[B-Greek] English translation as best goal for learning Greek?

harley486 at insightbb.com harley486 at insightbb.com
Wed Aug 22 20:19:20 EDT 2007


Well, how about for better understanding the scriptures yourself.  For,
one can not convey perfectly in English translation what is said in
Greek, though translators come very admirably close.  Another reason may
be for writing commentaries or teaching.  Not to mention perhaps to
translate it into any other language other than English!  There are many
good reasons to learn Greek other than to write an English translation of
the New Testament.  There are plenty of good translations in English
already and so, if anything, it is less pressing than the need for people
to translate it into other languages, or even for us to just be able to
better understand the words the Lord had the scribes who wrote the NT
originally pen down!  My main purpose for learning Greek was to be able to
read and study the scriptures better and to hopefully minister to others
should the Lord choose to use me in that way, by sharing what the Lord has
shown me in the original Greek that may not come out as well in the
English text.

Lord bless,

Pia Mikeal

On Wed, 22 Aug 2007, John M. Linebarger wrote:

> Carl has made statements in passing several times that open with the condition, "If producing an English translation is your goal for learning Greek ..."  At the risk of appearing naive, what other goals for learning Greek should be put ahead of the ability to produce an English translation?  In priority order, what are the "best" goals for learning Greek, in the opinion of the group?
>
> Blessings!
>
> John M. Linebarger
> Albuquerque, NM
>
> (P.S. I remain grateful to Carl for his recommendations about how to learn Attic Greek.  My Mastronarde book arrived in the mail yesterday [it seemed to correspond best to my particular language learning style, and an answer key is available for it] and I've devoured two chapters already.)
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