Should we learn Greek?

Those who refuse to be convinced of the topic will not. They will remain just as they are.

From the Introduction to An Interlinear Literal Translation of the Greek New Testament by George Ricker Berry, Ph.D.

The Value of Hebrew and Greek to the Clergyman

1. Without some knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, you cannot understand the critical commentaries of the Scripture, and a commentary that is not critical is of doubtful value.

2. Without some knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, you cannot satisfy yourself . . as to the changes which you will find in the Revised Old and New Testament.

3. Without some knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, you cannot appreciate the critical discussions relating to the Books of the Old and New Testament.

4. Without some knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, you cannot be certain that in your sermon based on a Scripture text, you are presenting the correct teaching of that text.

5. Without some knowledge of Hebrew and Greek, you cannot be an independent student or a reliable interpreter of the Word of God.

6. As much knowledge of Hebrew can be secured in one year with the aid of an Interlinear Old Testament as can be gained of Latin in three years. Greek, though somewhat more difficult, may be readily acquired with the aid of an Interlinear New Testament/Lexicon.

7. The Hebrew language has, in all, 7000 words, and of them 1000 are repeated over 25 times each in the Old Testament.

8. Hebrew grammar has but one form of the Relative pronoun in all cases, numbers and genders; by three forms for the Demonstrative pronoun. The possible verbal forms are about 300 as compared with the 1200 found in Greek. It has practically no declension.

9. Within ten years, the average man wastes more time in fruitless reading and indifferent talk, that would be used in acquiring a good working knowledge of Hebrew and Greek that in turn would impart to his teaching that quality of independence and of reliability which so greatly enhances one's power as a teacher.

10. There is not one minister in ten who might not if he but would, find time and opportunity for such study of Hebrew and Greek as would enable him to make a thoroughly practical use of it in his work as a Bible-preacher and Bible-teacher.

 

I went looking for information on Dr. Berry. Could not find much biographical info. If you have a link I would like to look it over.
In the mean time, I did find this :

www.keithhunt.com
Another very often used form of study proof texting, is to use just certain so-called "scholars" and their slant on a word or phrase (which may be from their doctrinal bias, yes, as shocking as it sounds, that does happen within the circle of the "scholars"). Or they may quote only from the scholars of Greek and Hebrew, the part that suits their teaching only, and so once more making you think the scholars agree with them. Of course, they will not tell you that even "scholars" of Greek and Hebrew (and other skills also) DISAGREE among themselves at times. We all know how the "doctors" of the medical profession will disagree with each other. We see it all the time on the investigative TV shows such as "Dateline" - "60 Minutes" - "20/20" etc. Yet, some how we religious people quake in our boots if someone quotes a "scholar" who may have studied Greek or Hebrew. And if a "church" quotes such a fellow to back their teaching, well that seals the matter, so we think, not realizing other Greek and Hebrew scholars may completely disagree with the ideas and the theology of the first guy. We need to be aware of such tactics by some "religious" folk and church organizations.

I found it very pertinent to our discussion.

In HIS service;
Jim

 

Thank you, Jim. This is EXACTLY why it is so very important for every Christian to learn Greek for themselves. Otherwise they are at the mercy of the evildoers described in your quote.

 

Something also to bear in mind is that a Pastor must be one who is thouroughly knowledgable about the Word of God. One of the qualifications for a Pastor is found in Titus 1:9:

He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (ESV)

And for those who are KJV-only, this:

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (KJV)

This verse seems to be clear about one of the qualifications of a Pastor/Elder/Bishop, in that such a person must possess a thorough understanding of the Scriptures. An elementary understanding of Greek & Hebrew seems to be the norm for many men who are graduating Bible colleges in most evangelical/fundamental circles. Considering the vastness of knowledge possessed by man today, and the amount of education one gets in vocations outside of Pastoral ministry, why would one think that an education in Greek & Hebrew, as well as theology would be inapplicable for anyone aspiring to be a Pastor? The qualifications notwithstanding, it seems that a wise course of action for the prospective Pastor would be to get a good education from those who handle the Word. Did not Paul stay in Damascus for some time studying the Word and getting divine knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ before beginning his ministry? Just some thoughts, folks!

 

While AVjim cited www.keithhunt.com, he failed to mention that this was not only a non-Baptist site, but anti-trinitarian, seventh-day, observing the Mosaic law and festivals, and generally associated with many of the typical Armstrong-cult beliefs as a break-away sub-cult.

This means that the quote given is actually intended to lure readers *away* from what orthodox evangelical scholars happen to advocate (Greek/Hebrew not being the primary issue).

 

KeithS said:

God used Peter (an unlearned fisherman) and Paul (a Pharisee of the Pharisees) in miraculous ways.

It's worth pointing out that (obviously) both of them knew Greek.

If it's good enough for Paul, it's good enough for me!

 

Hmmmm;
Lots of back patting, but STILL not ONE comment on Mr. Dwight Moody's work apart from any reliance on Greek.
"Things that make you go hmmm."
In HIS service;
Jim

 

What of it? If Mr. Dwight Moody jumped off a bridge, would you?

 

A True Story

One day several years ago I went to the San Diego Zoo with a friend named Craig. We saw the lions and the tigers, the elephants and the bears, and all sorts of other animals. And when we had seen the zoo, we walked out the gate, into the parking lot, and towards Craig's old Chevy Camaro. As we approached Craig's car, Craig spotted a brand new Corvette and walked over to admire the car that he had always wanted. I wasn't interested in the Corvette, but the car parked next to it caught my eye. It was a brand new Ferrari!

After a little while, Craig noticed where my attention was and got curious and came over. Craig saw the hand-painted body reflecting the skill and care of the European craftsmen and their many hours of careful and meticulous labor. Craig saw the hand-sewn interior made from the finest leather and perfectly pieced and stitched together. Craig saw the Ferrari and then he turned and took another look at the Corvette . . . and it had changed! The Corvette had become just a "sardine can" rather than Craig's dream car.

Many of us have our favorite translation of the Bible. Craig's favorite translation was the King James Version. Many of us also have our favorite make and model of car. Craig's favorite was the Corvette, and he often dreamed of owning a brand new one, but all that he could afford was his old Camaro. But that day in the parking lot at the San Diego something happened that radically changed Craig's preference for a car—he saw that something that out-classed the Corvette that he had always wanted.


For those of you who have a favorite translation of the Bible, and are really not all that interested in learning to read the New Testament in Greek, I suggest that you take a look at it, better yet, take it for a test drive.

 

My point was not that Peter did not know Greek. It was the language of his world. My point was that Peter was not "university" educated in the study of scripture or theology, as oppossed to Paul. God used both. God uses both today. As I said previously - I prefer a languages background - but I do not find it to be a test of faith or piety. Some on this thread seem to be saying that if you have a background in the languages you are a better Christian or a better Pastor. Ridiculous.

I've also only read one or perhaps two comments about learning Hebrew. I've studied both - master of neither.

Personally I'm with the OP. Prior to this post I was considering approaching our Pastor about just such a class for our Wednesday night small group studies as long as there was enough interest. However - I am seeing very few of you Greek guys pushing for Hebrew classes or claiming how knowing Hebrew helps you understand Scripture. Granted, the thread is about Greek, but shouldn't you be consistent in your views?

Perhaps someone with more time should consider a Poll question - If you have studied Greek, how many also have a background in Hebrew?

 

Phillip said;

Now, before you go off the deep end AV1611 and accuse me of calling you something you aren't, this next statement has nothing to do with you.

In general has anyone noticed that the crowd that is typically against learning Greek is often the KJVO crowd? Is this because they REALLY DO feel the KJV surpasses the Greek manuscripts that it was translated from.
__________________________________________________

Thank you for the clarification Phillip. I do think you are right however. I have encountered MANY in my own church who do feel that way. I am not decided as yet. I believe I have a bit more study to do. Although I HAVE had 3 semesters of Greek, I do wonder of its value. I hear what you guys are saying. I am not convinced of its necessity but I will not say it cannot be helpful if one so desires.
In defense of my friends and fellow church members who are against the need for Greek:
I have found that the majority of the men in MY church who feel that way, have themselves studied some Greek. Obviously I cannot speak for other KJVo men in other churches. It goes without saying that every poster in this thread can only speak of their own experience, therefore, if you have studied Greek and found it helpful then naturally you will think it to be helpful for any other person also.
BTW; Thanks guys for at least commenting on your views of the work of Mr. Moody. It helps me see your point of view a lot more clearly.
In HIS service;
Jim