Customer Reviews

Idioms of the Greek New Testament (Biblical Languages: Greek)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In preparing for PhD Entrance Exams, I used Stanley Porter "Idioms of the Greek New Testament" to review the major elements of NT grammar and syntax. Porter's text is well-written and clear, offering helpful overview and insight into the main patterns of language in the New Testament.

I also like that he limits his study to the Greek of the NT, giving the work a clear focus that benefits the student interested primarily in NT usage of koine Greek (the type of Greek the NT was written in). Another helpful feature is Porter's discussion of Verbal Aspect (Aspect involves the "viewpoint" of the author versus the "kind of action" a verb portrays), which serves as a succinct introduction to the relevant concepts and issues.

I recommend this volume to anyone wanting to investigate the Greek texts of the NT.

This book has been extremely helpful in understanding some of the pertinent discussions of Biblical Greek. Porter's book is a type of condensed intermediate grammar. It is not nearly as extensive as Wallace's 'beyond the basics' and so acts as a very practical complement to Wallace. Porter's discussion of many of the topics helps to balance some of what Wallace treats. Over the last year I have found myself constantly pouring over both Wallace and Porter, but I am always much more interested in what Porter has to say since his treatment is sometimes more specific.

Porter's Idioms of the Greek New Testament should be titled Middler Greek Grammer. It is as much a textbook as it is a reference work. Porter's language is at times a bit confusing, but his understanding of the Greek is unmatched.

Dr. Porter is clearly one of the biggest producers of modern scholarship for Biblical Greek and his Idioms books is much needed on every shelf of anyone interested in exegesis. The book is very classic in its easy layout and usability which serves to assist the beginner and make quick reference work for the experienced.
One important note is that this book is not like other NT grammar books that beginning students own, this clearly fits a niche in one's library. The definitions and proposals are different than what is found in Wallace, Moule, or Mounce. Yet Porter writes and presents in a manner that makes it easy to learn and develop to the next level.

Thanks Dr. Porter