Why study New Testament Greek syntax?
There are at least six reasons for studying New Testament Greek syntax:
1. Because syntax identifies the function of each word in a sentence. Too often, students of New Testament Greek assume that lexical definitions (i.e., word studies) are the key to proper interpretation. Actually, since all words take on their specific meaning based on their use in a given context, though lexical analysis is a necessary step in the exegetical process, it is not determinative. As the saying goes, “Syntax is king!”
2. Because Greek sentences are rarely simple. Most sentences in the Greek New Testament are complex; they contain a subject (either stated or implied) and a predicate with various modifiers. Syntax helps the student to see how the author expands on the kernel to form a more complex sentence. Notice Luke 1:1-4 as an example. What is the simple sentence?
3. Because syntax is necessary for sentence diagramming and sentence diagramming forces the student to understand the syntax of the sentence or passage under consideration. We may call this the syntactical-diagrammatical analysis circle. We diagram to show the syntax, but in order to do so, one must understand the syntax first (or at least discover it in the diagramming process). We must agree with Scot McKnight, when he says, “The goal of diagramming is simple: to identify and display the grammatical function of each word in a sentence. Until one can display (or identify) the grammatical function of each word, it is unlikely that the grammar has been grasped.”[1]
4. Because syntax is necessary to trace arguments. As Thomas R. Schreiner says, “No one can follow the thread of Paul’s arguments if the syntax and grammar of the text are not understood.”[2] The same goes for all other authors of the New Testament. For example, in Colossians 1:5, what is the word “because” modifying? Is Paul saying “We give thanks to God…because of the hope…”? Or is he saying they have “faith in Christ and…love for all the saints because of the hope…”? And is “the hope” subjective (i.e., confident expectation in the souls of the Colossians) or objective (i.e., that which is hoped in or for)? Understanding syntax is necessary to trace arguments.
5. Because syntax is the basis from which outlines can be constructed. Once the syntax is understood (and, preferably, diagrammed), the exegete is ready to construct an outline which is faithful to the construction of the inspired text. The exegete can then be confident that he is well on his way to determining the meaning of the text. These outlines can also be utilized in sermon-crafting.
6. Because the student will be able to utilize the best exegetical tools available and interact with the experts on a meaningful level. Understanding syntax will assist students of the New Testament in the profitable use of more technical commentaries and advanced tools. Instead of taking their word for it, the informed, syntactically aware exegete will be able to interact with the best commentators on any given text. He will be able to ask the right questions of the commentators instead of discovering what those questions are (or what the commentator thinks they are).
[1] Scot McKnight, “New Testament Greek Grammatical Analysis” in Scot McKnight, editor, Introducing New Testament Interpretation (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1989), 89.
[2] Thomas R. Schreiner, Interpreting the Pauline Epistles (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1990), 97.
Dr. Richard Barcellos is associate professor of New Testament Studies. He received a B.S. from California State University, Fresno, an M.Div. from The Master’s Seminary, and a Th.M. and Ph.D. from Whitefield Theological Seminary. Dr. Barcellos is pastor of Grace Reformed Baptist Church, Palmdale, CA. He is author of Trinity & Creation, The Covenant of Works, and Getting the Garden Right. He has contributed articles to various journals and is a member of ETS.
Courses taught for CBTS: New Testament Introduction, Biblical Hermeneutics, Biblical Theology I, Biblical Theology II.
