Are these misconceptions holding you back from learning NT Greek?

Don't let these reasons hold you back from learning New Testament Greek.

Follow me:
00:00 Reason 1
03:52 Reason 2
08:03 Reason 3

[j.burgess]

People who are frightened of learning underestimate what the human brain is capable of. I've found that learning by heart the patterns of (for example) different noun declensions isn't nearly as hard as might be feared. In my opinion the most important thing is motivation. If people really and truly WANT to master something, if they see a benefit and a relevance to it, then they'll power through - by hook or by crook.

[KevinOsborne]

Darryl, thanks for taking time to share your encouraging thoughts.

I saw other students frustrated by learning Greek vocabulary with flash cards. They were stressed out because they had to know it for their exams. They were afraid of failure. It certainly didn't encourage me to delve into Greek more other than using tools to enlighten my understanding of Greek Biblical words, and interpretation of Scripture in the original Greek. A pastor of mine encouraged me to keep learning more about the Bible and how the understanding of language opens our eyes to the richness and depth of meaning of God's Word. I was so thankful he mentored me for three years. This included free access to his theological library and Greek lexicons. He taught me how to develop a sermon without referring too much to commentaries. He would say, "Kevin, what does this Biblical passage we are talking about say to you? How is God speaking to your heart through it? What is the context of the passage?" He taught me hermeneutics, which is the way we interpret the literary language and form of the Scripture text. Yet, some of my classmates training to be ministers who studied Greek at seminary in addition to their college work, I felt for them in feeling overwhelmed by the study of Greek. I think they did better on their tests than they thought they would. That fear you will fail at something can hold you back from studying things that could change your life. It can be discouraging, seeing any of your classmates struggle with learning a Biblical language. I thought to myself, "If they're so smart and seeming to be floundering, i probably won't be able to master learning Greek or Hebrew." This is often a case of thinking of the worst thing that could happen that most likely won't. I pray what I have shared will encourage people not to let fear stop you from learning and growing as you are in relationship with God. He will help you. Just ask Him to give you the spirit of perseverance. He will. Then, thank God, your teachers, mentors and professors, who have and are being used by God to develop you into the person God wants you to be.

[mumenrider]

People confuse 'I would like to know Greek' with 'I want to know Greek'. People who would like to know something give up when it gets hard. People who want something keep working even when it gets hard. All the factors you discuss are important but desire for the goal is what will make you successful in reaching your goal.

[johnbarone]

Here’s more:
1. Time! My day seems busy enough as it is.
2. Expense. It takes $$ to get the resources, right??
3. Why? All sorts of Christians function just fine without the knowing Greek or Hebrew. I can even read something like the UBS Handbook and get an idea of what the original language text is saying.