Greek for the Rest of UsI have finally finished reading the book I selected as my introduction for the Greek of the New Testament. Mounce’s book was more helpful than I expected, and my abilities in Greek have grown much more quickly than anticipated. If you are not familiar with it, Greek for the Rest of Us is written for those who wish to study the Bible with some depth, but don’t have the time or inclination to learn Greek. In my opinion this book meets it’s goal and is very approachable. If you have a desire to be able to study the Bible in more depth and use better resources then this is the book for you.

The book is broken down into six units designed to be covered over the course of six weeks. It arrived in the mail seven weeks ago, so I’d say that this is a pretty accurate way to break the material down. The book starts off with the Greek alphabet and then covers English grammar followed by a basic overview of Greek grammar. In addition, the use of bible study helps is covered, as this is the whole purpose of the book. Namely how to use electronic tools, concordances, lexicons, and commentaries, all from the perspective of having only a basic foundation in Greek. I admit that I already did most of the things recommended already, though this would be an excellent beginning for someone who is looking to get started for the first time.

I should point out that I purchased a paperback copy which does not come with the CD. At the time I couldn’t find the older hardback which includes the CD. If you click the image above it will link you to Eisenbrauns which currently has one hardback in stock. If you’d rather just use the paperback like I did, you can grab a copy from Amazon. Note that if you don’t get the hardback, the CD lectures are available for free online at the Biblical Training website. Last but not least, the book ends with an appendix that applies the same approach used with Greek but to the Hebrew language. It is a very brief exposure to the language and would help get you started in the right direction. I am holding off on learning Hebrew for now until I have made my way through a few Greek grammars and the Greek New testament first.

I noticed last month that Zondervan is publishing a companion to this volume later this summer, cleverly titled: Hebrew for the Rest of Us. I also forgot to mention that Mounce makes use of one of his other books (surprise) which is in the same series and which I have also found helpful called Interlinear for the Rest of Us. I’ll be starting my first Greek grammar just as soon as I finish my Essential English Grammar. I’m halfway through it now so I am guessing that I will start teaching myself Greek from a proper textbook this weekend.

[Update]

The copy at Eisenbrauns sold. There were two hardback copies on Amazon yesterday and there is only one left now. It looks like there is one affordable copy at Barnes & Noble as well.