Discourse Grammar Of the Greek New Testament: A Practical Introduction for Teaching and Exegesis

by Steven E. Runge

In Discourse Grammar of the Greek New Testament , Steve Runge introduces a function-based approach to language, exploring New Testament Greek grammatical conventions based upon the discourse functions they accomplish. Runge's approach has less to do with the specifics of language and more to do with how humans are wired to process it. The approach is cross-linguistic. Runge looks at how all languages operate before he focuses on Greek. He examines linguistics in general to simplify the analytical process and explain how and why we communicate as we do, leading to a more accurate description of the Greek text. The approach is also function-based--meaning that Runge gives primary attention to describing the tasks accomplished by each discourse feature. This volume does not reinvent previous grammars or supplant previous work on the New Testament. Instead, Runge reviews, clarifies, and provides a unified description of each of the discourse features. That makes it useful for beginning Greek students, pastors, and teachers, as well as for advanced New Testament scholars looking for a volume which synthesizes the varied sub-disciplines of New Testament discourse analysis. With examples taken straight from the Lexham Discourse Greek New Testament , this volume helps readers discover a great deal about what the text of the New Testament communicates, filling a large gap in New Testament scholarship. Each of the 18 chapters * An introduction and overview for each discourse function
* A conventional explanation of that function in easy-to-understand language
* A complete discourse explanation
* Numerous examples of how that particular discourse function is used in the Greek New Testament
* A section of application
* Dozens of examples, taken straight from the Lexham Discourse Greek New Testament
* Careful research, with citation to both Greek grammars and linguistic literature
* Suggested reading list for continued learning and additional research

Genres: Biblical Studies, Linguistics, Reference, Language, Theology

404 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runge applies the discipline of discourse analysis to the study of the syntax of Koine Greek. His primary axiom is that "choice implies meaning." There are insights in this book that shift the interpretation of nuances in New Testament Greek, and some insights that add a whole new level to understanding the text. An excellent companion to Wallace's Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics.

[Kristi Mast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never read an entire Greek grammar before, but I was expecting it to be a whole lot more boring than this one was. Runge is very sensible, and rather than merely systemizing and categorizing everything, he thinks about it in terms of the role it plays in discourse. Very helpful.

[Kyle Grindberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

By no means fun.

[Tommi Karjalainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Runge's main point seems to be to argue against those who say that variations in the text are simply "stylistic." Runge's method underscores that nothing happens for stylistic reasons (he does not talk about poems at all). He argues instead that the breaking of the expected rules serve a rhetorical function of drawing attention to the central element(s).

The absolutely best feature of this book is that it opens the eyes of the reader to pay more close attention to the marked features in the text. By markedness Runge means the already emphatic and central features in the text, which have been marked out as such by ways of atypical structuring etc. Runge makes sure that he bores the reader by emphasizing over and over that "markedness" does not create emphasis, it simply draws attention to it.

Best part: Reading texts and noticing the markedness does not require adopting either the DA method or the language.

But Runge seems to think it is all or nothing. I was not always convinced about the cash value of the DA explanation compared to the traditional explanations. These two were unnecessarily juxtaposed; at least the structuring suggests that "once grammarians thought this, but now we offer a corrective." ———By "we" I refer to the fact that Runge's work shows enormous indebtedness to Levinsohn Discourse Features of New Testament Greek: A Coursebook on the Information Structure of New Testament Greek, 2nd Edition, which he does not try to hide.

One of the biggest hindrances for adopting the DA as a method of exegesis is the new technical language with symbols and everything. Runge introduces new term "left-dislocation," and lists the various terms other scholars have defined the same feature/phenomenon:

1) cleft construction
2) hanging nominative
3) pendent nominative (/nominative pendens)
4) casus pendens
5) independent nominative
6) ... And Runge now adds one more ... (287)

The reading experience was quite fast, Runge writes clearly but the text is slightly repetitive and has too many examples to my liking. These were probably intentional devices to really drive home the point, because the book has two audiences: those experienced in Greek and those either just starting or those who have learned Greek back in the day but have forgotten most. I recommend this book to the first audience but not sure if to the second group because of all the technicalities required.

Note. This opinion comes from someone who has learned Greek by using several different textbooks in two different languages, and who is therefore sick to new terminology.

[Bledar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book for those who are heart-fainted. For many years I have kept hearing about "Discourse Analysis" in Biblical Studies. It was about time to read a book on it.

Runge deals with "discourse" showing Greek Grammar devices that serve to point forward to the information, structure the information, or highlight themes. As you work through it, be mindful that it takes time to process it and needs to keep your Greek close.

I need to go back to it again.

[Tyler Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for any seeking to develop past a second year understanding on NT Greek. Runge is a treasure trove lying in wait.

[Samuel Parkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a grammar, this book was both delightfully easy to read and surprisingly useful. Even after a few chapters, my Greek reading felt like it had popped into 3D.
It may be thick, and it may deploy a range of (often unecessary) new terminology and symbology, but it is clear. It takes the surprising features of Greek and explains them clear, logical terms that make sense of the usage from within the language.
This is a total contrast compared to most intermediate grammars. Take, for instance, Wallace's work on Syntax: it multiplies category upon category and term upon term, and these categories often have nothing to do with the actual syntax and are actually descriptions of the ways in which they might be translated into English.
Not so here. Every feature is a real feature of the Greek language itself. And not only the purpose of each form, but the clear and logical reason behind its use, is explained. Language does not often seem rational. Here, it does. And the result is that it is easy to grasp, to remember, and to see as you read.
It's certainly not a substitute for other intermediate grammars, as it does something quite different. But it is very good, and much more accessible than most. Highly recommended!

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important work, this book! However, I think it is more meaningful for those of us who have cut our teeth w/ Wallace et al. So much of Runge's approach is to show how he differs from the traditional approach. I wonder how newer students not as familiar w/ Wallace and others will react or appreciate this book.

[Martijn Vsho · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, Runge applies linguistics to the Greek New Testament. Many NT Greek theories and methodologies suffer from any serious connection to the field of linguistics. They are often flawed because the scholars have only a rudimentary grasp of linguistics. Runge, however, has studied linguistics and uses principles from the field to understand the Greek NT.
Specifically, this book is about discourse analysis, which looks at the way authors choose words and structure their sentences in order to communicate and create meaning. While other grammarians focus on what words mean, Runge focuses on what the words do. For example, what exactly do conjunctions like και, δε, ουν, αλλά, etc. do? Why would authors choose to use these over others?
Runge's overall argument is based around the principle that choice implies meaning. That is, authors choose to express themselves in certain ways and not in other ways and these choices have meaning. For example, the choice to use a participle rather than a finite verb communicates something. In using discourse devices, authors choose to attract extra attention to certain part of the discourse, whether that is marking them as prominent or showing contrast. Runge's book helps readers understand these choices and how they affect meaning.
Runge covers many different discourse devices, each of which creates prominence or contrast. Each chapter begins with a broader explanation from the field of linguistics followed by its application to NT Greek. Runge then gives several examples from the NT to show the reader how they can identify the discourse features and understand how they affect the discourse. Those examples are one of the greatest strengths of his book. It is immensely helpful to see Runge apply his principles to the text in order to bring out its meaning.
The topics Runge covers are: conjunctions (chapter 2), forward-pointing references (chapter 3), point/counterpoint sets (chapter 4), metacomments (chapter 5), historical present (chapter 6), redundant quotative frame (chapter 7), tail-head linkage (chapter 8), information structure (chapter 9), framing devices (chapter 10 and 11), circumstantial frames (chapter 12), emphasis (chapter 13), left-dislocations (chapter 14), right-dislocation (chapter 15), thematic addition (chapter 16), changed reference (chapter 17), and near-far distinction (chapter 18).
Some of the best chapters were chapter 2 (which helps the reader understand how conjunctions function), chapter 6 (which gives an explanation for why an author would use a historical present), chapter 9 (which discusses word order), and chapter 12 (which discusses how the location of an anarthrous participles affects its pragmatic effect).
Unfortunately, the book feels repetitive at times since a lot of the discourse devices share the same function of marking prominence. It feels like Runge is hitting the same note over and over again. However, this just shows the variety of options an author had to mark prominence and create contrast. This is more the reality of language rather than a fault of Runge.
Overall a great book and a must read for any serious Greek student. It is important that we know not just the translation gloss but also the function of these words and how they add meaning to the discourse.

[Matthew Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think what Runge has provided here challenged how I engage with scripture. So often, it's easy to get caught up in word choices, word studies, and verbal forms. Runge takes a step back, considering the discourse at large. Through framing, syntax, discourse markers, conjunctions, and a whole host of other techniques, he charts a way to consider how the author has shaped discourse to make a more assertive, persuasive, or mysterious prose. The result is a comprehensive understanding of how each point is embellished, countered, and developed. I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with this technique. The book is not an easy read, and is mainly a reference guide given the numerous examples listed for each kind of technique, but it will be an essential reference for future textual study

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, introductory, and laid out well. An excellent resource for those who have completed a year of Greek. Pairs well with Wallace and gives helpful summaries of recent developments in Greek studies.

Reading this book makes me abundantly thankful for the era of exegesis in which we labor. What a privilege to have such precise linguistic tools at our disposal for analyzing the original text of the inspired Word of our Creator and Savior.

[Adam Chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent treatment of the Greek in the New Testament with numerous examples. It demonstrates how to recognize grammatical features used by the biblical authors to highlight themes within the text. A great resource for someone studying Koine at an intermediate level.

[Nolan Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. Runge expertly demonstrates how the field of discourse analysis enriches New Testament exegesis. Should be required reading in Greek exegesis courses. Has added so much to my understanding of the text, especially the letters of Paul.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very readable for a book on discourse grammar. A good introduction to the subject and reference work for Greek students of various levels.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the BEST. It is so enlightening and helps you to understand Greek in amazing ways that you never knew existed. Everyone who does Greek or likes learning languages should read this book.

[Benjamin Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

pretty technical, cool book though

[Jeff Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The concepts introduced and explained in this book on discourse grammar are invaluable to see the use of various devices (forward-pointing devices, information structuring devices, and thematic
highlighting devices) to understand the authorial intent.

The result of Dr. Runge's serious studies which are found in this book provides me with a fresh look at the NT. I will never look at the conjunctions as I did before. Choice implies meaning. Indeed, the Scripture is God-breathed and ministers will find this book a very important contribution to see its value beauty, and authority that demands serious attention to its every word.

Even after reading it, this has been my go-to reference when thinking about NT discourse. The author used a lot of biblical examples so serious students of the NT should consider checking Dr. Runge's take on specific passages for discourse analysis. It's been my practice since I got my hand on this book. It's such a blessing!

[Ryan Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read for someone who enjoys grammar and linguistics. Though I've read through this book as a whole, it will be continually referenced while working with the text itself. I'd highly encourage anyone who is looking to go further in their exegetical capabilities. Knowing syntax is important. But, this goes further than just syntax and makes the exegete ask questions that seem to have been irrelevant before. Also, it makes one think through devices from a linguistic perspective. I highly encourage those who want to go deeper in their exegetical skills in the Greek New Testament, to read this discourse grammar.

[Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everyone is interested in reading a grammar of the Greek NT. I'm more interested than most, and even I found it dry at times. Overall, though, I got a lot of insights out of it that I would never have gotten otherwise.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although difficult in places, this book focuses on the way that different grammatical constructions affect the meaning of a passage. I found it very helpful, and it has helped me to read the text in new ways.

[Filip Sekkelsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite a fantastic book, Discourse Grammar helped me see beyond the syntax of Greek into the discourse features, making me think in a different way about the language. There are points at which I disagree with him, especially the chapter on tail-head linkage, but overall, he's done solid research. An added benefit is that I'm now able to read the LDGNT (Lexham Discourse Greek New Testament) and reap the benefits of this.