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Greek and/or Hebrew

Discussion in 'Pastoral Ministries' started by bobbyd, Apr 8, 2008.

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  1. bobbyd

    bobbyd New Member

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    I just took a poll on sermoncentral.com where i am a contributor...this poll was in reference to using Biblical languages in sermon studies and/or preaching. After i took this poll (which is probably very unscientific, but i don't see a reason for people to take it multiple times to tilt it either), out of the 243 people surveyed 54.7% said they have taken a course in Greek while only 32.9% said they had taken a course in Hebrew.

    Here is the link: i'm assuming it will still work: http://www.surveymonkey.com/sr.aspx?sm=v1MYJO6OBUhJmzSwBFR87w3DTKFYoAwZa0GopzT1uzg_3d

    Is this normal to have more focus on one language than the other? I went to an SBC seminary where both languages were required, but i focused more on Hebrew b/c i found the grammar aspect of it much easier (especially verbs).

    And i guess does anyone think it is more important to study one rather than the other?
     
    #1 bobbyd, Apr 8, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 8, 2008
  2. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    Given a choice, I would go for the Greek, myself. I spend a lot more time in the New Testament, and having a better grasp of the root language would be a better aid for me.

    Greek is more difficult, but, to me, it yields more knowledge that I can use.
     
    #2 Trotter, Apr 8, 2008
  3. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    I find more people gravitate to the Greek, because (1) Of a slant or committment to the NT, and (2) because Greek has some equivalency to English (alphabet, some words, etc.).

    Like you, I had to have both in Bible college and seminary. I wish I had more.

    The pastor should have a working knowledge of both languages, at least enough to be proficient with the language helps/tools so he can best exegete passages and follow the best commentaries as he feeds his flock the whole counsel of God, rightly dividing it along the way.
     
    #3 TomVols, Apr 8, 2008
  4. TCGreek

    TCGreek New Member

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    My focus was on NT Greek, but now as a pastor I wished I'd given more attention to Hebrew. Still in my earlier 30s, so I think I have some time.
     
    #4 TCGreek, Apr 8, 2008
  5. Fred Moritz

    Fred Moritz New Member

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    Greek or Hebrew

    Most Bible colleges require Greek on the undergrad level, and I think that most MA programs would only require Greek. Hebrew is usually required in an M.Div. course of study. That is probably why more had Greek than Hebrew.

    I took Greek in college and loved it so much I took one semester twice!:laugh:

    I had a great Greek teacher in seminary and it all came together. I still use it with profit. My Hebrew professor in seminary was one of the best and I came out with two years of the subject and can still use it many years later. Both languages are profitable.

    Now, please allow me to recall a little poetic whimsy.

    Concerning a Greek language textbook:

    If there should be another flood,
    For refuge hither fly.
    Though all the world would be submerged,
    This book would still be dry!

    Concerning the study of Hebrew:

    Hebrew is a language or at least it used to be.
    It killed off all the Jews, and now its killing me.
    All are dead who ever wrote it,
    All are dead who ever spoke it,
    All will die who ever learn it,
    Blessed death! They surely earn it!

    Authors mercifully unknown.
     
    #5 Fred Moritz, Apr 8, 2008
  6. nunatak

    nunatak New Member

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    I took a semester of Greek.
    It was Hebrew to me.:BangHead:
     
    #6 nunatak, Apr 8, 2008
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