It's Still Greek to Me
An Easy-to-Understand Guide to Intermediate Greek
About
"A clearly written and clearly presented brief review of the basics of NT Greek grammar. . . . The design of the layout is both pedagogically helpful and visually appealing."--Michael W. Holmes, Religious Studies Review
According to David Alan Black, people who teach or write about Greek grammar tend to treat the subject as though it were a green vegetable: "you may not like grammar, but it's good for you." It's Still Greek to Me offers an alternative approach.
"I have tried to organize the book in a manner geared to the way people actually use the language, and I have done my utmost to make this book not only accurate but easy to understand and enjoyable to read," Black explains. "I have tried, in short, to produce a true user's guide to New Testament Greek for the twenty-first century. The only prerequisites on your part are a basic knowledge of Greek--and a healthy sense of humor."
Like other intermediate grammars, It's Still Greek to Me provides a comprehensive survey of Greek syntax with chapters devoted to the nuances of Greek nouns, verbs, and clauses. Unlike other grammars, this one also takes students on a brief refresher tour of English grammar.
It's Still Greek to Me is intended primarily for those who have finished one year of instruction in Greek and is thus best suited for second-year Greek classes or seminary exegesis courses. Its thirteen chapters can easily be covered in a one-semester course, with ample time for review and testing. Each chapter concludes with practice exercises and key terms for review.
Endorsements
"Throughout my years of teaching intermediate Greek grammar, I have used a variety of textbooks, none entirely satisfactory. In our age of widespread linguistic illiteracy, what is needed is a relatively short, succinct grammar with clear explanations and without unnecessary multiplication of categories. The text should probably review comparable basics of English grammar and regularly use abundant New Testament examples to 'hype' the relevance of each topic. If it is self-effacing with a fun sense of humor, so much the better. David Black has done all of this! I will adopt the book as a required text for my second-year Greek students immediately."--Craig Blomberg
"David Black's It's Still Greek to Metakes the mystery out of the syntax of the Greek New Testament. It is clearly written and cleanly presented and includes a helpful discussion of the basics of English grammar, ignorance of which often gets in the way of learning New Testament Greek. For those seeking to learn Greek or teaching it at a basic level, I can guarantee that Greek won't still be Greek to you after using this book!"--Darrell Bock
"David Black is clearly a master teacher. His work is practical and easy to understand. The author is conversant with the latest research on Greek grammar. Students will rejoice to find a grammar that is both comprehensible and accurate."--Thomas Schreiner
"Out of many attempts to make Greek grammar clear and interesting (even entertaining!), David Black's book, It's Still Greek to Me, is probably the most successful. Although the author does not break from the traditional approach, there is a freshness to the presentation that will encourage disheartened students. This guide should prove especially appealing to ministers who need a refresher course."--Moisés Silva
The Author
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David Alan Black
David Alan Black (DTheol, University of Basel) is senior professor of New Testament and Greek and Dr. M. O. Owens Jr. Chair of New Testament Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is the author of...
Continue reading about David Alan Black
Reviews
"A clearly written and clearly presented brief review of the basics of NT Greek grammar. . . . The design of the layout is both pedagogically helpful and visually appealing. Examples are numerous, and exercises (for which a key is included) are short."--Michael W. Holmes, Religious Studies Review
"Anyone who want to maintain any degree of facility with Greek needs to work his way through at least one grammar every year. This short work is perfect for that purpose. I would also serve as a good textbook for second-year Greek Grammar or as a review for students taking Greek-language intensives after having been away from the language for a while."--Cecil R. Taylor, Faith & Mission
"Black writes to lower the frustration and intimidation of learning and applying Greek. He seeks to inculcate a 'can do' attitude using simplified explanations and a dash of humor, without being flippant. The balance between the serious study of God's Word and a light touch on the work is maintained well. Greek students will profit from this small volume, and the Greek instructor should as well."--Gerald L. Stevens, Journal of Evangelical Theological Society
"I would highly recommend this book to students currently studying Greek as a good-humored and clear supplement to any standard textbook, particularly if one's grasp of grammatical terminology needs refreshing, and to those seeking consolidation of the Greek they learned in an introductory Greek class."--David A. de Silva, Ashland Theological Journal