A little greek can be a big distraction

[Reynolds]

You don't have to reference Greek or Hebrew to study the Bible. It certainly helps, and more pastors should devote the time to learning and retaining the original languages. But you can observe, interpret, and apply using a decent English translation (such as the ESV or NET). And in some cases, knowing just a bit of Greek can actually distract you from careful study of a passage....


....Sure, the Greek (or Hebrew) text of Scripture occasionally reveals wordplay that doesn't translate well. Sometimes the structure of a passage or argument is clearer in the original language than in translation. And Greek and Hebrew are simply beautiful and fun. Again, I would encourage pastors not to settle for using online tools and instead devote themselves to truly understanding these biblical languages.

But the main point of a passage does not usually depend on intimate knowledge of the original languages.


http://thegospelcoalition.org/article/a-little-greek-can-be-a-big-distraction

I would have to agree with you. I know a little bit about Greek, but I do not consider myself an expert. I think it would be vain for me to think that I know more about Greek than Biblical translators. I am pretty good at being able to determine the meaning of Greek words and simple phrases. I get completely lost trying to deal with complete Greek sentence structure and tenses within the structure.

 

[Van]

I would have to agree with you. I know a little bit about Greek, but I do not consider myself an expert. I think it would be vain for me to think that I know more about Greek than Biblical translators. I am pretty good at being able to determine the meaning of Greek words and simple phrases. I get completely lost trying to deal with complete Greek sentence structure and tenses within the structure.

Yes, sentence structure requires far more knowledge of Greek, than just doing a comparative study of words and phrases. Basically I accept the NASB rendering as to sentence structure and tenses.