A few days ago
Arashikitty

Studying New Testament in Grad School — which language? Greek (Koine) or Latin?

I am going to Grad School to get a degree in Theology. I am looking into focusing on the NEW TESTAMENT or SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY — though I’m most likely choosing the New Testament. Anyway, I am at a loss. I am a college Senior and I am just starting my ancient language studies. I know Basic French (or so I think) so I’m just working on improving it. Now, since I am dealing with the New Testament, SHOULD I LEARN (KOINE) GREEK OR LATIN? Which language would be more beneficial for my study of the New Testament?

*Extra question, is French enough or should I switch to German? Which of the two will serve my Theology studies better? Thanks!

*As for the ancients, some of you may think I’m starting late but no worries, because I will ony be applying for my Master’s Degree at this time so I won’t be required to know in depth Greek or Latin until I go get my PhD — so in a nutshell — I have time =)

THANKS A MILLION!

Top 2 Answers
A few days ago
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Favorite Answer

Koine is essential for NT studies. Latin has no bearing at all on NT studies. Now, patristics…. that’s a different story. You’d need Latin for patristics.

ST may or may not require Latin — it depends upon your area of specialization. If you focus on Karl Barth, for example, German would be much more important.

Eventually, whether you do NT or ST, you’ll have to pass exams in reading knowledge of both French and German. Please note that this is different from conversational French and German. “Reading knowledge” refers to the ability to translate scholarly texts written in those languages.

And you might want to speak to your current professors about your plans. Even MA programs in New Testament studies will require a good deal of previous study of Greek. (M.Div. programs will not, though.)

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A few days ago
Geoff
I hate to say this but the best answer is to study both.

If you have to choose just one, study Greek. That way you can read the New Testament in the original. Greek will also allow you to read many of the Church Fathers and will also allow you to read many of the philosophers that influenced early Christianity.

On the other hand, many of the most influential Church Fathers wrote in Latin as well. For example, you will almost certainly want to read Augustine. If you are interested in medieval theologians (e.g. Aquinas) you’ll need Latin. Also, if you are planning on studying Roman Catholic theology, Latin is a must.

Just to add to your work, if you’re really serious about doing your readings in the original, you may want to consider adding Hebrew to the list as well ๐Ÿ™‚

I can’t speak to the value of French vs. German in theological studies; I would suspect that German would be more valuable if you are planning on studying Protestant theology. If your area of study is Roman Catholic, you’ll probably want both ๐Ÿ™‚

The good news is that your first second language is the hardest. After that, learning extra languages becomes progressively easier.

Also, Latin and Greek have similar grammars (they’re both quite different from modern English thought). Thus learning one will definitely help you pick up the other more quickly. Most people start with Latin, but I find reading Greek to be easier in general. Unfortunately, sometimes the similarities can lead to some confusion between the two because there are some more subtle differences.

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