The Greek Verb Revisited: A Fresh Approach for Biblical Exegesis

by Steven E. Runge (Editor), Christopher J. Fresch (Editor)

New Testament studies have debated the Koine Greek verb for 25 years--reaching an impasse when it came to both tense and aspect.

Now, a group of scholars offer a new take on this debate. Originally presented as part of a conference on the Greek verb at Tyndale House, Cambridge, the chapters in The Greek Verb Revisited represent scholarly collaboration from the fields of linguistics, classics, and New Testament studies--resulting in a new perspective that allows the reader to approach the Greek verb in a fresh way.

The Greek Verb Revisited not only offers a rare glimpse into the background of the debate over the Greek verb, but also explains the significance of this discussion and provides a linguistically-sound way forward.


Contributors include:
--Rutger J. Allan (Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam)
--Michael Aubrey (Faithlife Corporation)
--Rachel Aubrey (Canada Institute of Linguistics, Trinity Western University)
--Randall Buth (Biblical Language Center)
--Robert Crellin (Faculty of Classics, Cambridge)
--Nicholas J. Ellis (BibleMesh)
--Buist Fanning (Dallas Theological Seminary)
--Christopher J. Fresch (Bible College of South Australia)
--Peter J. Gentry (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)
--Geoffrey Horrocks (Faculty of Classics, Cambridge)
--Patrick James (The Greek Lexicon Project; Faculty of Classics, Cambridge)
--Stephen H. Levinsohn (SIL International)
--Amalia Moser (National and Kapodistrian University of Athens)
--Christopher J. Thomson (University of Edinburgh)
--Elizabeth Robar (Tyndale House, Cambridge)
--Steven E. Runge (Lexham Research Institute; Stellenbosch University)

Genres: Biblical Studies, Language

688 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[John Kight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek Verb Revisited: A Fresh Approach for Biblical Exegesis edited by Steven E. Runge and Christopher J. Fresch is a collection of scholarly essays presented at the Tyndale Fellowship 2015 meeting, sponsored by the University of Cambridge School of Arts and Humanities and Lexham Research Institute. Runge and Fresch have brought together a fascinating presentation of forward-moving linguistic research that frames a longstanding conversation around the function and application of the Greek verb. Runge and Fresch help to push the conversation past an aspect-only dialog and into new space with more room for a new paradigm to flourish.

As expected, Greek Verb Revisited is academically oriented and probably best situated for intermediate or advance students of New Testament Greek. The volume opens with an excellent forward from Andreas J. Köstenberger, recounting his personal journey and adoration for the work presented. Runge and Fresch have divided the essays into three major sections: (1) Overview, (2) Application, and (3) Linguistic Investigations. The organization of the volume seems somewhat random, but the content therein is magnificent. The first section aims to position the overall conversation, past and present, within the larger framework of the volume. There are four chapters focusing on tense and/or aspect, with no obvious organizational intent, which looks to move the conversation towards new ground. While each of the essays has strengths, the essay by Nicholas J. Ellis, that establishes a cognitive-linguistic framework, is outstanding and Ellis’ use of Matt. 2:20 is appropriate. The second and third sections are where the bulk of the volume is spent. There is much that could be said about the chapters in these sections, but most of which is beyond space here. Runge’s chapter on nonnarrative discourse was fascinating. Runge is easy to follow and he does a great job bringing the reader into his discussion while remaining humble and honest about the need for further research (p. 265). Again, much more could be said about each essay individually, but as a collection of essays this volume is sure to be a staple for further engagement in the years to come.

It is both exciting and encouraging to see an unfolding of new movement in research regarding the function and application of the Greek language, especially the Greek verb. Greek Verb Revisited is both up-to-date and academically stimulating. The contributors include, Peter Gentry, Stephen Levinsohn, Buist Fanning, Rutger Allan, and many more names of equal caliber. At nearly 650 pages, this volume is not for the faint of heart. But, those who specialize in or enjoy linguistics will find this volume to be a goldmine of rich discovery. Some essays are more difficult to follow than others, and this varies from topic and author. But, overall those with a preexisting knowledge of the language and a familiarity with the ongoing dialog on Greek verbs will be pleasantly surprised by the tone of this volume. Additionally, for those who love to explore bibliographies for their next research project or “rabbit trail” read, each of the essays include a sizable list of referenced resources that will come in handy. For future use, Runge and Fresch have included a detailed subject/author index and an index of ancient sources. This will allow for relevant information to be retrieved as the need arises—an appropriate and welcomed addition.

Greek Verb Revisited: A Fresh Approach for Biblical Exegesis edited by Steven E. Runge and Christopher J. Fresch is nothing short of groundbreaking. The essays included are forward-looking and up-to-date with the latest conversations, and, in fact, push those conversations towards a much-needed end. If you are looking for a volume that presents the most recent advances in the Greek language, while remaining academically practical for exegesis and textual analysis, then nothing should stand in the way of this book finding space on your shelf. It comes highly recommended for those engaged or looking to engage in the conversation.

[Gwilym Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mean it's pretty epic, and of course some contributions are better than others. But overall I found this tremendously enlightening.

[Joshua Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, very enjoyable and stimulating. As is typical in an edited volume with many contributors, some essays shone more than others. That said, none of them were 'bad' just not as interesting as others. Particularly outstanding were Rachel Aubrey's essay on the θη form middles, and Nicholas Ellis' on aspect-prominence & morpho-syntax. This is evidence that the work has been done to necessitate a change in Koine Greek pedagogy.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a game changer!

[Darryl Burling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really a helpful resources for those who are researching the language, but not so helpful for students unless they’re researching something related to the verb in Greek.