The Development of Greek and the New Testament: Morphology, Syntax, Phonology, and Textual Transmission makes a sustained argument that the history of the Greek language is vitally relevant to New Testament interpretation. Chrys Caragounis provides a wealth of historical information not otherwise readily available to students of New Testament Greek and sheds critical new light on many New Testament passages.
First, This volume serves first of all as an extensive reference resource. Its footnotes, lists, tables, and bibliographies present a wealth of otherwise inaccessible information. Most notably, Caragounis includes extensive information regarding morphology, syntax, phonology, and textual transmission, all of which have crucial significance for New Testament interpretation.
Second, the book presents a comprehensive case for a 'diachronic' approach--by looking at the whole history of the Greek language, readers can better understand usages found in the pages of the New Testament. Caragounis provocatively argues that contemporary scientific-linguistic theory is less helpful than a broad and deep working knowledge of the language as spoken, written, and understood across the centuries.
Third, the book serves as a valuable sourcebook for exegesis. Caragounis shows how his theoretical convictions about the importance of the whole history of the Greek language bear fruit in the concrete interpretation of particular New Testament passages.
This groundbreaking work is sure to spark lively debate. It will be of interest to scholars and students in the areas of New Testament exegesis, New Testament Greek, and New Testament text criticism.
