Discourse Analysis and the Greek New Testament: Text-Generating Resources

by Stanley E. Porter, Matthew Brook O'Donnell

This volume examines and outlines a Systemic Functional Linguistic (SFL) model of discourse analysis and its relationship to New Testament Greek. The book reflects upon how SFL has grown as a field since it was first introduced to New Testament Greek studies by Stanley E. Porter in the 1980s.

Porter and Matthew Brook O'Donnell first introduce basic concepts regarding discourse analysis and the major approaches towards it within New Testament studies. They then provide a detailed exploration of discourse analysis in terms of the textual metafunction, beginning with an introduction to the architecture of language within SFL, before exploring several individual elements within it. By focusing upon these individual components – in particular, theme and information structure, markedness and prominence, and coherence and cohesive harmony – Porter and O'Donnell introduce and exemplify the major resources of the textual metafunction.

322 pages, Paperback

Published June 26, 2025

About the author

Stanley E. Porter (PhD, University of Sheffield) is president, dean, and professor of New Testament, and Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Wolrdview at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, Ontario. He has authored or edited dozens of books, including How We Got the New Testament and Fundamentals of New Testament Greek.

Reviews

[Frank Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5- There was some excellent content- especially with regard to cohesion and coherence. However- I believe this showed me that my understanding of the study of linguistics and discourse analysis at the point of reading this book is a bit of the “cart before the horse.” Probably will return to this one after reading other texts on SFL and linguistics in the GNT and have a deeper appreciation for the concepts spoken about.

[Zachary Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some interesting concepts here, and Porter is clearly brilliant. But I cannot honestly say I enjoyed any part of this book. The organization of thought is wandering, and the over-reliance and crowded use of technical jargon will make this a slog for readers without and advanced understanding of analytical textual analysis in the Greek.