Greek for Life: Strategies for Learning, Retaining, and Reviving New Testament Greek

by Benjamin L. Merkle, Robert L. Plummer, William D. Mounce (Foreword)

Learning Greek is one thing. Retaining it and using it in preaching, teaching, and ministry is another. In this volume, two master teachers with nearly forty years of combined teaching experience inspire readers to learn, retain, and use Greek for ministry, setting them on a lifelong journey of reading and loving the Greek New Testament.

Designed to accompany a beginning or intermediate Greek grammar, this book offers practical guidance, inspiration, and motivation; presents methods not usually covered in other textbooks; and surveys helpful resources for recovering Greek after a long period of disuse. It also includes devotional thoughts from the Greek New Testament. The book will benefit anyone who is taking (or has taken) a year of New Testament Greek.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Language, Biblical Studies, Reference, Nonfiction, Education

176 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2017

About the author

Benjamin L. Merkle (PhD, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament and Greek at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently graduated seminary and I want to stay in my languages. But, I want to be reasonable as well.

This was a helpful book. It has encouraged me to make a small and manageable plan to remain in the languages.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek teachers would do well to add this as a textbook to first year grammars.

[Jeremy Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredibly practical, surprisingly devotional. More than anything, I’m grateful for Plummer’s contagious joy in teaching and exhorting his readers/students to excel still more in their Greek studies.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone who wants to learn or to improve their knowledge of New Testament Greek. It is full of information and is very encouraging.

[Matias Rubin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It truly is a gift when a book is both insightful, practical, short, and captivating. Greek for Life is wonderfully brief while not compromising the its simple premise. Merkle and Plummer present practical strategies for how to learn greek better but also to retain it down the road.

I read this for fun and actually really enjoyed it. It should not only be read by seminarians but anyone interested in learning the biblical languages.

A Jewish Poet once said, "Reading the Bible is like kissing your new bride through a veil." Don't kiss your bride through a veil! Read the original languages (personally I still have not kissed the original languages without the veil. But this book has encouraged me to keep working towards it).

[Mitchell Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. Super practical, devotional, and inspiring. I want to commit 5-10 minutes in the Greek New Testament every day until the Lord takes me.

[Joshua Betcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A challenging but encouraging read for someone like me who has let my Greek study slowly disappear over the last 5 years of disuse

[Rafael Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful for both Greek and Hebrew. I sincerely wish I had read it since my first semester in the languages. Thankful I've read it now.

[Matt Pitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I could hardly put it down. The blend of encouragement, exhortation, and examples of others who have made Greek a priority was pitched perfect for me. The research they drew on about habits as well as the resources they recommended energized and excited me. I'm so glad I read it.

I entered elementary Greek with much excitement but finished my second year of Greek exhausted. Years after I completed my M. Div I still used Greek some but could not really read Greek. A few years ago a friend and long-time student of Greek helped me relearn Greek in preparation for a D. Min program and now I enjoy reading and translating Greek, but I know I still have so far to go. This book helped me discover resources to help maximize my time, encouraged me to consider practices and habits that will build more Greek reading and study into my life, and reignited that old passion to love and enjoy the Greek NT.

This book is great for anyone starting Greek, seeking to keep their Greek, grow in their knowledge of Greek, or recover their lost knowledge of Greek. All but the most advanced Greek readers will benefit (and even they might pick up an idea or two). The one thing I wish they had included that was missing was a few thoughts on how to preach from the text of the Greek NT. They never promised that, but its an area where I'm looking for instruction.

I can't say enough good things about this book. May many take up and read!

[Mike Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a motivator and a trainer. It motivates students, pastors, and Christians to love the language our New Testament was written in. It does that through many methods, but the primary one being a section in each chapter that shows the relevance of learning Greek.

It’s also a trainer. The authors are clearly well-versed in pedagogy and have widely read about memory and retention. They offer many, many practical tips and resources to keep your Greek fresh after you’ve learned it, or to help you recover it!

Should be required reading for every student who takes Greek.

[Josiah Schrodt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical exhortation to the one who is thinking about learning Greek, to the one currently learning Greek, or to the one who needs to relearn it!

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

"As we value the gospel, let us zealously hold to the languages." -Martin Luther

Full of great advice and convicting quotes. Recommended for any who have the desire to learn Greek (which should be the majority of Christians). But be warned, you may enter with a desire and leave with a conviction.

[Jon Chin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. I am currently a first year seminary student learning Greek for the first time, this is a required reading.

There are 8 chapters in this book and everyone of them has something to do with time management. Hence, the application of this book can be summarized in 2 points:
1. Be diligent: small but consistent amounts (daily) of reading Greek goes a long way
2. Manage your time well: plan your daily schedule, eliminate time wasters, optimize "deep work" and practice/reading opportunities (that also involves planning ahead to ensure you always have a reason to practice/read Greek)

I am currently not a full-time pastor of a church and hence the busy-ness of life has not affected my ability to spend large chunks of time to studying the Bible in the original languages and exegetically. For those in my position, take the pointers in this book as a forewarning and preempt to the realities of being a full-time preacher/Word minister. May God's grace be ever sufficient to sustain us, quicken our faith, and deepen our love for Him and for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

[Rohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun find as a gift for a friend to keep up their greek (and luckily the library had a copy so I can read it too!)

My favourite bit? Each chapter ended with a mini devotional on how Greek helps us understand a NT passage better. Excellent!

Loved the practical suggestions
- the present middle paradigm can be memorised with this phrase, "Oh my! Eh! A tie! A methodist has on a tie!")
- Promise someone "If I waste time on the internet today, I will give you $5"
- Boys do better with competition, so make Greek competitive (without denigrating "losers")
And his humour (e.g. If you have a holiday house in Hawaii, email me for a transaction. Free Greek Tutoring for a week at your holiday house!)

My only caveat is that it did seem to denigrate/ (even demonise?) non-Greek students (so only read if you've done Greek already for a bit!)

Also, my Greek professor probably would prefer me just get on and read Greek rather than reading an English book about reading Greek!

[Nickolas Wingholt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really unique companion to my first year Greek grammar. It focuses on methods for consistency and retention, but it's surprisingly devotional - with an eye towards keeping a passion for Greek exegesis alive beyond the seminary. Lots of sticky quotes and stirring testimonials. There were parts where I felt like I wasn't learning a ton of new information, but Merkle and Plummer's pastoral heart for Greek students really shines through despite the slow bits. 1st time read. 3/5.

[Josh Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having finished seminary and hoping to keep up my Greek, this book was a delightful read that lays out manageable and practical ways to keep up the language that you learned.

I have been so motivated by the reading that I have worked reading my Greek New Testament into my daily routine. I would definitely recommend for those who are looking to keep their Greek for life!

[Chase Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Plummer is truly the sweetest man on planet earth. A heart for the Greek New Testament and for those that want to learn to read it. I wish everyone could be in his class just to see his contagious spirit and love for his students. This review turning into a classroom evaluation😭

[FORCED2WIPE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful and encouraging for the student of Greek, the author's love for the language and the texts in question is evident throughout.

I expect the principles presented in this book would also be of use in learning any language.

[Michael Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief, empathetic, inspiring, and full of practical tips. I loved this book! It got me back into Greek—and might just change my life!

[Colin Fast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of helpful tips and tricks (and quotes) to encourage a lifetime in the Greek NT (and a final chapter on getting back into it, much needed on my end!).

[Nathan Pettit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really solid book.

For Greek students, this book gives direction, motivation, practicality, and purpose to learning Koine Greek.

For non-Greek students, there are helpful concepts for memorization, time-management, and the like. So even if you aren’t studying New Testament Greek, it is still worth a read!

[Alex Lopez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid. More encouraging than enlightening.

[Andrew Krom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful! This will motivate you to continue (or get back into) study of Biblical greek.

[Jake Auton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit, I was convicted and I have already changed my habits. In just one year since my undergraduate degree, I lost a lot of my knowledge. Having gained a lot of it back, I am not spending time every day reading the Greek New Testament to keep it. This habit is very enriching and forcing myself to study every word helps me wring every bit of truth out of God's Word!

[Tim Michiemo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.4 Stars

Good, practical, pastoral encouragement in the discipline of learning Biblical Greek. Merkle and Plummer are both talented teachers of Biblical Greek and understand the hindrances to this task, and the practices that will set a person up for success for the rest of their life. Could not highly recommend this book more!

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because my Greek has become very rusty over the years. I recently took a class in reading Philippians in Greek and realized how much I have lost over the years. I needed some encouragement and some ideas on how to get it back and made my Greek muscles stronger. This book did that for me.

Chapter 1 lays the foundation of keeping the end in sight. If we do not realize the reason we do things, we will not find them very useful. We will not continue to learn and study if we cannot see how it helps us in ministry and knowing the Word.

Chapter 2 challenges you to lay aside the proper time to learn to read Greek and to regularly read the Greek New Testament. Time management plays into this so much. The author points out that technology can be used for good or for evil, to distract us or to help us. We need to become focused on eternal things of the things that matter most to God. There is a further insert by William Mounce that shows there are words that do not have English equivalents.

In Chapter 3, The writer tells you that reviewing what you have learned is crucial. He offers four tips on how to study the material. There are helpful tips on how to study and what time to study. You cannot over-review. The war review you do the better you will know the Greek language and be able to sight read the text.

Chapter 4 is about how to use your memory effectively to learn and remember Greek. The author gives information about the memory and how powerful it is. Then he offers six ways to make your memory more effective for using Greek.

Chapter 5 tells you to use Greek daily to improve your ability to read, comprehend, and get the most out of it. The author gives recommendations on what books of the New Testament to read. He discusses three methods for how to read the Greek text from the most information and help given to the least. He also talks about what to do while you read. He talks about memorization of the English translation while looking at Greek.

In chapter 6, the author admonishes you to use resources wisely. There are a lot of goals out there, especially Bible software and so many other ways to learn and practice greed. But these can also make you weaker in your great knowledge and abilities. The author suggests you use them sparingly only as necessary.

Chapter 7 is entitled, “Don’t Waste Your Breaks.” This chapter is geared more towards seminary and Bible college students. But anyone who is trying to keep their Greek can benefit from the suggestions. He discusses the importance of having accountability, having a plan to keep your Greek, having realistic goals, reading for enjoyment, using competition to keep your Greek, and become a part of a Greek reading community. There are some great ideas in here for anyone who wants to keep up with Greek.

In Chapter 8, the authors talk about how to get your Greek back if you have lost it. They offer many testimonials of people who have lost it but gotten it back. It’s a very encouraging chapter 2 end the book. They give some final ideas on how to take the time in the effort to get your Greek back and retain it.

I really enjoyed reading the devotional thoughts at the end of the chapters. It reminds me of the reason I’m learning and remembering the biblical languages. There were so many thoughtful ideas on how to relearn, retain, and remember Greek and always keeping your goal of reading God’s Word in the forefront. I recommend this book to anyone who needs a refresher and encouragement to read the New Testament in Greek and gain the benefits of doing so.

[Fr. Thomas Sandberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to own for those who are either beginning their journey in Greek, have completed formal Greek schooling, and even for those who have lost what they once knew. For those who don't know, one of the authors is Dr. Robert Plummer, the man behind The Daily Dose of Greek (which I suggest highly (except for the Erasmian pronunciation)).

Full of ideas, strategies, and anecdotes, one can't help but be encouraged in one's quest for Koine Greek acquisition. The book also has little boxed-quotes scattered along the text, and though these are Protestants, as far as what is quoted is related to the Greek texts of Scripture, the quotes are great and if anything that is said should make those Orthodox who decry the study of original languages blush with embarrassment.

I reccomend this book to all who thirst for the words of God and wish to meet them face-to-face rather than via "kissing the bride through a veil," as I read recently; and especially for those few Orthodox Christians who love Koine Greek. The Church in modern times has placed such an emphasis on the vernacular. At the same time instead of translating from the Orthodox Greek New Testament into the speech of the people, we've been using Protestant English translations. Translated from the non-Orthodox critical text(s) of the Greek New Testament and Jewish Old Testament (the Orthodox Old Testament, for all Orthodox, is the Greek LXX, not the Jewish religion's Hebrew text), these are inappropriate for Orthodox Christians.

I'll conclude this review in two ways:
1.) For all: if you fall into any of the categories above, get this book.
2.) For Orthodox Christians: Keep in mind Question 1 from the "Confession of Dositheus" (Synod of Jerusalem, 1672), "Ought the Divine Scriptures to be read in the vulgar tongue by all Christians? No. For that all Scripture is divinely-inspired and profitable {cf. 2 Timothy 3:16} we know, and is of such necessity, that without the same it is impossible to be Orthodox at all. Nevertheless they should not be read by all, but only by those who with fitting research have inquired into the deep things of the Spirit, and who know in what manner the Divine Scriptures ought to be searched, and taught, and in fine read. But to such as are not so exercised, or who cannot distinguish, or who understand only literally, or in any other way contrary to Orthodoxy what is contained in the Scriptures, the Catholic Church, as knowing by experience the mischief arising therefrom, forbiddeth the reading of the same. So that it is permitted to every Orthodox to hear indeed the Scriptures, that he may believe with the heart unto righteousness, and confess with the mouth unto salvation; {Romans 10:10} but to read some parts of the Scriptures, and especially of the Old [Testament], is forbidden for the aforesaid reasons and others of the like sort. For it is the same thing thus to prohibit persons not exercised thereto reading all the Sacred Scriptures, as to require infants to abstain from strong meats." Keeping the aforementioned in mind, now recall Josephus' struggle, "...I have also taken a great deal of pains to obtain the learning of the Greeks, and understand the elements of the Greek language, although I have so long accustomed myself to speak our own tongue, that I cannot pronounce Greek with sufficient exactness; for our nation does not encourage those that learn the languages of many nations...." (Antiquities of the Jews 20,11.2). Unfortunately, our "nation" doesn't as well.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek for Life: Strategies for Learning, Retaining, and Reviving New Testament Greek by Benjamin L. Merkle and Robert L. Plummer is undoubtedly one of the most practically useful and pedagogically engaging resources for students of the Greek New Testament in a number of years. Merkle and Plummer are informative, witty, and knowledgeable—with nearly forty years of combined teaching experience—and readers will benefit immensely as they engage the helpful tips provided in this volume.

Greek for Life is narrowly focused on providing readers (both students and teachers) concrete strategies for learning, retaining, and reviving New Testament Greek. Merkle and Plummer have separated Greek for Life into eight succinct chapters: (1) keep the end in sight, (2) got to the ant, you sluggard, (3) review, review, review, (4) use your memory effectively, (5) use Greek daily, (6) use resources wisely, (7) don’t waste your breaks, and (8) how to get it back. The content of each is chapter is somewhat self-explanatory from the chapter title, thus the scope of the volume should be evident. The overall tone of the books is similar to sitting down with a mentor. Merkle and Plummer are gracious and empathetic to the struggles at hand but don’t shy away from the difficult feedback that the reader needs (i.e. the reason you’re losing your Greek could be because you spend too much time on Facebook or you’re not seeking accountability for your goal, etc.).

Depending on where a reader is located in the journey towards proficiency and understanding of New Testament Greek will ultimately determine the aspects of the book that are more favored. For example, those readers who have lost a significant amount of Greek since seminary will find great appreciation for the closing chapter as Plummer encourages you to get back on the tracks with practical advice and goal setting. Additionally, Merkle and Plummer have cleverly included a host of testimonials throughout the volume from those who have been there and done that. For the student coming off summer or winter break, Merkle and Plummer have provided motivation to brush off the rust and keep pressing towards the goal. Still, one of the most effective aspects of this book, and certainly the most encouraging is how it views New Testament Greek within the overall scope of life and ministry. For Merkle and Plummer, proficiency and understanding of New Testament Greek is not the end goal. It is instead a means to a much greater end, namely faithfulness to Jesus Christ in all areas of life.

Greek for Life: Strategies for Learning, Retaining, and Reviving New Testament Greek by Benjamin L. Merkle and Robert L. Plummer is refreshingly motivating. This is a book that provides both teachers and students something to look forward to engaging, and the spiritual benefit overflows as an added reward. If you are someone who somehow lost sight of why they began to study New Testament Greek in the first place, then Merkle and Plummer will get you back on track. The instruction and guidance will be received like seasoned advice from a scholar and friend. But, please be warned, the truth of your current situation can be difficult to stomach. It’s a good thing that Merkle and Plummer are there to assist. I couldn’t recommend it more strongly!

[Drake Hyman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Merkle & Plummer's Greek for Life is nothing short of encouraging. The authors understand that people have busy, frenetic lives full of changes, interruptions and distraction. They understand that many who try to learn a language like Greek become discouraged when they take or are forced to take a break from it, thereby losing much of what they once knew. They have seen students who lose interest when their methods of study don't yield the fruit they hope for. They also understand that many people don't see how Greek can play a role in their devotional lives, viewing it as an esoteric endeavor reserved for commentators and scholars.

In addressing such people, Merkle & Plummer do a fine job of reminding us all that Greek is just a human language, and any can learn it with the right goals, tools and habits. This book is a short (~2-3 hour) read designed to reignite your interest in Greek if you've lost, or to point you in the right direction if you're studying Greek and afraid you'll lose it. I am in the second boat. Having studied other languages prior to Greek, I know how quickly "fluency" can leave you. Mastery requires daily diligence. Thankfully, as they remind us, English has more tools and books in existence for studying Greek than any other language in history. We have everything we need and then some, not just in terms of electronic and written tools, but communities and social groups that can aid in learning and make it fun.

Perhaps the most important lesson of this book is to develop good habits. Mastery of Greek, as with any other language, requires daily immersion. They instruct on how to develop good study habits, how to memorize using good methods and how to retain what you've learned. I recommend this to students like myself who are struggling to develop those good language habits. The biggest challenge, if I'm honest, is choosing to believe that I need Greek (or Hebrew for that matter) to be a habitual part of my life. I like to think I can study it whenever I'm asked to or whenever I feel like it, and that I'll retain the skill I've attained with it. That is a fool's game, and I like many others need to devote myself if I'm to retain all that I've learned and then use it for the benefit of God's church.

I recommend this book if you need some encouragement or motivation in your language study. (3/5)

[Jeff Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a year of classical Greek in College (Crosby and Schaeffer, Introduction to Greek), a three-week introduction to Koine Greek (Machen, New Testament Greek for Beginners) as the first class in seminary. I have tried over the years to retrieve and use what I learned for Bible study and sermons. I have benefited from good commentaries that provided useful linguistic, cultural, and exegetical information. But, I am in a time and place where I want to occupy my mind with the Greek New Testament and the Septuagint. I want more than a familiarity with the text. Is there a way to get going again, but also not flame out after three weeks?

For folks like me, Merkle and Plummer provide useful, practical advice with loads of antidotes. They address issues like time management, distractions (the Internet comes up A LOT), and how to memorize and to set patterns of study that lead to longevity. They list resources, paper and digital, that are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced learning. In the 139 pages of text, the authors address every excuse I could come up with for not restarting a systematic study of Koine Greek.

For the chapters on time management and distractions, the Internet does come up quite a bit. The Internet is a remarkable tool for communication and learning. Sadly, it can also be an enormous time sucker and waster. They recommend using software that limits use or reports on usage. If nothing else, to help you understand that you probably have more time than you realize. For the advice on memory work, they are advocates for learning in small batches: Smaller chunks of designated time; work on a smaller number of vocabulary words at a time; use associations as much as possible; work on fewer verses of text per day.

The Internet has opened up the potential for remote learning. Merkle and Plummer recommend a wide variety of digital resources. I subscribe to their dailydoseofgreek.com. It is a two minute explication of one Greek New Testament verse per day. Someone else in their Bible department is responsible for dailydoseofHebrew.com.

I strongly recommend Merkle and Plummer's little book for those interested in learning Greek. They make you believe that it is possible, no matter age or circumstance. Definitely a Good Read!