Book Review: A Syntax Guide for Readers of the New Testament
"It's all Greek to me" is not suppose to be a joke for seminary students. Yet, it remains true that fluency in Greek goes out the door when it is not used daily. The reading of the Greek New Testament while an admirable goal, often hits snags in the details. In A Syntax Guide for Readers of the Greek New Testament, Charles Lee Irons has provided a guide to those Greek details that cause stumbling when reading the Scriptures.
Irons provides a book by book and verse by verse (when there is need) resource for advanced and complicated phrases or word usage within the Greek text. With only a brief explanation provided, the reader is allowed to return to the Scriptures having an understand of the technical nature of the word or phrase while maintaining a flow of Scripture and progress. This resource goes hand-in-hand with a Greek New Testament as an encouragement to spend more time in God's word in the original language.
Iron's proficiency with the Greek is evident. Though his explanations of difficult textual issues is sometimes too brief, eager students will be able to re-look at syntax issues at a separate time from the encouraged reading of Scripture.
In conclusion, Iron's work is helpful for those taking measured steps toward reading Greek fluently. A Syntax Guide for Readers of the Greek New Testament reads like the resource it is and will have little value outside of an audience pursuing greater fluency.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
