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Posted: 3/21/13
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Books

Grammars for Beginning Greek

There is a large number of Biblical Greek grammars available today. I know of one gentleman who has a collection of over 600 different Greek grammars. Of course there aren't that many available in print today, but there still is an impressive variety. The natural question is why is there so many and how should one determine which one to buy. The reason there are so many is Greek is a complex language and there are many ways to arrange and present the material, each with its benefits and faults. This diversity can be a great advantage to the beginning student. Since all of the grammars cover the same material in different ways, it is helpful to use a couple of grammars as additional references to provide more information in places where your primary grammar isn't sufficiently clear. So you don't have to decide which one to buy. Go for three!

This page will attempt to provide a list of all of the grammars currently in print. If I have missed any text please let me know. I included brief comparative information and links to reviews so you can select the texts that will work best for your learning style.

The traditional difference between primers and grammars is that primers have exercises and traditional grammars merely describe the various details of the language. Today, there are many texts called grammars that have exercises.

This page only lists texts with exercises. To see traditional grammars please see the Reference Texts page.


Comparative list of beginning Greek grammars:

Author
Title
Publisher (date) ISBN
Brief description and comment, (review links)
Format
Pages
Retail
Price
Direct Links to purchase
Adam, A. K. M. A Grammar for New Testament Greek
Abingdon Press (Oct. 1998); ISBN: 0687016770
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text with good exercises
Hardback
224 pp.
$35.00 $23.10 Amazon
$25.99 CBD


Balme, Maurice Athenaze: An Introduction to Ancient Greek Book I
Oxford University Press; 2nd Ed. (February 28, 2003); ISBN: 0195149564
(Amazon reviews) Possibly the most popular classical Greek text book. It has an inductive approach with plenty of explanation.

In addition to Oxford's Athenaze text, Luigi Miraglia adapted the Italian edition to emulate "Lingua Latina per se Illustrata" (Hans Orberg's Latin textbook). Miraglia's Italian edition follows the non-Italian edition in two volumes, but Miraglia has extended all of the Greek readings, added more pictures, and changed the layout so the student is able to stay in Greek reading mode without switching between one's own native language and Greek. The student has the feel of working through an actual Greek book rather than a Greek grammar with a number of reading exercises. I wish Oxford would publish an English version of the text since the Italian can be disconcerting for English reading students. Nevertheless it is a fantastic edition especially when students have the English version to use as a grammatical reference. You can order it directly from Luigi Miragliai here: http://www.vivariumnovum.it/Libri_greci.htm
Paperback
380 pp.
$34.95 $31.45 Amazon

$31.45 Overstock
Gilbert Lawall, James F. Johnson, Luigi Miraglia Athenaze: An Introduction to Ancient Greek (Workbook I)
Oxford University Press (February 28, 2003); ISBN: 0195149564
(Amazon reviews) Possibly the most popular classical Greek text book. It has an inductive approach with plenty of explanation.

In addition to Oxford's Athenaze text, Luigi Miraglia adapted the Italian edition to emulate "Lingua Latina per se Illustrata" (Hans Orberg's Latin textbook). Miraglia's Italian edition follows the non-Italian edition in two volumes, but Miraglia has extended all of the Greek readings, added more pictures, and changed the layout so the student is able to stay in Greek reading mode without switching between one's own native language and Greek. The student has the feel of working through an actual Greek book rather than a Greek grammar with a number of reading exercises. I wish Oxford would publish an English version of the text since the Italian can be disconcerting for English reading students. Nevertheless it is a fantastic edition especially when students have the English version to use as a grammatical reference. You can order it directly from Luigi Miragliai here: http://www.vivariumnovum.it/Libri_greci.htm
Paperback
172 pp.
$19.95 $17.95 Amazon

$17.95 Overstock

Balme, Maurice Athenaze: An Introduction to Ancient Greek Book II
Oxford Press (Sept. 2003); ISBN: 0195149572
to adapted passages from Thucydides, Plato, and Herodotus and ultimately to excerpts of the original Greek of Bacchylides, Thucydides, and Aristophanes' Acharnians. Essays on relevant aspects of ancient Greek culture and history are also provided.
paperback
398 pp.
$34.95

$31.95 Overstock
Lawall, Johnson, King Workbook II for Athenaze vol. II
Oxford University Press (Sept. 2003); ISBN: 0195149572
to adapted passages from Thucydides, Plato, and Herodotus and ultimately to excerpts of the original Greek of Bacchylides, Thucydides, and Aristophanes' Acharnians. Essays on relevant aspects of ancient Greek culture and history are also provided.
Paperback
226 pp.
$17.95

$17.95 Overstock

Baugh, S. M. A New Testament Greek Primer
Presbyterian & Reformed (May. 1999); ISBN: 0875520952
(Amazon reviews) Concise deductive text - great for intensive courses or for review
Paperback
150 pp.
$18.99 $12.91 Amazon
$15.99 CBD


Beetham, Frank An Introduction to New Testament Greek: A Quick Course in the Reading of Koine Greek
Duckworth Publishing (June 1992); ISBN: 1853993387
Paperback
388 pp.
$27.00 $25.00 Amazon



Beetham, F.J. Beginning Greek With Homer
Duckworth Publishing (September 1, 1996); ISBN: 1853994804
(Amazon reviews)
Paperback
256 pp.
$29.00 $29.00 Amazon



Black, David Alan Learn to Read New Testament Greek
Broadman & Holman (September 1994); ISBN: 0805416129
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text - good for self learners
Paperback
236 pp.
$29.99 $19.79 Amazon
$23.99 CBD


Brooks & Winbery Syntax of New Testament Greek
University Press (Feb. 1978); ISBN: 0819104736
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text and reader
Paperback
186 pp.
$79.00 $18.50 Amazon
$18.50 CBD


Buth, Randall Living Koine Greek For Everyone
Jerusalem: Biblical Language Center (2002); ISBN: 9657352029
Inductive that focus on spoken Greek. Innovative materials (sample) It comes with 3 audio CDs.
IBG students who enroll in the entire course package can get a 25% discount on this text.
Paperback
186 pp.
$69.00



Case, A.H. New Introduction to Greek
Harvard University Press, 3rd ed. (June, 1961); ISBN: 0674616006
(Amazon reviews) Deductive Text, Also works as a good reference
Hardback
240 pp.
$39.00 $36.27 Amazon



Colwell & Tune A Beginner's Reader-Grammar for New Testament Greek
Hendrickson Publishers (Feb. 2001); ISBN: 156563599X
Paperback
107 pp.
$12.95 $9.71 Amazon
$9.99 CBD


Countryman, William Read It in Greek: An Introduction to New Testament Greek
Eerdmans Publishing Co. (Sept. 1993); ISBN: 0802806651
(Amazon reviews) Inductive text - great reviews
Paperback
222 pp.
$15.00 $15.00 Amazon
$12.00 CBD


Croy, Clayton A Primer of Biblical Greek
Eerdmans Publishing Co. (August, 1999); ISBN: 0802846289
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text including exercises from the Septuagint
Paperback
264 pp.
$20.00 $13.60 Amazon
$15.99 CBD


Dobson, John H. Learn New Testament Greek 2nd ed.
Baker Academic (July, 1993); ISBN: 0801030196
(Amazon reviews) Inductive text (omitts accents over Greek)
Paperback
328 pp.
$19.99 $13.59 Amazon
$15.99 CBD


Efird, James M. A Grammar for New Testament Greek
Wipf & Stock Publishers (April, 2001); ISBN: 1579106366
Paperback
186 pp.
$22.00 $22.00 Amazon



Groton, Anne From Alpha to Omega: A Beginning Course in Classical Greek
Focus Pub R Pullins & Co; 2nd ed. (May 1, 2000); ISBN: 1585100161
(Amazon reviews) Deductive Text, Mixed reviews Accompanying Software (MS DOS) and booklet. There is an answer key available too: http://www.focusbookstore.com/browseproducts/Answer-Key-to-From-Alpha-to-Omega.html
Paperback
608 pp.
$38.95



Hewett, James A. New Testament Greek: A Beginning and Intermediate Grammar
Hendrickson Publishers (November, 1986); ISBN: 0913573329
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text clear explanations (mainly a beginning text)
Hardback
256 pp.
$19.95 $13.57 Amazon
$14.99 CBD

Key to Exercises for New Testament Greek: A Beginning and Intermediate Grammar
Hendrickson Publishers (November, 1986); ISBN: 0913573329
Deductive text clear explanations (mainly a beginning text)
Paperback
32 pp.
$2.95 $2.95 Amazon
$2.95 CBD


JACT, JACT, Joint Ass Reading Greek: Text
Cambridge University Press (December 29, 1978); ISBN: 0521219760
(Amazon reviews) Inductive Text, requires some of the companion books
Paperback
182 pp.
$33.04 $26.43 Amazon


Reading Greek: Grammar, Vocabulary & Exercises
Cambridge University Press (December 29, 1978); ISBN: 0521219760
(Amazon reviews) Inductive Text, requires some of the companion books
Paperback
366 pp.
$39.24 $32.90 Amazon



JACT, Joint Associati Reading Greek: An Independent Study Guide to Reading Greek
Cambridge University Press (August 25, 1995); ISBN: 0521478634
(Amazon reviews) Supplemental text for independent learning of "Reading Greek". It requires the "Reading Greek" text and grammar.
Paperback
358 pp.
$27.99 $27.99 Amazon


Reading Greek: Morphology Charts
Cambridge University Press (August 25, 1995); ISBN: 0521478634
Supplemental text for independent learning of "Reading Greek". It requires the "Reading Greek" text and grammar.
Paperback
10 pp.
$18.99 $18.99 Amazon



JACT, Joint Associati Reading Greek: Teacher's Notes
Cambridge University Press (August 29, 1986); ISBN: 0521318726
Paperback
240 pp.
$39.99 $39.99 Amazon



Kubo, Sakae A Beginner's New Testament Greek Grammar
University Press of America (May, 1979); ISBN: 0819107611
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text - clear
Paperback
100 pp.
$24.50 $24.50 Amazon
$24.49 CBD


Machen, J. Gresham New Testament Greek for Beginners (2nd Ed.),
Prentice Hall (Oct., 2003); ISBN: 013184234X
(SBL reviews) (Amazon reviews) Deductive text - More explanations and less material on irregular forms than the first edition - Great composition sentences
Hardback
400 pp.
$54.67 $56.00 Amazon


Study Guide for J. Gresham Machen's New Testament Greek for Beginners
Prentice Hall (Oct., 2003); ISBN: 013184234X
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text - More explanations and less material on irregular forms than the first edition - Great composition sentences
Paperback
$27.80 $27.80 Amazon



MacNair, Ian Teach Yourself Greek
Nelson Reference (June, 1995); ISBN: 0840711514
(Amazon reviews)
Paperback
516 pp.
$22.98 $22.98 Amazon



Mastronarde, D. Introduction to Attic Greek
University of California Press (March 19, 1993); ISBN: 0520078446
(Amazon reviews) Standard deductive grammar, A free electronic workbook is available online: http://socrates.berkeley.edu/%7eancgreek/ancient_greek_start.html
Paperback
435 pp.
$35.95 $29.80 Amazon



Mollin, Alfred An Introduction to Ancient Greek
University Press of America, 3rd ed (August 28, 1997); ISBN: 0761808531
(Amazon reviews)
Paperback
528 pp.
$52.50 $42.50 Amazon



Mounce, William Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar 2nd Edition
Zondervan Publishing Co. (August, 2003); ISBN: 0310250870
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text - widely used
Hardback
480 pp.
$41.99 $27.71 Amazon
$29.99 CBD

Basics of Biblical Greek Workbook
Zondervan Publishing Co. (August, 2003); ISBN: 0310250870
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text - widely used
Paperback
208 pp.
$21.99 $14.95 Amazon
$15.99 CBD


Paine, Stephen Beginning Greek: A functional approach
Oxford University Press (December 31, 1961); ISBN: 0195010132
Inductive half through Gospel of John, half through Xenophon. This book has been around quite a while so it should be fairly easy to find used copies for sale relatively inexpensively.
Hardback
352 pp.
$47.95 $47.95 Amazon



Peckett, C.W.E. Thrasymachus: Greek Through Reading
Duckworth Publishers (February 16, 2007); ISBN: 0862921392
(Amazon reviews)
Paperback
336 pp.
$29.00 $29.00 Amazon



Pharr, Clyde
Kessinger Publishing (July 25, 2007); ISBN: 0548214425
(Amazon reviews) There is also a less expensive earlier paperback version.
Hardback
438 pp.
$36.95 $37.92 Amazon



Saffire, Paula Ancient Greek Alive
The University of North Carolina Pr (May 12, 1999); ISBN: 080784800X
(Amazon reviews) Begins as a conversational text
Paperback
304 pp.
$24.95 $24.95 Amazon



Shelmerdine, Cynthia Wilding's Greek for Beginners
Focus Publishing/R. Pullins Company (August 1, 2001); ISBN: 1585100102
(SBL reviews) (Amazon reviews) Deductive text with answer key available: http://www.focusbookstore.com/browseproducts/Wilding's-Greek-for-Beginners--Answer-Key.html
Paperback
216 pp.
$34.95 $23.07 Amazon



Stevens, Gerald New Testament Greek Primer
Cascade Books (April, 2004); ISBN: 1592446582
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text with good charts
Paperback
618 pp.
$49.00 $49.00 Amazon


New Testament Greek Workbook 2nd Ed.
University Press (April, 2004); ISBN: 1592446582
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text with good charts
Paperback
304 pp.
$27.00 $27.00 Amazon



Summers, Ray Essentials of New Testament Greek
Broadman & Holman (June, 1995); ISBN: 0805410015
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text - uses the eight case system
Hardback
200 pp.
$29.99 $19.79 Amazon
$21.99 CBD

Steven Cox Essentials of New Testament Greek: A Student's Guide
Broadman & Holman (June, 1995); ISBN: 0805410015
(SBL reviews) (Amazon reviews) Deductive text - uses the eight case system
Paperback
288 pp.
$24.99 $16.99 Amazon
$19.99 CBD


Swetnam, James An Introduction to the Study of New Testament Greek (volume 1 and 2)
Loyola Press (1992); ISBN: 8876536000
(SBL reviews) (Amazon reviews)
Paperback
463 pp.
$72.00 $72.00 Amazon



Vine, William E. Vine's Learn New Testament Greek: An Easy Teach yourself Course in Greek
Nelson Reference (June, 1997); ISBN: 0785212329
(Amazon reviews)
Paperback
128 pp.
$12.98 $12.98 Amazon



Voelz, James W. Fundamental Greek Grammar 2nd Edition
Concordia Publishing House (August, 1999); ISBN: 0570042526
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text - works will in a classroom
Hardback
399 pp.
$33.99 $22.43 Amazon
$27.99 CBD


Wenham, J. W. The Elements of New Testament Greek
Cambridge University Press (Sept., 1973); ISBN: 0521098424
(Amazon reviews) Deductive text - omits accents
Paperback
292 pp.
$19.00 $19.00 Amazon
$19.00 CBD




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