Greek Is Great Gain

Greek Is Great Gain presents to students and pastors an exegetical method with a rigor worthy of Scripture and a practicality suitable for weekly use. It has additional features that enable the expositor to see holistically the role of Greek in ministry.

The introductory chapters give the rationale, basic definitions, and presuppositions for a Greek-based exegetical method. After describing ways to maintain Greek reading proficiency and ways to prepare the text in translation and, visually, in mechanical layout, Greek Is Great Gain devotes the bulk of its pages to a step-by-step exegetical method.

From surveying the text to viewing the text in its historical and literary context and genre, from engaging in analysis of grammatical and rhetorical features to addressing lexical and theological matters, the method guides expositors to unlock the meaning of the text. Then, having analyzed the text closely, the method directs expositors to view the ""text whole"" through exegetical outline and the relation of its message to its book, and to Scripture as a whole. Finally, after interpreting and applying the text's message in and for today's culture, the method instructs the expositor in appropriating the fruit of exegesis for the sermon or Bible lesson. A final chapter describes possibilities for periodic in-depth study.
As Greek Is Great Gain presents each part of the method, it gives a purpose or rationale for the step and any necessary background, a list of resources to use, a procedure to follow, and a sample exegesis. A ""Grammar Guide"" appendix gives in outline form features of form and function for intermediate grammar. And there are charts to aid in analysis.

Greek Is Great Gain clearly lives up to its subtitle in providing a method that successfully moves preachers or teachers of the Word from Exegesis to Exposition.


William J. Larkin is Professor of New Testament and Greek at Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions. He is the author of Culture and Biblical Hermeneutics (1988, 2003), Acts (IVP New Testament Commentary, 1995), and Acts (Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, vol. 12, 2006). He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America.