The Elements of New Testament Greek

As a teacher of New Testament Greek, I have found The Elements of New Testament Greek by Jeremy Duff to be the most effective and reliable resource available. Its structured and logical approach makes it ideal for guiding students through the complexities of the language, and its clarity ensures that even challenging concepts are accessible. The book is exceptionally well-organised, beginning with the basics of the Greek alphabet and moving steadily into more advanced grammar and syntax. Each chapter builds on the last, making it easy to plan lessons and ensure students are progressing at a manageable pace. The exercises are particularly valuable, providing ample opportunities for students to practise and solidify their understanding. Many of these are drawn directly from the New Testament, which not only reinforces the material but also gives students the rewarding experience of engaging with the text in its original language. The vocabulary lists are thoughtfully curated, focusing on the most frequently used words in the New Testament. This ensures that students can quickly build a working knowledge of the language while feeling that their efforts are immediately relevant to the texts they are studying. What sets this book apart is its balance. It introduces grammar and syntax in a rigorous yet approachable way, avoiding unnecessary complexity while still providing the depth needed to read the New Testament with understanding. The layout is clear and uncluttered, which is especially helpful when teaching, as it allows students to focus on the material without distraction. While the book is primarily a grammar, it also encourages critical thinking about the language, which is invaluable for deeper engagement with the text. For students seeking additional context, I supplement this book with other resources, but as a core textbook, it is unparalleled. I highly recommend The Elements of New Testament Greek to any teacher or student of the language. It has been an indispensable tool in my teaching, consistently delivering excellent results and enabling students to achieve their goals in reading and understanding the Greek New Testament. A truly outstanding resource.

This is a really well thought out and student-centred textbook, slightly let down by the quality of the design / printing, especially page number which are white on pale grey box and barely legible. The only significant improvement I would suggest is more exercises with answers (or answers to ALL the exercises, not just some of them)

I keep coming back to New Testament Greek. I've worked through the predecessor to this book (John Wenham) several times and it's always hard-going. This newer version makes matters a little more clear, and you feel that the teacher is very much on your side, anticipating what you may find difficult. The book will enable you to read some parts of the New Testament, especially early parts of John's gospel and letters. It doesn't open up the entire New Testament to you, but it will give you an understanding of biblical translation.

I have been studying Classical Greek for eight months and have been alternating between Peter Jones's book and that of John Taylor, both available on Amazon. However I have also found this volume to be an extremely valuable tool for a number of reasons. Firstly the text is packed with apt tests and practices throughout for which the answers are provided. As I am not in a class nor have a teacher I find that this is extremely useful aid. Also as I have a Roman Catholic upbringing the biblical phrases given as grammatical examples have the added effect of driving home the point. The grammar is taught in a logical and helpful manner and a real sense of progress is experienced. The layout and print used is pleasing on the eye which is important when one is likely to spend some hours gazing over the text. It is a pleasure finally to hear the spoken Greek in the CD but I was slightly disappointed that this was spoken in an American accent given the English University background to the book. Also I have some issues with the pronunciation. I think I prefer Peter Jones's tape to this CD. You can buy the book independent of the CD

I can't recommend this book too highly. Jeremy Duff has produced a brilliant textbook. The book is extremely clear, concise and well laid out. Key learning points are emphasised, the grammar tables are helpful, and vocabulary lists are well organised - with useful mnemonics given at the bottom. After working my way through this book I felt confident to start reading the New Testament in Greek - with a dictionary at hand. I had learned all the key grammar and gained a working vocabulary of 600 words in just a few months. I wish you well in your studies of New Testament Greek.

I bought the second edition (not realising that there was a 3rd Durh!) in order to pick up enough Greek to understand the points made by biblical commentators. I had tried several different books before and found them all far to obtuse and difficult. This book definitely does what it says on the tin! The 3rd edition is a big improvement in layout and style but still keeps to the intent of the original (and the 2nd edition). Having revisited reading Latin at the OU (having had a dreadful Latin master at school who put me right off the subject) I found the approach and the language fairly simple and certainly easier than Latin (although is that because I have studied Latin first?) Only 1 minor gripe so far - the answers to the exercises are only there for the "A" ones - as a remote student I do wish I could find the answers to the "B" exercises somewhere to check mine. As an introduction to Greek I have found no better.

Duff simply and astutely lays out the elements of the Greek of the New Testament (it's on the cover, after all), and does his job admirably. He does not confuse the student with syntactical or linguistic discussions unless they are directly relevant and applicable to simple reading of the New Testament, leaving such content to intermediate grammars, nor does he attempt to make learning Greek more fun and exciting than it already is, cutting down on unnecessary content and distractions. I own Kindle editions of Mounce (The Basics of Biblical Greek), Black (Learn to Read New Testament Greek), and Duff (Elements), and I can say without a doubt that, were I to recommend an introductory textbook to someone, Duff would be my first choice. Duff is simple, concise, and clear, leaving his student with a firm grasp of what is necessary. I am drawn to the conclusion that if one wishes to learn New Testament Greek, Duff is the man for you.

very good

The book is good - The binding is horrible. I hope I will be able to reach the end of it before it falls apart.

This is NOT A REVIEW. I HAVE A QUESTION. The "CONTENTS" show pages 1 - 339. However, ALAS! there is NOT ONE PAGE NUMBER "ON THE *PAGES*! How do you explain this? Finding a section of the Book is A CHALLENGE! It is a GREAT BOOK.....BUT...... Thank You

happy with purchase