Reading Biblical Greek Part 1: The Greek Alphabet & Basic Reading

Introduction

Welcome to your first step in reading Biblical Greek! This lesson focuses on the foundation of the language: the Greek alphabet, basic pronunciation, and your first Greek words. By the end, you’ll be able to read simple words from the New Testament.

Learning Objectives

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• Learn the Greek alphabet letters and their sounds
• Understand basic pronunciation rules
• Read common New Testament words
• Begin recognizing Greek words in Scripture

The Greek Alphabet

The Greek alphabet consists of 24 letters. Each has an uppercase and lowercase form. Let’s learn them in small, manageable groups:

Group 1: Letters Similar to English

Group 2: Letters That Look Familiar But Sound Different

Group 3: Unique Greek Letters

Important Notes

1. Final Sigma: The letter σ changes to ς when it appears at the end of a word
2. Capitalization: Greek typically only capitalizes proper names and the first word of paragraphs
3. Punctuation: Greek uses a raised dot (·) for semicolons and a question mark that looks like our semicolon (;)

Common Letter Combinations (Diphthongs)

Your First Greek Words

Let’s practice with some common New Testament words:

1. θεός (God)
   • Pronounce: theh-OS
   • Practice: θ (th) + ε (eh) + ο (oh) + ς (s)
2. ἀγάπη (love)
   • Pronounce: ah-GAH-pay
   • Practice: ἀ (ah) + γά (GAH) + πη (pay)
3. λόγος (word)
   • Pronounce: LOH-gohs
   • Practice: λό (LOH) + γος (gohs)

Practice Verse: John 1:1

Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος (En archē ēn ho logos) “In the beginning was the Word”

Homework Activities

1. Writing Practice
   • Write each Greek letter 5 times
   • Copy the practice verse three times
   • Write your name in Greek letters
2. Reading Practice
   • Read the practice verse aloud 5 times
   • Find these words in John 1:1-5: θεός, λόγος
   • Practice writing and pronouncing each diphthong
3. Online Resources
   • Visit Paul’s Handkerchief Bible Search and find John 1:1 in Greek

Next Steps

In Part 2, we’ll learn essential vocabulary and begin recognizing different types of words in the New Testament. Keep practicing your alphabet and pronunciation daily!

Additional Tips

• Create flashcards for the alphabet
• Practice writing a few minutes each day
• Read aloud, even if slowly
• Focus on accuracy over speed
• Use online resources like https://forvo.com/ to hear native pronunciation

Remember: Learning the alphabet is like building a foundation. Take your time and make sure it’s solid before moving forward!

Part 2: Essential Vocabulary & Word Recognition