While nothing beats actually taking a full 2-3 year NT Greek class, this book comes close. While the are so many things that are missing, it does enable the student glean very useful knowledge of "the Greek behind the English". If you do not have time to take at least 2 years of Greek, this is the way to go. ( )

The Answer to One of My Oldest Dreams
Ever since I was in high school, I have harbored a desire to learn ancient Greek.

Since my rapid fire synapses that ease the learning of a foreign language have long since stopped firing, I had pretty relegated this desire to the unfulfilled list. That is, until I discovered this book. William Mounce, with this book, places a rudimentary mastery of Greek within my reach.

The book is an incredible resource. Let me caution, finishing the course will not make me a Greek master. Rather, Mounce teaches enough Greek to enhance Bible study.

The book is more, however. The author provides several chapters showing how a novice can apply his or her limited knowledge of a little Greek.

• "What are Translations?" is an insightful look into a bible translators mind.
• "Phrasing - An Introduction to our Bible Study Method" / "Fine-tuning Phrasing." These two chapters are worth what you are asked to pay for this book.
• “What Are Word Studies?" An excellent explanation of how to perform a word study.
• "How to Read a Commentary." The author explains the differences in commentaries; what do and do not do.

Gratefully, the grammar portion of the book is short and manageable. This makes it ideal for the type of self-study I am attempting. Another study aid is the CD-ROM, which comes with the book. Each week’s lesson is reinforced by a lecture, complete with slides, delivered by William Mounce to a group of lay-people attempting to do what I have undertaken.

If you have a desire to learn Greek, but do not have the time or the fortitude to undertake an academic approach to language, this is the book for you. Who knows, I might even tackle Hebrew appendix contained in this book. ( )