The PuritanBoard - View Single Post - How Essential is an Understanding of the Greek?

DMcFadden · #20 (**permalink**) 12-19-2007, 11:00 PM

36 yrs ago this week I finished my first semester of Greek. So, was it worth it?

Absolutely! I count it as an essential tool for the pastor. But, not far behind it would be an understanding of Christian theology. Greek will aid you in exegeting the NT; theology will assist you in answering the big questions in ways that conform with the whole counsel of God and emphasize the great themes of the Word.

However, the purpose of learning Greek is not to convince those without it that they cannot rightly handle the Word of God. As several approaches to inductive Bible study have demonstrated, a committed Christian can often do a better job of understanding Scripture than many seminary graduates. Diligent inductive Bible study trumps sloppy Saturday night specials using a handful of commentaries anytime.