Greek Grammar: You Can Learn Bible Greek, A Clear Introductory Course

John Poly
Polykarpos Publishing (2003)
ISBN 0974452505
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (12/05)

Before I took on the review of this book I could honestly say “it’s Greek to me” and mean that I didn’t understand a thing. I took the challenge of reviewing this book because I didn’t know a thing about the Greek language. Poly changed my understanding through his book “Greek Grammar.” As he points out in the foreword: yes, you can [learn Greek], if the teaching is made uncomplicated and enjoyable.

Poly un-complicates the language through illustrations, association, and exercise. He shows the Greek alphabet, both upper and lower case, the name of each letter, and the pronunciation. He further explains the diphthongs and accents, and even the breathing that is necessary for the words.

After the first half of the book of explanation and teaching of the language, Poly, a minister and Bible educator for over 50 years, swings into translation of passages of the Bible from Greek into English. For example, he explains the four Greek words for “love.” One is agape, which means loved based on principle (John3:16.) Others are philia which means warm affection (John 21:17); storge which means love for family (Romans 12:10); and eros which means romantic love (Proverbs 7:18).

This large print format book is easy to read and gives clear understanding of the basics of the Greek language. It is a book that will tweak your knowledge and one can actually say “it’s Greek to me” and mean that there is some understanding.

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