Bible Study Greek

A few translations miss the connector that starts v 4 and, unfortunately, hide the reason why older women should teach what is good. There are times when longer Greek sentences must be divided, but then you run the risk of not seeing the connection between the two halves.

The phrase “οἱ ἐκ περιτομῆς (πιστοί)” occurs twice in Acts, once with πιστοί (10:45) and once without (11:2). Is the change significant, and should translations add in the word “believer” in 11:2 when the Greek doesn't say they were believers?

The challenge of translating “quench” is that 1 Thess 5:19 is a famous verse, the normal meaning of the word doesn't fit the biblical context, and the Greek word behind it has an interesting range of meaning.

The default translations work most of the time — like “of” for the genitive. But many times, “of” just doesn't make sense, and that is when you need to check the advanced uses of a case. Here is an example of what is called a “genitive of apposition,” #16.21 in Greek for the Rest of Us.

There are two types of double accusatives. Do you remember what they are?

As a general rule, concordance is a good thing. Concordance is using the same English word for the same Greek word. In Matthew 20:26, the translations correctly translated διάκονος as "servant" and δοῦλος as "slave." But both words refer to the same entity, so why the switch in Greek, and should English likewise switch?

Every once in a while, you will come across a translation that leaves you scratching your head. Why did the translators do that? Where is the Greek to justify the translation? My experience is that this is never a random translation. You may disagree with it, but there is always a reason.

One of the more difficult aspects of translation is when you need to translate a metaphor. Is it still understandable in your culture, or should it be interpreted? Members of translation committees often disagree on this point.

How can you tell when to use one of the special uses of a participle (or even an indicative verb)? When using “-ing” makes no sense. 1 Timothy 4:4 gives a good example of a conditional participle (“if”).

All words have a range of meanings, and σωτηρία can mean “salvation” or “deliverance.” I am not sure why the CSB chose “salvation” in this verse when the context is one of deliverance.