Bible Study tool, the language of the New Testament, Biblical Greek

The main reason for Bible study is growth in spirit and wisdom by the washing of the Word. This is accomplished most effectively when you invest your time with the actual words of the New Testament. When you study the Bible in the original language there is less of a chance for the word to be blunted, with thoughts like, "I'm sure the original isn't so pointed." or, "This might be more of the voice of the translator than the author." Studying the Bible in the original removes this stumbling block to the flesh and enables the word to change our hearts more directly.

Ask questions of the text not available to the English reader

Bible study is more than the sum of a bunch of word studies. The way words relate to one another often has more significance that their individual meanings. For example, two nouns may have a relation to communicate of these: possession, part of a whole, descriptive trait, benefit, respect, comparison, certain time, etc. Adverbial clauses may communicate opposite relations like cause or result, as well as, reason, concession, timing, etc. English translations often make many of these important decisions for the reader. There are also issues unavailable to the English reader, like verbal aspect (how an action is portrayed; continually, repeatedly, attempted, merely accomplished, etc., ). A large part of good Bible study is being equipped to ask the best questions.

Gain a clearer understanding of the Bible

The best Bible study tool for gaining the clearest understanding of the Bible, is an understanding of the language of the New Testament. We gain clarity by drawing as close as possible to what we are studying. Conducting your Bible study lesson in the original language often reduces ambiguities in English translations or reveals ambiguity in the original which was eliminated by the interpretation of the translator. Either way, you gain a more accurate understanding of what God's word actually says.

Increase Unity

There are many diverse online Bible sites, each claiming that the Bible teaches something different. People who use information produced by these different groups become more polarized and less likely to find common ground with people from other backgrounds. When people rely on the original language of the New Testament as their Bible study tool rather than secondary sources and materials, their conversations become more focused on what the original text says and less centered around their personal system of beliefs and doctrines. It is so satisfying to become more like minded with other Christians.

Avoid the translation debate

One of the most common questions in any Bible study is which English translation is the best. This question assumes that all translations can be ranked on one scale. But the fact is that there will never be the perfect translation. The growth rate of the number of translations has accelerated over time. Today, there are so many English translations of the Bible that it is a difficult task to start counting. There is also plenty of secondary literature about translations. Take the plentiful supply of books and articles on the King James debate. Unfortunately in all this mess, many people get distracted from the heart of the matter, the word of God.

It is ironic that we spend so much energy on this is issue when it could simply be bypassed. If we gain an understanding of the New Testament in the original language, we don't have to argue over what English word or phrase would be the best translation. Once we understand the meaning of the original it seems silly to bicker over English terminology.

If you would like to comment on any of these points or see responses to common objections please post on this forum.

Agora Forum

There are also many free online Bible study materials here,

or see some tutorial options for learning Greek here.

Best Ways to Learn Greek Online