Greek Language Tools – NGRK 505

Course Description

An introduction to the biblical Greek alphabet, word formation, the verbal system, and syntax. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in the use of concordance and lexicons, as well as the use of various linguistic helps and differing English translations.

Rationale

Many ministers struggle with study and sermon preparation. They need help in deeply understanding biblical texts. Resources to help with exegesis and with the original language are expensive and sometimes intimidating to use. This course will help students make the most of the resources available, so they can study the meaning of God's word very deeply. The word study and exegesis skills gained will help students to become more effective preachers and teachers of God's word. It will help them to develop the skills and habits that make an effective preaching/teaching ministry possible.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. There will be 2 Discussions throughout the course. The purpose is to generate interaction among students about relevant current course topics. Each student must post 1 thread in accordance with the Discussion instructions posted in the Course Content area, consisting of at least 400 words of original content. Each student must post 2 replies of at least 200 words each. (CLOs: C, D, E, F)

Quiz: Passage Selection

Students will select an approved passage from the list below and notify the professor by completing the Passage Selection Quiz. (CLO: E)

• 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
• Colossians 1:13-20
• Ephesians 2:1-10
• Romans 3:21-26
• Romans 8:1-8
• Philippians 2:1-11

Block Diagram Assignments (2)

Each student will construct a block diagram of their exegesis passage. The goal of this exercise is to diagram the relationships of clauses to each other, which helps clarify the main point and supporting points of a passage of Scripture. A block diagram is constructed through engaging various Greek language tools, and it provides a solid exegetical foundation upon which to construct a sermon or Bible study. Since this assignment requires the student to analyze the passage’s grammatical structure, the student must use a formal equivalent translation such as the ASV, CEV, ESV, KJV, NASB, NRSV, REB, or RSV. The student will be introduced to the method and tools needed to produce a block diagram. There will be 2 parts to the block diagram assignment, with Part 2 building upon Part 1. Each part will be turned in for grading. Block diagrams must be constructed in a MS Word document. Students should consult the detailed instructions for these assignments in the Course Content area. (CLOs: C, D, E)

Literary Context Assignment

Each student will write a 400-500-word exegetical essay describing the literary context of their selected passage. This essay will demonstrate the methods explained in the assigned reading. Students should consult the detailed instructions for this assignment in the Course Content area. (CLOs: C, D, E)

Historical Context Assignment

Each student will write a 400-500-word exegetical essay describing the historical context of their selected passage. This essay will demonstrate the methods explained in the assigned reading. Students should consult the detailed instructions for this assignment in the Course Content area. (CLOs: C, D, E)

Word Study Assignment

Each student will complete a word study on a significant word in their selected passage. The word study will focus on correct method, sound conclusions, and relevant sources for consultation. Students will describe the results of their word study in a 400-500-word exegetical essay. Students should consult the detailed instructions for this assignment in the Course Content area. (CLOs: B, C, D, E)

Exegetical Analysis Assignment

Each student will write an 1800-2200-word exegetical essay showing engagement with the Greek text of their selected passage by using relevant Greek language tools. This assignment will build upon the insights, observations, and conclusions of the exegetical assignments in previous modules of this course. The purpose of this assignment is to draw out the meaning of the selected passage of Scripture, incorporating grammatical analysis, lexical analysis, comparison of translations, and evaluation of scholarly conclusions about various details of the selected passage. Students will need to engage with at least 7 scholarly secondary sources, consisting primarily of exegetical commentaries and peer-reviewed journal articles. Students should consult the detailed instructions for this assignment in the Course Content area. (CLOs: D, E)

Application Assignment

Each student will write a 400-500-word exegetical essay discussing how to faithfully apply their selected passage in a contemporary setting. This essay will demonstrate the methods explained in the assigned reading. Students should consult the detailed instructions for this assignment in the Course Content area. (CLOs: C, F)

Quizzes (3)

Three closed-book/closed-note quizzes will be completed in this course of study. These quizzes will take the form of multiple choice, true/false, and matching questions. The quizzes will cover the material in the assigned reading and key vocabulary. Each quiz includes 30-51 questions, which must be completed in 1 hour, and can be taken up to 3 times. (CLOs: A, B, C)