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Rating: 
Summary: You won't learn to read greek...
Review: ...but you will learn enough to get to the bottom of things. His discussions of word studies are wonderful, his overview of different Bible translations is very good. The real prize here is the discussion of what he calls "phrasing" and how it relates to Bible Study as a whole, in English and in Greek. You'll learn what you need to use the really good Bible Study tools, in just a few weeks of "easy" work. (It's a six week course, you can do it in 3 or 4 if you give it a lot of time) I HIGHLY recommend reading and re-reading some chapters over again and maybe even viewing the CD-ROM lectures twice or so to really get the gist of what he's saying, especially about verbs. Slow down and take your time on this. It's worth it. I'm moving on to his "Basics of Bilblical Greek" next, because I do want to be able to read the Greek NT, but this book doesn't teach you that. It is, however, a fantastic overview of the words behind the Word. It's informative, entertaining, enlightening, and, if you can believe it, even devotional.
Rating:
Summary: Basic Greek in order to better understand the Bible
Review: Authoritatively and accessibly written by William D. Mounce (a professor of the New Testament at the University of Aberdeen), Greek For The Rest Of Us: Mastering Bible Study Without Mastering Biblical Languages is a straightforward guide to teaching oneself basic Greek in order to better understand the Bible, but without the necessity of investing many years and thousands of dollars in advanced college courses. Solid instructions for beginners in learning to recite the Greek alphabet, read basic words, comprehend the Greek noun and verbal systems, and more fill the pages of this excellent self-teaching resource which is especially commended to the non-specialist general reader seeking to better understand subtle differences in Scriptural translation. An accompanying CD-ROM features the author's class lectures in audio, with text and overheads.
Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: If you are just starting with greek, attempting to teach greek, or want to know if greek is for you this is the book. He taught through the book at a local church and my (then) 7 year old was able to grasp the major concepts. Very understandable format and he presents a very balanced view of translations and versions.
Rating:
Summary: great book
Review: If you are just starting with greek, attempting to teach greek, or want to know if greek is for you this is the book. He taught through the book at a local church and my (then) 7 year old was able to grasp the major concepts. Very understandable format and he presents a very balanced view of translations and versions.
Rating:
Summary: An Essential Resource for Pastors and Devoted Laypeople
Review: In college and seminary, there was always a battle between those that learned the Biblical languages (Hebrew & Greek), seeing them as essential for in-depth Bible study, and those who - for various reasons - chose not to learn the languages and simply work from English translations claiming that was all one needed. This book serves as an excellent meeting point for both groups. Let's face it, pastors - if you didn't go to school, or didn't learn the languages in school, or learned them and have forgotten them, it is almost impossible to learn them now that you are in full-time ministry. However, most of us would agree that knowing a little bit of the languages could only serve to improve our teaching and preaching! Well, this is the book for you. Dr. Mounce has put together an incredible resource in this little book, Greek for the Rest of Us. The subtitle says it all: "Mastering Bible Study Without Mastering Biblical Languages." Reading this book will not make you an expert in Greek - it's not designed for that. Instead, Mounce has put together a resource that allows you to learn enough Greek to enhance your Bible study, taking beyond where you are at now. More than that though, he also provides several chapters showing the practical application of knowing a little Greek. These consist of ... - "What are Translations?" A great chapter explaining the various thoughts and methods that go into a Bible translation. Here, all basic questions are answered, and you begin to learn why different translations use different words or phrases. The book equips you to help discern which is "best." - "Phrasing - An Introduction to our Bible Study Method" / "Fine-tuning Phrasing." These two chapters are worth the price of the book. In them, Mounce teaches you to breakdown passages of Scripture into basic phrases, knowing how they relate to one another. The result is a clear understanding of the author's train of thought - i.e. knowing the Bible better! If one can read, understand, and master the method in these two chapters, he or she will greatly improve his to her ability to teach God's Word. - "How to Use the Paper and Electronic Tools." Ever wonder what to do with all those concordances, dictionaries, and word study books? Mounce explains them along with a basic intro to the many software programs out there, helping you separate the wheat from the chaff, and learning how to utilize the many available resources out there. - "What Are Word Studies?" One of the best explanations of the procedure and profit (and limitations!) of words studies and how they can add to your sermon/lesson preparation. - "How to Read a Commentary." Mounce explains the differences in various kinds of commentaries and which will be best suited for you as a pastor (vs. you who are scholars!). He explains what commentaries can and cannot do, as well as when to listen and when to ignore what they say. The grammar portion of the book is put together in short, manageable bites, which make it easy for self-study. Liberally sprinkled throughout are little insights and applications by the author. There are also many interesting modern photos from places Paul visited and signs with modern Greek on them. Included with the book is a very helpful cd-rom that has a 10-15 min. summary lectures for each chapter as well as printable charts and overheads. I am a pastor who believes that at least some knowledge of the biblical languages is important for those called to shepherd God's flock, imparting his truth to his people. In order to understand the Bible at a depth that is required to pastor a church, some understanding of the Hebrew and Greek is essential. However, I am also a realist and know that few will take up the challenge of self-study (or seminary!) and learn "full Greek." For those that won't/can't, this book is essential reading. It will make you a better steward of the time you spend in your study and the pulpit, allowing you to serve and glorify God better!
Rating:
Summary: An Essential Resource for Pastors and Devoted Laypeople
Review: In college and seminary, there was always a battle between those that learned the Biblical languages (Hebrew & Greek), seeing them as essential for in-depth Bible study, and those who - for various reasons - chose not to learn the languages and simply work from English translations claiming that was all one needed. This book serves as an excellent meeting point for both groups. Let's face it, pastors - if you didn't go to school, or didn't learn the languages in school, or learned them and have forgotten them, it is almost impossible to learn them now that you are in full-time ministry. However, most of us would agree that knowing a little bit of the languages could only serve to improve our teaching and preaching! Well, this is the book for you. Dr. Mounce has put together an incredible resource in this little book, Greek for the Rest of Us. The subtitle says it all: "Mastering Bible Study Without Mastering Biblical Languages." Reading this book will not make you an expert in Greek - it's not designed for that. Instead, Mounce has put together a resource that allows you to learn enough Greek to enhance your Bible study, taking beyond where you are at now. More than that though, he also provides several chapters showing the practical application of knowing a little Greek. These consist of ... - "What are Translations?" A great chapter explaining the various thoughts and methods that go into a Bible translation. Here, all basic questions are answered, and you begin to learn why different translations use different words or phrases. The book equips you to help discern which is "best." - "Phrasing - An Introduction to our Bible Study Method" / "Fine-tuning Phrasing." These two chapters are worth the price of the book. In them, Mounce teaches you to breakdown passages of Scripture into basic phrases, knowing how they relate to one another. The result is a clear understanding of the author's train of thought - i.e. knowing the Bible better! If one can read, understand, and master the method in these two chapters, he or she will greatly improve his to her ability to teach God's Word. - "How to Use the Paper and Electronic Tools." Ever wonder what to do with all those concordances, dictionaries, and word study books? Mounce explains them along with a basic intro to the many software programs out there, helping you separate the wheat from the chaff, and learning how to utilize the many available resources out there. - "What Are Word Studies?" One of the best explanations of the procedure and profit (and limitations!) of words studies and how they can add to your sermon/lesson preparation. - "How to Read a Commentary." Mounce explains the differences in various kinds of commentaries and which will be best suited for you as a pastor (vs. you who are scholars!). He explains what commentaries can and cannot do, as well as when to listen and when to ignore what they say. The grammar portion of the book is put together in short, manageable bites, which make it easy for self-study. Liberally sprinkled throughout are little insights and applications by the author. There are also many interesting modern photos from places Paul visited and signs with modern Greek on them. Included with the book is a very helpful cd-rom that has a 10-15 min. summary lectures for each chapter as well as printable charts and overheads. I am a pastor who believes that at least some knowledge of the biblical languages is important for those called to shepherd God's flock, imparting his truth to his people. In order to understand the Bible at a depth that is required to pastor a church, some understanding of the Hebrew and Greek is essential. However, I am also a realist and know that few will take up the challenge of self-study (or seminary!) and learn "full Greek." For those that won't/can't, this book is essential reading. It will make you a better steward of the time you spend in your study and the pulpit, allowing you to serve and glorify God better!
Rating:
Summary: Biblical Greek exegesis for the non-scholar
Review: Is it possible to engage in an in-depth word study of a New Testament passage without mastering the Greek language? Author William Mounce would answer that question in the affirmative and in his book "Greek for the Rest of Us" he proves his point. Many people know that with an Interlinear translation and a good concordance, Biblical Greek dictionary or similar tools they can see all the possible meanings of a particular word. However, just knowing the meaning of a particular one is only part of the puzzle of good Biblical exegesis. You also have to understand Greek syntax. It can make a big difference in the meaning of a passage to know whether something is an active or passive verb, a dependent clause or an independent clause, and whether words like "man" is inclusive of mankind or just "men". There are a lot of things to know when trying to understand a passage and the definitions of the words is only a small part of it. The introductory material includes a section titled "What are translations?" that should be read by every serious student of the Bible. In it he points out the problems of translation, differences between literal and equivalent translations, problems of ambiguity, moving from implicit to explicit in order to fill out a passage, misunderstandings, sensitivity issues, and euphemisms. If you don't read Biblical Greek as a primary language and rely heavily on a translation of the Bible for your theology (as almost all of us do) then you have an obligation to at least understand these problems of translation. The rest of the book deals primarily with understanding syntax and the significance and implications of whether a word is nominative, accusative, imperative, or dative form, active or passive, or whatever other form it might take. After reading through the book I would have to agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Mounce, you don't have to be able to speak and read Greek if you have an understanding of the language and the right tools. This is a very highly recommended book for anyone without the time to learn the Greek language but interested in deep scriptural study.
Rating:
Summary: Biblical Greek exegesis for the non-scholar
Review: Is it possible to engage in an in-depth word study of a New Testament passage without mastering the Greek language? Author William Mounce would answer that question in the affirmative and in his book "Greek for the Rest of Us" he proves his point. Many people know that with an Interlinear translation and a good concordance, Biblical Greek dictionary or similar tools they can see all the possible meanings of a particular word. However, just knowing the meaning of a particular one is only part of the puzzle of good Biblical exegesis. You also have to understand Greek syntax. It can make a big difference in the meaning of a passage to know whether something is an active or passive verb, a dependent clause or an independent clause, and whether words like "man" is inclusive of mankind or just "men". There are a lot of things to know when trying to understand a passage and the definitions of the words is only a small part of it. The introductory material includes a section titled "What are translations?" that should be read by every serious student of the Bible. In it he points out the problems of translation, differences between literal and equivalent translations, problems of ambiguity, moving from implicit to explicit in order to fill out a passage, misunderstandings, sensitivity issues, and euphemisms. If you don't read Biblical Greek as a primary language and rely heavily on a translation of the Bible for your theology (as almost all of us do) then you have an obligation to at least understand these problems of translation. The rest of the book deals primarily with understanding syntax and the significance and implications of whether a word is nominative, accusative, imperative, or dative form, active or passive, or whatever other form it might take. After reading through the book I would have to agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Mounce, you don't have to be able to speak and read Greek if you have an understanding of the language and the right tools. This is a very highly recommended book for anyone without the time to learn the Greek language but interested in deep scriptural study.
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