Homeric vs Koine study??

Are you learning Koine Greek, the Greek of the New Testament and most other post-classical Greek texts? Whatever your level, use this forum to discuss all things Koine, Biblical or otherwise, including grammar, textbook talk, difficult passages, and more.
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Timotheus Sissor
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Homeric vs Koine study??

Post by Timotheus Sissor »

Hello.

My main purpose is to learn Greek for the purpose of Biblical studies. I would like to not only read the New testament but the Septuagint as well. Also the Histories surrounding the Biblical periods that directly relate to Biblical study.

I know after the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities the world of the Hebrews fell under the Greek influence with Alexander the great and his generals. Is there enough Greek literature that would cover ancient history like the divided kingdom, captivity, kings of Persia - Assyria -and Babylon like Nebuchadnezzar, Darius, Cyrus, Xerxes, as well as others?

As for between the Testament times are there manuscripts in Greek that discusses the Maccabean revolts and the cultures of those times as well as the diaspora of the Hebrew people.
I know by the time of the New Testament the world had come to speak Koine for which the NT was written but my main Question concerns itself around the time I would spend learning Pharr and some attic before moving to my main interest in koine.

As for Text I already have purchased Pharr's (revised) "Homeric Greek - a book for beginners" as well as J. Gresham Machen's "New Testament Greek for Beginners"- and a workbook on the same, also I have a BAGD, Thayer's Lexicon, Cunliff's "A lexicon of Homeric Dialect", Loeb's (Iliad books 1&2, Odyssey books 1&2, Herodotus books 1,2,3,&4), Athenaze book 1 as well as a smattering of vocabulary occurrences, and an enchiridion or two, Nestle-Aland "Novum Testamentum Graece" 27th Ed., and the United Bible Societies "The Greek New Testament" 2nd Ed..

If it were Bible only then I already have an answer, however, i do not know what other material is out there in older dialects that would behoove me with Pharr's or even attic prose.

Any suggestions with my aims and what I have on hand (besides what Testkit offers). Thank you.

refe
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Re: Homeric vs Koine study??

Post by refe »

I think Attic is very valuable for the study of the NT, LXX, intertestamental, and early Christian lit. Homeric Greek certainly wouldn't hurt, but I don't think you'll find much that is of immediate value. Of course, if you learn Homer you can read.... Homer(!) That's valuable in and of itself, although possibly well outside your focus.
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jswilkmd
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Re: Homeric vs Koine study??

Post by jswilkmd »

Get the computer program (truly equivalent to a year-long course at a seminary) called Greek Tutor, from Parsons Technology. I can't praise this teaching tool enough.

Markos
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Re: Homeric vs Koine study??

Post by Markos »

I agree with Refe. Homer is a wonderful poet in his own right, but not particularly helpful for learning New Testament Greek.

But as far as Attic goes, I insist that this is the same language as Koine. These terms really represent two different styles within the same language. You cannot learn one without the other.

{ συμφημι μεν ουν τῳ Ρηφῃ. ὁ Ὁμηρος καλος μεν ποιητης, οφελιμος του μανθανειν την Καινην Διαθηκην δ’ ου.

περι δε της γλωσσης της Αττικης τουτο δη λεγω. αὑτη εστιν ἡ αυτη γλωσσα ωσπερ ἡ Κοινη. αυται γαρ ουκ εισιν διαφοραι γλωσσαι αλλα μονον διαφοροι τροποι. μανθανειν ουν ου δυναται τις καλως ταυτην χωρις εκεινης. }
οὐ μανθάνω γράφειν, ἀλλὰ γράφω τοῦ μαθεῖν.

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