Scripture and to understand the scholarly commentaries. The main difference between baby Greek and a regular first year Greek class is the baby Greek approach doesn’t require the memorization of the word endings or vocabulary. In fact, the only memorization required is in chapter one where he tells you to memorize the Greek alphabet.
I recommend this book very highly. Mounce is an outstanding Greek scholar and Bible commentator, and in this book he covers not only the basics of Greek, but also the basics of hermeneutics and a great introduction to the best tools available. And the best part about the book is no reading is required! Mounce’s lectures are all on a CD ROM that comes with the book. If all you do is listen through the lectures and do the exercises, you will profit immensely. If you follow the pace in the book, you will finish in six weeks.
I recommend this book very highly. Mounce is an outstanding Greek scholar and Bible commentator, and in this book he covers not only the basics of Greek, but also the basics of hermeneutics and a great introduction to the best tools available. And the best part about the book is no reading is required! Mounce’s lectures are all on a CD ROM that comes with the book. If all you do is listen through the lectures and do the exercises, you will profit immensely. If you follow the pace in the book, you will finish in six weeks.
November 13, 2021
This book was my introduction to the Greek language of the New Testament. It is not hyperbole for me that this was life altering. I never thought I would be able to understand the original languages of the Bible, but Mounce’s work helped me overcome that mental barrier.
Now don’t get me wrong, you will not be able to sit down with the Textus Receptus and read it as if it were English. But you will be equipped to read more advanced NT commentaries and understand word studies if you have them footnotes in your study Bible. Also, if you are dogmatic about a particular translation of the Bible, be prepared for convincing knowledge that will alter your opinion!
I can’t rate this book highly enough.
Now don’t get me wrong, you will not be able to sit down with the Textus Receptus and read it as if it were English. But you will be equipped to read more advanced NT commentaries and understand word studies if you have them footnotes in your study Bible. Also, if you are dogmatic about a particular translation of the Bible, be prepared for convincing knowledge that will alter your opinion!
I can’t rate this book highly enough.
December 24, 2019
I would give 6 stars if I could. If you’d like to understand what it means to interpret the Bible properly, why we have different translations, or gain a basic understanding of the original language of the New Testament, READ THIS! I am BIG on proper interpretive methodology, and this would be my top recommendation for how to interpret correctly, followed by “Grasping God’s Word” by Scott Duvall (I believe that’s the correct author).
December 8, 2018
A useful tool for those who want to know just enough Greek to go deeper in their Bible studies but don’t have time to really learn the language. His appendix in Hebrew was helpful as well.
Read
March 2, 2020Read this one previously but started it again 3.1.20
Read
December 16, 2020Para trad.
May 18, 2009
This is a really neat book. The idea is that you don't have to master biblical Greek in order to be able to use Greek tools. It does a great job of introducing you to Greek grammar, teaching you how Greek differs from English, and showing how those differences become important to exegesis of the New Testament. Mounce also spends time discussing why the various English translations differ, such as differences in translation philosophy, ambiguity in the original Greek, and availability or choice of source manuscripts. There is a fascinating chapter on the history of Biblical manuscripts and translations. He's also really good about making sure you understand the limits of your Greek knowledge, and often warns of the dangers of becoming over-confident in your knowledge.
He also recommends a lot of specific books and software tools. Perhaps even more helpful, he warns against a lot of resources either because they're not good quality or because they're too advanced for non-scholars. While I haven't bought any of the commentaries, concordances, or software tools he recommends, I do own another book by him called An Interlinear for the Rest of Us. He calls it a "reverse" interlinear, since it lists the English (NIV) at the top and then rearranges the Greek to fit the English word order. It then has the original Greek at the bottom of the page in case you want to see it that way.
Overall, it was a somewhat dry but highly informative read. It was really fun learning to read Greek: I felt like a 1st grader again trying to sound out words for the first time. I haven't really put my new knowledge to use yet, but I look forward to the opportunity. I'd definitely recommend it.
απολαμβάνετε!
He also recommends a lot of specific books and software tools. Perhaps even more helpful, he warns against a lot of resources either because they're not good quality or because they're too advanced for non-scholars. While I haven't bought any of the commentaries, concordances, or software tools he recommends, I do own another book by him called An Interlinear for the Rest of Us. He calls it a "reverse" interlinear, since it lists the English (NIV) at the top and then rearranges the Greek to fit the English word order. It then has the original Greek at the bottom of the page in case you want to see it that way.
Overall, it was a somewhat dry but highly informative read. It was really fun learning to read Greek: I felt like a 1st grader again trying to sound out words for the first time. I haven't really put my new knowledge to use yet, but I look forward to the opportunity. I'd definitely recommend it.
απολαμβάνετε!
November 25, 2014
Mounce does a great job at presenting the "baby Greek" to you in a way that is challenging yet not overwhelming. Truth be told, I was overwhelmed when I first began this book, and there are certainly things that I could have a better grasp on, but after memorizing the Greek alphabet and characters, their transliteration values and pronunciation keys, and understanding the rough and smooth breathing marks and grace, acute, and circumflex accent marks, I know can successfully read Greek, even if I have no idea what I'm reading. A noble step indeed. Mounce also taught us English grammar as an overview so we could better understand Greek grammar. Basic concepts I now have a grasp on such as words in their lexical forms, and what that means, verbs and how their inflections and what that means, and nouns and adjectives and their declensions (nominative, accusative, dative, genetive, and vocative) and what that means. Although I can't inflect words myself, and am still learning basic vocabulary, which is difficult, I at least understand the concept, and can use tools such as an interlinear and and lexicon to aid my exegesis thus far. Looking forward to learning more Greek as the months progress!
November 19, 2019
This book was mainly focused on supplying readers with a basic understanding of Biblical Greek— at least enough to understand tools such as interlinears, commentaries, and other Bible study helps.
This would be a great book for someone with little to no understanding of Biblical Greek, that is seeking to attain the things I listed above.
Also, if one were to read this book I would suggest doing it in either a group-study or classroom setting— as opposed to reading on one’s own. It is designed in such a way that it would be hard to do it on your own, unless you use all of Mounce’s DVD’s and online content— which might make it a lot easier.
This would be a great book for someone with little to no understanding of Biblical Greek, that is seeking to attain the things I listed above.
Also, if one were to read this book I would suggest doing it in either a group-study or classroom setting— as opposed to reading on one’s own. It is designed in such a way that it would be hard to do it on your own, unless you use all of Mounce’s DVD’s and online content— which might make it a lot easier.
August 5, 2010
I will be studying Greek also, along with the Hebrew and the book seems also like it will be a good why to learn this language for the purpose of knowing the New Testament better in content when studying the Bible.
I will re-write the review, but as I said the idea is to get as much as possible to its original language even though you may not become fluent there will be some words in the scripture you study that will stay with you for a long time.
I also bought a CD to listen to they do not match exactly but they both have the basics.
I will re-write the review, but as I said the idea is to get as much as possible to its original language even though you may not become fluent there will be some words in the scripture you study that will stay with you for a long time.
I also bought a CD to listen to they do not match exactly but they both have the basics.
September 17, 2025
Parts of this will be too elementary for me, so I thought. Then earlier today while reading in the Gospel of Mark, I came across a word and couldn't remember where the letter it begins with is in the Greek alphabet. So, I had to look it up. This means a refresher going back to the elements will be good for me.
My 2025 goal: read from the New Testament daily. I have been looking at the Gospel being read in the Catholic Mass each day. I look up words in one of several lexica I own, and I avail of great online tools such as at https://greekbible.com/mark/3
My 2025 goal: read from the New Testament daily. I have been looking at the Gospel being read in the Catholic Mass each day. I look up words in one of several lexica I own, and I avail of great online tools such as at https://greekbible.com/mark/3
June 14, 2012
Mounce does an excellent job explaining the issues of translation, textual criticism, and exegesis (along with a smattering of New Testament Greek) to novices in the field. This is a great volume for anyone who loves and respects the Bible enough to get beyond the religious bandwagon and into the light of the texts. Also, it is an excellent stepping stone for a more thorough of study of Greek to follow if that is something the reader is interested in.
August 31, 2014
Nice discussions of conjunctions and other elements of morphology for the non-specialist!
August 8, 2011
Sheesh.
February 4, 2017
Great resource for learning enough koine greek to understand biblical commentaries.
November 20, 2021
There are too many misspellings.
December 12, 2021
Used this to teach Greek at our institute. It was ok.
April 29, 2023
Excellent reference guide for beginners in Greek (such as myself)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews