Bible Language Study Books
"It's All Greek (And Hebrew) To Me!" -- Bible Language Study Books
As most Bible students are aware, the Bible was not written originally in English or any other modern language. For the most part, the Old Testament (Hebrew) scriptures were written in Hebrew and Aramaic, while the New Testament (Christian) scriptures were written in Koine Greek. If you are interested in studying the Bible from the perspective of the original languages in which it was written, then you will need a good selection of Bible language study books --
First of all, you will need to get trained in the basics of each biblical language. Astounding progress has been made in the teaching of biblical languages in recent decades. For starters I would recommend a wonderful set of resources entitled The Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, written by William D. Mounce. You can purchase the textbook, a workbook, as well as a vocabulary CD -- and even a set of flash cards and a laminated cheat sheet! -- all from the publisher (Zondervan). The grammar textbook retails at about $42, the workbook you can pick up for around $22, and the vocabulary CD can be purchased for around $13.
And for those studying the Hebrew Scriptures, I would recommend the companion set: The Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar, written by Gary Pratico and Miles V. Van Pelt. This set also comes with a textbook, CD-ROM, workbook, and laminated study sheets. The book and CD-ROM runs about $55, and a workbook runs about $22 retail. With these resources, you will be able to study at your own pace and acquire the equivalent of two semesters of language study on the college level.
While you are pursuing your study of grammar, syntax and vocabulary, you will need some other resources as well. First among them will be a Reverse Interlinear. The one that I use is called The ESV English-Greek Reverse Interlinear New Testament. An interlinear edition of the Scriptures is one that prints the text of the Bible in its original language, with an English approximate equivalent underneath -- a reverse interlinear, however prints the English translation on a top line, and the original language equivalent underneath. These are easier to use than traditional interlinears, which require you to follow the train of thought as it is found in the original languages. This particular reverse interlinear is based on the English Standard Version -- and it even includes a CD-ROM of this translation that you can install in your computer. The price for this resource is around $50.
Another important set of Bible language study books to have at your disposal are lexicons. Lexicons are simply dictionaries -- in this case dictionaries based on the biblical languages. For New Testament studies I prefer to use the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology, edited by Colin Brown. This new New Testament lexicon spans four volumes -- and it is far easier to use than some other New Testament lexicons, as the entries are arranged in English word order rather than Greek. These Bible language study books are oriented more toward the need of an educated layperson, pastor or Bible teacher -- rather than a professional New Testament scholar. You will pay around $170 for the entire set. There is also a companion sat -- the New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology, in five volumes -- this retails at just under $200. Highly recommended!
