Biblical Greek in a Week course
The New Testament is both a very familiar and, at the same time, a very strange text. Distant from today’s English both linguistically and culturally, the poetry and prose of the original texts speak of long vanished empires, the abuse of power, and the plight of the poor and disadvantaged as well as being steeped in Greco-Roman perspectives and philosophical influences of the time. It has also played a major role in the development of Western history and culture. To add on top of that, the Christian tradition sees it as Holy Scripture with some of the words within attributed to Jesus. To read it only in translation is to see it through someone else’s eyes, and a knowledge of the original language in which it was written enriches our understanding and enjoyment of its contents. If you have ever wondered what lies behind the text of an English Bible, why biblical text is translated in different ways, or wanted a better understanding of the Greek terms, this course is for you.
From the start we read extracts from the Greek New Testament, and over six days of intensive study we provide you with the basic tools to understand the Koine Greek language, and the texts from which the early church emerged. By the end of the week students are tackling extended Gospel passages. No prior knowledge of Greek, Latin or any other language is needed. Sessions begin on Monday and will run throughout the morning until 12:30pm each day. There is then an extended break for lunch and relaxation before we reconvene at 3 pm for the evening sessions. The course will end at lunchtime on Saturday. Some may wish to arrive the night before (Sunday) the course starts, which is an option to consider when registering.
You will be advised on the textbook and the only pre-requisite is knowing the alphabet, and you will be given details for both upon registration.
Tutor bio:
Dr Stuart Macwilliam is has been teaching New Testament Greek for 20 years to University students, priests and readers. He is motivated by a desire to persuade readers of the New Testament to deepen their critical appreciation of the texts.
