How to use New Testament Greek Study Aids
by Walter J. Clark. 256 pages, paperback, Loizeaux Brothers, ISBN: 0872130797.
I suppose most of us have either heard or used the expression "it's Greek to me!" to underscore our lack of understanding when confronted with a difficult or foreign subject. Mr. Clark has done a first rate job of forcing us to change that expression by making the richness of the Greek New Testament available to the English reader.
This volume is as much a workbook as it is a textbook. the further you get into it, the more you find it essential to have certain reference works (and, of course, the Bible) at the ready. The writer guides you , step by step, through the use of various references and concludes each working chapter with "Hints (or suggestions) for further study." That's right, if you plan to get the fullest use out of this book then you'd better bring your work boots and lunch pail!
While the Verbal Plenary Inspiration of Scripture is clearly defended, the writer cautions: "...it is obvious that, since the New Testament was originally written in Greek, the doctrine of Verbal Inspiration applies to the original language,...How important, then, to be able to study the Bible in the light of the original languages!" He effectively motivates the reader by summarizing the problems of a constantly changing English language while presenting the challenge of "Greek, the untranslatable language".
This work is divided into two major categories:
- Study aids for English readers.
- Study aids for Greek readers.
As you follow through on these lessons you will develop a clearer understanding of various Scripture subjects while learning how to better use those tools that may be gathering dust on your shelves even as you read this review.
In chapter 5, Mr. Clark shows us how to deepen our Bible studies through a more effective use of Translations and Study Bibles. While I was happy to read the author's very strong endorsement of the Newberry Reference Bible, I was a little concerned to read his apparently unqualified support of the Companion Bible, and ultradispensational work.
Have you wondered about those mysterious Lexicons? You know, that's the volume people go to the bookstore to look at but never leave with one least their family catch whatever disease it has! Guess what? I took home several and the only thing I caught was "increased understanding" !! Did you know there are 4 major types of Lexicons? Confused? then read chapter 7 of this book.
The writer ably introduces various parts of Greek grammar, grammatical tools, Greek New Testaments and Interlinears. He is not naive and understands the complicated nature of linguistics. His object is to maximize the English reader's access to the available grammar tools without a more "formal study" of the Greek language.
The warning raised on page 213 about the potential abuse that often comes from a "superficial knowledge of the original languages" is easily vindicated by looking around us. As you read this book remember these words found on page 215:
"Interpretation of the Bible depends on far more than just a study of the original languages. It depends principally on a vital connection with the author of the book and a continual dependence on the Holy Spirit."
This volume concludes with 3 appendices:
- For Preachers and Teachers
- Miscellaneous Greek Charts, and
- Suggested Reading List
In the latter, I found J. N. Darby's superb translation under the heading Modern and Paraphrased. Anyone familiar with it will strongly object to such placement. It clearly belongs under the Standard or Study Bible sections. I also found the Companion (ultradispensational) and Oxford Annotated (liberal) Bibles on the list without appropriate cautions.
I conclude with that balanced perspective of Thomas Adams, quoted by Mr. Clark:
"The Bible is to us what the star was to the wise men; but if we spend all our time in gazing upon it, observing its motion, admiring its splendor, without being led to Christ by it, the use of it will be lost to us."
Considering everything I've read, maybe we should change that to "its Swahili to me !"
George Cofresi