From its inception, Multnomah University has recognized the importance of the original languages in the study of the biblical text. Greek studies within the Undergraduate Greek Major/Minor, the M.A. in Biblical Studies (New Testament), and the Master of Divinity programs are designed for long-term competency focused on Greek grammar and extensive reading in the New Testament and extra-biblical literature. We are committed to the academic rigor required for those pursuing a future in higher education, but also design courses to be accessible and relevant for those interested in learning Greek for ministry or personal enrichment. Regardless of your career goals, an understanding of the Greek language will give you fresh eyes as you study the biblical text.

Ways to study

Undergraduate | Graduate | On-campus | Online

Degrees offered

B.A. (Major or Minor) | M.A. in Biblical Studies (NT) | M.Div.

Elective

Available as an elective in any field of study

Application deadlines

What can you do with a background in Greek?

Personal understanding of the Bible – The majority of students use their training to gain personal insight into the biblical text and to enhance their ministry.

Bible Translation – Some students go on to work with organizations like Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Graduate degrees – Other students go on to prepare for careers in teaching.

Greek Bible

Greek Courses

An introduction to NT Greek (Koine) covering the basics of word formation, grammar, and syntax, systematically preparing the student for reading the Greek NT.

Translate portions of Mark and Philippians with a focus on reading and strengthening your knowledge of Greek vocabulary and syntax.

Translation and exegesis of Galatians or Ephesians with close attention to Greek syntax, the author’s argument and flow of thought, and outlining a biblical theology of the book.

Translation, analysis, and exegesis of strategic portions of the Greek New Testament with an exegetical research project. Course may be repeated due to rotating content in the fall (1 2 Peter, Hebrews, Romans) and spring (Matthew, Luke, John).

Read passages from a number of important Greek-speaking Church Fathers with a focus on translation and discussion of classical Christology and Trinitarian theology.

Read from the Septuagint (LXX) with emphasis on the LXX as evidence of alternate text forms, as the earliest written interpretation of the OT books, and as an object of interpretation independent from its Hebrew origins.

Translate Classical Greek texts (e.g., Sophocles, Homer, Herodotus, Plato) in order to enhance Greek translation skills and appreciate the broader context of Greek literature.

Analyze NT quotations of the Old Testament with the goal of discovering the NT authors’ hermeneutical and theological outlook.

Programs with an Emphasis in New Testament Greek

Meet Your Professors

Faculty Headshot Karl Kutz
Karl Kutz, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical Languages and Bible; Chair of Biblical Languages

Next Steps

Our students are excited about the classes we offer and find they can easily begin advanced work at other institutions or continue learning on their own. Regardless of your goals, you will never regret the time you spend learning Greek and you will always appreciate the insights it gives you into the biblical text.

Glasses sitting on Greek Bible

“Learning Greek or Hebrew should never be treated as just a means to an end. Languages are dynamic and complex and cannot be reduced to simple formulas and rules. Learning these languages well imparts a familiarity that guards against poor interpretation, a perspective that exposes the breadth of issues affecting meaning, and a humility that is so desperately needed for an honest engagement with the biblical text.”

Dr. Karl Kutz, Professor and Chair of Biblical Languages