The Development of Greek and the New Testament: Morphology, Syntax, Phonology, and Textual Transmission - Paperback

by Chrys C. Caragounis (Author)

Languages inevitably evolve, and our understanding of texts from particular times and places must be illuminated by an awareness of changes and continuities in linguistic usage over time. The Development of Greek and the New Testament explores the relationship between the developing Greek language and the body of writings in Greek that make up the New Testament, arguing that the history of Greek is vitally important to New Testament interpretation. Caragounis provides a wealth of historical information not otherwise readily available to students of New Testament Greek. Extensive tables, indices, and bibliographies aid further study. An essential resource for advanced students of New Testament Greek, this unique work is highly valuable for all Hellenists, Byzantinists, and students of Greek patristics.

Back Jacket

Chrys Caragounis is in an enviably unique position to write a book on the history of the Greek language and the New Testament's place in that story because he is an expert linguist and grammarian highly competent in and familiar with contemporary biblical scholarship as well as having Greek as his mother tongue. He writes with erudition, perceptiveness, and passion. This highly readable survey is a veritable mine of information and detailed scholarship and is to be highly recommended to all scholars of the Greek New Testament.
--J. K. Elliott, University of Leeds

"The Development of Greek and the New Testament is a magisterial work that must be on the bookshelf of every scholar working with the Greek language. It is a treasure trove of information on all aspects of the historical development of Greek (the evidence presented on Phrynichos, Moiris, and the Atticistic reaction, e.g., is invaluable). Especially significant is the attention paid to Byzantine-Medieval Greek (AD 600-1500) and its place in the development of Neohellenic. While Caragounis has his own views on a number of issues, his approach is in no way idiosyncratic, building as it does on the foundational work of Hatzidakis and Jannaris."
--James W. Voelz, Concordia Seminary

"I have great sympathy with the concerns of Prof. Caragounis and admiration for his extensive reading of the Greek literature of all ages and the perspectives he derives therefrom. This impressive work can open the eyes of New Testament scholars to important but neglected aspects of the language of the New Testament and broaden their linguistic horizons."
--Peter W. van der Horst, University of Utrecht

"Caragounis proposes that earlier and later forms of Greek are essential to a proper understanding of New Testament Greek. He rejects the current scholarly consensus of synchronic priority in favor of diachronic, holistic study of Greek as a unified language. As a result, he proposes alternative interpretations of selected New Testament passages and textual problems. The thesis that Neohellenic (modern Greek) is essential for understanding the language of the New Testament is controversial, and many of us may be skeptical of such claims, but I am glad to see this work made available in an affordable edition so that its proposals may be more readily evaluated."
--Rodney J. Decker, Baptist Bible Seminary

Author Biography

Chrys C. Caragounis (DrTheol, Uppsala University) is professor of New Testament exegesis at Lund University, Sweden. He is the author of "The Ephesian Mysterion, The Son of Man, " and "Peter and the Rock."