The Reference Desk | The Beauty and Approachability of Greek Word Study 

There’s something about walking into a church with stained glass windows. Each window tells a story. Each colorful piece is placed together so perfectly, soldered together to create one final image that leaves me awestruck every time. The windows themselves are so beautiful and wonderful. When the sun shines through behind the glass, it’s like the stories come alive. The colors reflect all throughout the building; the depictions of whatever storied image featured become more vibrant. 

Reading and interpreting the Bible can bring forth the same experience. The Bible itself is one complete, beautiful story of God’s redemption plan for humanity told through the sixty-six books encapsulated in the canon. And in its English form, it is a masterpiece. Yet when I pulled back the English layer to shine the light of the original languages from behind, I saw those verses, words, and phrases in a way I never thought possible.  

I remember the first time I studied Greek in undergrad. I doubted how this language would benefit my study or ministry. By week two, I was hooked. By semester two, I looked forward to doing my homework. By semester three, I was toting my Greek New Testament to chapel to see how well I could follow along in the reading.  

How does Greek help me with no seminary training? 

Not everyone has the opportunity or the calling to receive formal theological education, but I still believe that a cursory understanding of the original languages (I’ll keep Greek as the example as to remain succinct in examples) can open the eyes of any lay person, ministry leader, or Sunday school teacher.  

I’ve taught Sunday School and small groups for over a decade, and I can see the way the Word comes alive when I connect the English to the Greek. There’s something about the connection between our natural language and the language chosen for the dissemination of Scripture that fosters an intellectual intimacy with God.  

Pragmatically, if you lead a small group or Sunday School class, there is a responsibility to teach biblical principles and interpretations in context. I had a professor tell me one time, “Anytime you open your mouth to speak about God, you theologize. And anytime you theologize, it can be dangerous.” Walking through a Greek word study can grow us in certain deductive skills like: 

• Sorting through Bible reference material like dictionaries or commentaries; 

• Discerning context clues for the original audience; 

• Determining the difference between a specific definition of a certain word and its possible range of meanings;

• Comparing your interpretation to see if it coincides with the rest of Scripture. 

Quick Word Study Examples 

John 1:14 is one of my favorite verses that holds such beautiful truths pertaining to the incarnation. Verse 14 says, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

The Greek word for “dwelt” in this verse is ἐσκήνωσεν (eskenosen), and it can mean “to tabernacle” or “to pitch a tent.” The Hebrew equivalent of this word points to Exodus 25:8. The Lord is speaking to Moses about building a dwelling place for the Lord’s presence to travel with His people. The construction was incredibly specific and meticulous, as it was housing the one true God.  

Drawing on that connection, what did the tabernacle represent in the Old Testament? 

• The place and source of the law; 

• The dwelling of God; 

• The source of revelation; 

• The site of sacrifice; 

• The focus of worship. 

Shining the light behind the word “dwelt” uncovers the layers to proclaim to the reader that Jesus is God incarnate and therefore encompasses all five characteristics of the tabernacle.  

Another example is the passage (also in John) where Jesus asked Peter in 21:15-19 if he loves Him. He asked Peter three times this same question. In English, the significance of repetition is apparent. But when you peel back the layer to the Greek there is an interesting twist by the third question that might show WHY Jesus felt the need to repeat Himself. 

In the first two questions, Jesus used this word for love: ἀγαπᾷς (agapas), where the root word is ἀγάπη (agape). Agape is a type of love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. How does Peter respond? He uses this word for love: φιλῶ (philo), where the root word is φιλέω (phileo). This type of love is of high affection and regard, a brotherly love (think Phila-delphia).  

In the third question, Jesus switched to the phileo form of love. Which brings up some interesting questions or observations.  

• Did Peter answer differently because he remembered his three-time rejection of Jesus after his arrest? Could he not bring himself to express agape love? 

• Did Jesus ask this twice to stretch Peter? Or was he letting him know he was capable of sacrificial love? 

• Did Jesus switch to phileo because he understood that he needed to meet Peter where he was in order to stretch him further? 

• Jesus still accepted Peter’s love even though he turned his back. Jesus knew the potential Peter possessed.  

These questions would have never been brought forth without seeing the difference in the original language. It’s interesting to see this sort of healing point for Peter and observe the change in his influence on Christianity after the ascension.  

Is there an accessible tool for me to do these studies? 

My recommendation for those interested in studying Greek in an accessible way is Greek Word Studies for Everyone by Benjamin L. Merkle and Robert L. Plummer. No parsing, no vocabulary quizzes. It even teaches you how to read the Greek words quickly so you can dive right into study.

Please do not be intimidated by the Greek language. You don’t need to be a scholar to incorporate it into your Bible study. Merkle and Plummer have broken everything down into small chewable bites so you can weave Greek into your study seamlessly. It’s formulated to be adaptable to church small groups for an interactive 7-week study where the leader can have little-to-no knowledge of the Greek language.  

And it comes with free video resources on wordstudiesforeveryone.com. For the first time, a cursory understanding of the Greek language and tangible word study is in reach for everyone and anyone.  

I hope you enjoy and benefit from shining the light behind Scripture to bring it to life like never before! 

ABOUT DAKOTA RICE