The Bible NETWork ~ Impacting the World for Christ one post at a time!

Benelchi,
We do agree on this topic, as think both of us would say that its fine to use Greek study tools in bible studies, but just need to realise the limitations of using those tools, as can and do help us, but does not mean one just become a "scholar!"

thank you all for the advice -- anyone who's an engineer knows the Greek alphabet -- however, why anyone would think themselves an expert because they have a dictionary is beyond me -- it's illogical -- how many years did it take us to fully grasp English, after all

as i don't have the time to devote to picking up another language, i'm stuck with trusting -- the problem comes when there's disagreements & i'm not sure who's correct -- then, it'd be nice to know more

Paco,
Use the Greek study tools appropiate for your level of understanding, as much better to really know what the Greek means as related to bible interpretation and application!

DON'T do what I did, by buying all of the Greek tools such as The lexicons, concordances, grammars etc without first knowing the basics!

Can use most of them now, but much better to buy each tool after learning just how to use them correctly!

Would all participants PLEASE refrain from quoting the entire posts when replying in threads. This only serves to clutter the forum and adds nothing to the conversation. If you are replying to a particular portion of a post, please feel free to quote any portion to which you are specifically responding to. This serves for clarity and is what the quote function is provided for.
Thank you for your understanding & participation!

_________________
Blessings,
Randy
Forum Code of Conduct
The Bible NETWork Doctrinal Statement
The Net Bible Online

Dear friends

I was tempted to quote the whole thread... but then I thought about it and decided not to do so .

I have never used Strong's numbering system as I am privileged to have pursued the study of the Biblical languages on a post-graduate level. Be that as it may, I find it frustrating when someone uses Strong's to argue a point that is clearly incorrect, but because the numbers have also been elevated to Holy Scripture, will doggedly persist with the argument.

While my Greek professor at the end of our second year of Greek, told the class, that we must decide between continuing or forgetting Greek as we have enough knowledge to be dangerous, another incident made me decide to continue with the study of the Biblical languages. In my first year of study, I went to visit two of my friends. I think I wanted to impress them, so I used a few Hebrew words to make a point. One of my friends laughed at me in my face. I made me feel ashamed of my behaviour. On the other hand I became not only a serious student of theology, but also of the Biblical languages. Today I try to refrain using Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic words in sermons, but I have translated every Bible text over which I've preached for myself. I also do a structural analysis on the text before consulting any commentaries. I find that it helps to read the commentators as partners in discussion.

Strong's might give you a false confidence, maybe of the same nature as my 1st year Hebrew-bragging episode. I think it is worthwhile to make the effort of learning the Biblical languages, even if you do it at your own pace.

Kind regards


Elimelek

if you have survived 2 year either greek/Hebrew training, keep on going, as worst part behind yo in sense are proficient enough to know why continue going forward!

Joking aside, all depends on what your work is with the Lord!
IF going to translate bibles/be scholar/teach/write etc, by all means continue with studies in the greek!

if a pastor or something else, think where you are now at is fine...

better to have a teacher/pastor proficient in English bible then one who 'sorta" knows the original languages!

reminds me story of believe J vernon mcgee. who said that always could tell new seminary trained pastor, as he kept trying to explain from the Greek why jesus was God from Gospel of John!