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Product Description

In Discourse Grammar of the Greek New Testament, Steve Runge introduces a function-based approach to language, exploring New Testament Greek grammatical conventions based upon the discourse functions they accomplish. Runge’s approach has less to do with the specifics of language and more to do with how humans are wired to process it.

The approach is cross-linguistic. Runge looks at how all languages operate before he focuses on Greek. He examines linguistics in general to simplify the analytical process and explain how and why we communicate as we do, leading to a more accurate description of the Greek text. The approach is also function-based—meaning that Runge gives primary attention to describing the tasks accomplished by each discourse feature.

This volume does not reinvent previous grammars or supplant previous work on the New Testament. Instead, Runge reviews, clarifies, and provides a unified description of each of the discourse features. That makes it useful for beginning Greek students, pastors, and teachers, as well as for advanced New Testament scholars looking for a volume which synthesizes the varied sub-disciplines of New Testament discourse analysis.

With examples taken straight from the Lexham Discourse Greek New Testament, this volume helps readers discover a great deal about what the text of the New Testament communicates, filling a large gap in New Testament scholarship.

Each of the 18 chapters contains:

• An introduction and overview for each discourse function
• A conventional explanation of that function in easy-to-understand language
• A complete discourse explanation
• Numerous examples of how that particular discourse function is used in the Greek New Testament
• A section of application
• Dozens of examples, taken straight from the Lexham Discourse Greek New Testament
• Careful research, with citation to both Greek grammars and linguistic literature
• Suggested reading list for continued learning and additional research

Reviews

“Linguists, biblical scholars, and students of religious studies have varying motives for learning Greek; however, all will benefit from Steven E. Runge's Discourse Grammar of the Greek New Testament. Runge's book focuses more on how humans process speech rather than on the specifics of the Greek language; by doing this he hopes that scholars can develop a better idea of how to interpret the Bible. The author does a thorough examination of how all languages are created and help those in society to communicate effectively. He then looks specifically at Hellenistic Greek and provides clear and simple explanations of how to examine the language of the Bible to get a clear idea of what the writer was trying to say. Unlocking the key of any sacred text is challenging. When the sacred text is in a foreign language the reader either accepts translations or embarks upon learning the language. Runge's well-written history on language and linguistics enables the reader to undertake the latter. Public, academic, and theological libraries should have this title on their shelves.”
—ARBA Online

“The purpose of this book is to introduce a function-based approach to language using discourse grammar. It presupposes three core principles: Choice implies meaning; semantic or inherent meaning should be differentiated from pragmatic effect; and default patterns of usage should be distinguished from marked ones. After treating foundations and connecting propositions, it discusses forward-pointing devices: forward-pointing reference and target, point/counterpoint sets, metacomments, historical present, redundant quotative frames, and tailhead linkage. Next it considers information structuring devices: information structure, framing devices (two chapters), circumstantial frames, emphasis, and left-dislocations. Then it deals with thematic high lighting devices: overspecification and right-dislocation, thematic addition, changed reference and thematic address, and near/far distinction. Runge is scholar-in-residence for Logos Bible Software and research associate for the department of ancient studies at the University of Stellenbosch.”
—New Testament Abstracts

"This innovative study of New Testament Greek applies the perspective of modern linguistics to the Koine Greek in order to advance both teaching and exegesis. Specifically it employs a 'functional analysis' approach, i.e., learning what is the purpose or function of grammatical and rhetorical features of the Greek text as the speakers or writers strive to make their point. Runge works his way through the various components of Greek grammar (e.g., conjunctions, tenses, various rhetorical frameworks, etc.), analyzing their purpose and comparing this linguistic approach with the classical grammatical analyses. Those who teach New Testament Greek orexegetical practitioners will find this study very illuminating."
—The Bible Today

Steven E. Runge (DLitt) serves as Scholar-in-Residence for Logos Bible Software, and as a Research Associate for the Department of Ancient Studies, University of Stellenbosch. He is the General Editor of the Lexham Discourse Greek New Testament.

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