Reading Biblical Greek Part 4: Sentence Structure & Connections

Introduction

Building on our knowledge of basic patterns, we’ll now learn how Greek sentences connect and flow together. We’ll focus on words that link ideas and how to follow the flow of thought in Greek texts.

Learning Objectives

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• Understand connecting words (conjunctions)
• Recognize phrase relationships
• Read longer Greek passages
• Follow the flow of ideas
• Begin analyzing sentence structure

Key Connecting Words

Primary Connectors

καί – and, even, also
δέ – but, and, now
γάρ – for, because
οὖν – therefore, then
ἀλλά – but, rather

Examples in Context

1. θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν θεός
   “The Word was God and the Word was God”
2. ἐγὼ βαπτίζω ἐν ὕδατι, δὲ αὐτὸς βαπτίσει ἐν πνεύματι
   “I baptize with water, but He will baptize with Spirit”

Sentence Patterns

Pattern 1: Simple Connection (καί)

• Jesus did X καί Jesus did Y
  Example:
  ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν καὶ ἐδίδαξεν
  “Jesus spoke and taught”

Pattern 2: Contrast (δέ, ἀλλά)

• X happened δέ Y happened
  Example:
  ὁ νόμος διὰ Μωϋσέως ἐδόθη, ἡ χάρις δὲ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ
  “The law was given through Moses, but grace through Jesus Christ”

Pattern 3: Explanation (γάρ)

• Statement γάρ explanation
  Example:
  οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον
  “For God so loved the world”

Reading Strategy: Following the Flow

Step 1: Find the Connectors

• Circle all connecting words
• Notice how they link ideas
• Watch for changes in topic

Step 2: Break Into Chunks

• Look for natural breaks
• Group related phrases
• Notice repeated patterns

Step 3: Track the Flow

• Follow the logical progression
• Notice cause and effect
• Identify main and supporting ideas

Practice Text: John 3:16-17

οὕτως γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον,
ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν,
ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται
ἀλλ’ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον.

Let’s break it down:

1. Main statement: God loved (ἠγάπησεν)
2. Result: He gave (ἔδωκεν)
3. Purpose: not perish (ἀπόληται) but have (ἔχῃ)

Common Sentence Structures

1. Cause and Effect

Because (ὅτι) → Therefore (οὖν)
Example:
ὅτι ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν, οὖν ἀγαπῶμεν ἀλλήλους
“Because God is love, therefore we love one another”

2. Contrast Structures

Not (οὐ) → But (ἀλλά)
Example:
οὐκ ἐγώ, ἀλλὰ ὁ Χριστός
“Not I, but Christ”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Connector Identification

Find and mark all connectors in Mark 1:1-5

Exercise 2: Flow Analysis

Draw arrows showing the flow of thought in John 1:1-5

Exercise 3: Structure Recognition

Identify the main and supporting ideas in 1 John 4:7-10

Homework

1. Connector Practice

• Make a list of all connectors you find in John 1
• Note how each one links ideas
• Practice reading the connected phrases

1. Flow Analysis

• Take a short passage (3-5 verses)
• Mark all connectors
• Draw a diagram showing how ideas connect

1. Reading Practice

• Read 1 John 4:7-12 aloud
• Notice the connecting words
• Track the flow of thought

Study Tips

• Pay attention to connecting words
• Look for patterns in how ideas link together
• Practice reading longer sections
• Draw diagrams to show relationships
• Use different colors to mark different types of connections

Next Steps

In Part 5, we’ll learn about tools and resources that can help us understand Greek texts better.

Additional Resources

• Sentence diagramming tools
• Flow analysis worksheets
• Online Greek text with parsing
• Connecting word reference charts

Remember: Focus on understanding how ideas connect rather than memorizing grammar rules. The goal is to follow the flow of thought in the text.

Part 5: Tools & Resources for Biblical Greek Study