Why Learn to Read Biblical Greek?
Scripture is the inspired word of God
Serious students of scripture often begin to reading commentaries. They will discover a multitude of scholars, each asserting their different theological positions. Many of these scholars will assert they authority of their interpretation based on knowledge of Biblical Greek. When you have a scholar that you trust, respect, and look up to, it is logical and reasonable to take the word of this scholar at face value. You will, however, discover scholars with different opinions. Scholars who also appeal to their knowedge of Biblical Greek to support their own position. So when it comes to contentious theological debates, you find yourself choosing between the position of one scholar over another. You accidentally find yourself leaning on a particular scholars opinion rather than the words of Scripture itself.
It is true that the English is sufficient for salvation, discipleship, spiritual growth, and spiritual disciplines. However serious students of Scripture will reach the point where they want to set aside this dependency on scholars for theological interpretation. Serious students learn to read Greek and Hebrew for themselves. There is a liberation one feels, once you are no longer dependent on choosing a scholar for Greek and Hebrew interpretation. When it comes to contentious theological debates, read the Greek and Hebrew, and truly be able to engage in Scripture as the inspired word of God.
Pray the words of Jesus
It is true that the English translation of Scripture is sufficient for salvation, progressing in your spiritual journey, and discipleship. However, there is truly nothing like the feeling of being able to read the original words of Paul as he wrote them. There is nothing like reading the parables in the original languages. There is a genuine joy that can be felt in learning to pray the Lord’s prayer using the same words used by the apostles and disciples of the early church.
It doesn't have to be hard
Getting started on your journey to learning Biblical Greek has truly never been easier. By using your mobile phone for as little as 5-10 minutes per day, I believe that your brain will naturally become comfortable with the sounds, letters, and grammar patterns of Biblical Greek. You can then use this experience to accelerate your ability to engage with textbooks and/or traditional courses of study. If you are at all interested in the Biblical Languages I highly encourage you to try the app today.