New Testament Language & Linguistics: New at Midwest SBL

I'm pleased to share the news today that, in Feb 2017, a new session/section will appear at the annual Midwest SBL meeting. This section, co-created and co-chaired by me and Dr. Fredrick Long, is appropriately titled "New Testament Language & Linguistics." Our initial description is as follows: "Advances in linguistics continue to have relevance and implications for NT Greek studies. Likewise, given that NT scholars work with ancient texts and languages, NT studies are uniquely situated to offer insights to those in the field of linguistics and language study. As such, this session highlights studies focused on the linguistic dimensions and/or language-based features of NT texts. Topics related to phonology, morphology, syntax, discourse, and pragmatics, among related topics, are welcome for submission." In this seminal year we will be meeting at St. Mary's College (Notre Dame) and, I, along with Dr. Long, will offer a paper. In addition, three others will be presenting, too. I have included all five abstracts below. For those attending, we'd love to meet you. For those interested in participating next year, please stay in touch so you will receive the "Call for Papers."

Shawn Craigmiles

Paper Title: Uses of ἀλλά and metalinguistic negation in Gospel of John

Proposal Abstract: This is an overview of the use of the conjunction ἀλλά within the Gospel of John, including a brief treatment of, and an appeal to, the linguistic phenomenon known as “metalinguistic negation” to explain the unusual occurrences in John 7:16 and 12:44. The aims are to identify the various constructions in which ἀλλά appears, the functions of these constructions, and the features most commonly observed, such as negation, ellipsis, and the presence of contrast pairs. It will be demonstrated that most occurrences of ἀλλά are in the context of a previous negation, such that either something from a previous utterance is being corrected, or two utterances are being contrasted in some way.

T. Michael W. Halcomb

Paper Title: Iota & the Pronunciation of Koine Greek: A Historical & Phonological Analysis

Proposal Abstract: In this paper I offer both synchronic and diachronic analyses of the pronunciation of the letter iota (i) up to the fourth century CE. I argue that itacism (iotacism), that is, the process whereby six Greek vowels (h( u) or vowel pairs (hi( ei( oi( and ui) underwent changes with the result that they were all pronounced the same as iota (i), began prior to the Classical Era. Moreover, I aim to illustrate that during this time, three stages of Compensatory Lengthening were largely responsible for setting the process of itacism in motion. Understanding these phonological details not only has implications for understanding the pronunciation of Koine but also engaging in text-critical analyses.

Fredrick J. Long

Paper Title: The Semantics and Pragmatics of Ἀποκρίνομαι (“I answer”) in the Greek New Testament

Proposal Abstract: The “deponent” verb ἀποκρίνομαι (glossed “I answer”) occurs in the Gospels and Acts, mostly in the passive voice. Sometimes the verb is not translated, especially after some action or circumstance. The ancient grammarians Ammonius and Phrynichus distinguished the verb’s meaning by its verbal voice: “ἀποκριθῆναι has to do with making distinctions, ἀποκρίνασθαι with making a reply” (BDAG s.v.); so also LSJ. Somewhat consistent with this ancient distinction, Stephen Levinsohn maintains that as a speech orienter ἀποκρίνομαι indicates taking “control of the conversation with an objection or new initiative.” This paper explores the semantics and pragmatics of ἀποκρίνομαι in the GNT.

Troy W. Martin

Paper Title: Christ’s Healing Sore (1 Pet 2:24)

Proposal Abstract: Sores are disgusting and especially those oozing bodily fluids. Sores are a pathological problem in need of healing. These modern perceptions make the interpretation of the term μώλωπι (“sore”) in 1 Pet 2:24 quite difficult. The Petrine author asserts that Christ’s sore heals others, and this notion of a sore that heals strikes moderns as quite odd. This oddity arises in part from a lack of understanding about the ancient source domain of Peter’s salvific-hygenic metaphor according to which a μώλωψ is part of a restorative process. This paper seeks to remedy this lack of understanding as a way of overhearing this metaphor once again in an ancient context.

Benjamin J. Snyder

Paper Title: Technical Term or Technical Foul? —βαπτίζω and the Problem of Transliteration as Translation

Proposal Abstract: Modern scholarship strives to use proper terminology and define terms carefully to avoid anachronism or mischaracterization of ancient concepts. However, pitfalls inherent to the practice of transliteration as translation are largely ignored. This practice is a perfect Trojan horse since it espouses to accurately reflect original meaning by using an anglicized version of the original language. Paradoxically, however, transliteration wrongly leads to treating transliterated terms as terminī technicī and decontextualizes such terms which leads interpreters to imbue them with meaning from the interpreter's context. I use βαπτίζω as a case study to argue that transliteration should be abandoned.

New Book: "The First Steps to Learning Koine Greek"

I am pleased to share with you today, the news that my newest book τὰ πρῶτα ἴχνη: The First Steps to Learning Koine Greek is now available. This book also has over 60 companion videos, which is essentially one companion video per lesson in the book. This is a great resource for those just getting into Greek, especially youngsters. Homeschoolers and lower schools teaching ancient languages will find this to be a fruitful resource alike. You can see a few samples below and can purchase the book HERE or HERE.

Interview About Teaching Koine Greek Conversationally

Hey Friends, I just wanted to bring to your attention a recent interview I did on teaching Koine Greek immersively/conversationally. Check it out HERE.

New Book "Mark: Illustrated Greek-English New Testament"

Today I am pleased to announce the release of my latest publication, a co-authored project with Dr. Fred Long, which is titled Mark: GlossaHouse Illustrated Greek-English New Testament. This is the first volume to be printed in GlossaHouse's "Illustrated" series of New Testament Greek works; so, be on the lookout for more! You can see a sample of the cover and a few pages of the interior below. You can pick up the book on Amazon HERE. For more great resources like this one visit www.GlossaHouse.com.

"Start Here!" - A New Grammar Resource For Students

I am pleased to announce today, the release of a new language resource for students.  The title of the project is:


Start Here! Grammatical Foundations for Students of New Testament Greek (A Student-Friendly Video Series). As the title suggests, this resource is video-oriented.  It is divided up into 6 main lessons and contains around 5+ hours of grammatical instruction (see image to the left - click an image to enlarge it).  Each lesson consists of a number of short, user-friendly / student-friendly videos and takes note of nearly 200 grammatical concepts that English learners / speakers who want to venture into learning Koine Greek should find helpful.  The videos are available for purchase ($80) HERE.  Once the purchase has been confirmed, buyers will be sent a download link.  I hope that these videos will assuage some of the fears that students, especially beginners, have when journeying into learning Koine Greek.

Ancient Greek Honor Society: Gamma Rho Kappa (GRK)

Recently I had an opportunity to sit down with a friend and colleague, J. Klay Harrison, to discuss the newly launched (International) Ancient Greek Honor Society. The name of the society is Gamma Rho Kappa (GRK; see the logo to the left).  In the interview we discuss the purpose of GRK among other things.  You can listen to it for free HERE (scroll to the bottom of the page to download it for FREE).  You can also learn more about GRK and read some relevant documents HERE.  Chapters are already forming in academic institutions.  Why not bring a GRK chapter to your school?  Download the audio and click the above link to learn how.

2 SBL Papers Accepted

I just got word that my second paper (which is the limit for presenters) was accepted for the 2014 annual Society of Biblical Literature meeting in San Diego. This paper will be presented in the "Applied Linguistics for Biblical Studies" section and is titled "Setting Students Up To Fail Biblical Languages: An Assessment of Assessment." My other paper, which was accepted in the Global Education & Resource Technology section, is titled "ἡ καινὴ σχολή· Communicating Ancient Greek Via Modern Technologies." The Greek here (ἡ καινὴ σχολή) means "The New School," which is actually how it will appear in the SBL program because their platform, interestingly enough, is not able to handle Greek characters. Anyway, this is good news and I look forward to participating in both of these fine sections!

New Book: "Speak Koine Greek: A Conversational Phrasebook"

Hello friends, I am pleased today to announce the release of my newest book, co-authored with Dr. Fred Long, titled Speak Koine Greek: A Conversational Phrasebook.  Speak Koine Greek contains over 240 sayings, expressions, phrases, idioms, and figures of speech from ancient (Koine) Greek. This work has been strategically arranged into simple categories (Getting in the Conversation, Staying in the Conversation, Ending the Conversation) with each entry ordered alphabetically by English glosses and followed by both a phrase that is similar or comparable in Koine as well as a source citation. Speak Koine Greek is a user-friendly compilation of expressions meant to help learners progress in fluency and knowledge of Koine while having fun doing so. You can purchase the book on Amazon.com HERE or HERE.  As a further add-on, companion audio files for this book are available for purchase and download at the GlossaHouse website HERE.

Here are a couple of blurbs from the back cover:

"Michael Halcomb and Fred Long treat us to a smorgasbord of Koine Greek expressions for conversation. By learning how to speak in the language of the New Testament, which is what this book helps us do, one's reading ability of the Greek Bible can grow exponentially. I commend this book to students, teachers, or anyone interested in learning to converse in Koine Greek."

Wyatt Graham
Ph.D. Candidate, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“As a busy Church planter I am always looking for fun and fresh ways to sharpen my understanding of Ancient Greek. This book does just that, helping the reader to speak, and so to think, Greek.”

Chad Graham
D.Min. Candidate, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

New Book On Sale Today!

I'm pleased to announce today that my newest book, Ποῦ Οἱ Σταφυλῖνοι  Εἰσιν; (Where Are The Carrots?) is on sale for $7.65 HERE at Amazon.com.  Ποῦ Οἱ Σταφυλῖνοι  Εἰσιν; is a short story written in Koine Greek by Dr. T. Michael W. Halcomb and some of his family members. The story revolves around two horses and their missing carrots. Where did the carrots go? Did someone take them? Read and/or listen this fun tale to find out!

This is the first story in the new διήγημα ἐν τῇ Κοινή διαλέκτῳ (A Story in Koine) series, which is part of the "Conversational Track" in GlossaHouse's "AGROS" curriculum suite.  In addition to the print version of the book a listen-along audio file is also available for purchase below.  The audio file contains a 6-year old female child  reading the story and also an adult male reading the story.  

In addition, there is a watch-along video (in an animated flip-book/page-turn style) of the book available for purchase below. Purchase the audio and video files together an save (see below)!

The print version of the book is sold separately from audio/video companion files.	The print version can be purchased HERE (Amazon) or HERE.
Audio Only ($5.99)
Video Only ($7.99)
Audio + Video ($11.99)

FREE Koine Greek Reading of Genesis 1:1-5

A FREE dramatic audio recording of Genesis 1:1-5 in Koine Greek has been posted over at the Conversational Koine Institute.  Check it out and even download it.  While you're there, have a look around the site and come learn to speak biblical Greek with us!

Hitler Freaks Out About the Demise of the Erasmian Pronunciation

Here's a humorous little video, playing off of the popular "Hitler freakout" meme that's been floating around for a while, about the demise of the Erasmian pronunciation. Enjoy and then check out the Conversational Koine Institute.

Fall 2013 - Greek 1 Registration Open

Today I'm pleased to announce that registration for the Greek 1 class (Fall 2013) with the Conversational Koine Institue is now open to all. Check out the flyer below for more details. You can get more details on classes HERE and inquire about or register for classes HERE. Feel free to download (but not modify), print and/or share the flyer with others.

(My New Book) 800 Words and Images: A New Testament Greek Vocabulary Builder

Dear friends, I am pleased today to announce the release of my sixth book which is titled 800 Words and Images: A New Testament Greek Vocabulary Builder. Along with audio companion files, this work was printed in color with GlossaHouse and is perfect for anyone wanting to build their New Testament Greek vocabulary.  The book has received a number of good reviews already, including one from Bill Mounce, who says the following:

"All language teachers know that a key to learning vocabulary is to use as many of our senses as possible. 800 Words and Images succeeds at using visual and auditory as well as semantic grouping to help students master their Koine vocabulary. I heartily salute this project." 

William Mounce, Ph.D. - BiblicalTraining.org

You can get your print copy HERE right now.  The audio files are available HERE.  A digital version for Kindle is in the works and I'll post on it when it becomes available.  But if you would, keep reading and let me go ahead and share a little bit more about the book.  Here's the aim of 800 Words and Images:

An essential aspect of successfully navigating any foreign language is vocabulary acquisition. Acquiring the ability to comprehend, recall, and use vocabulary takes time and practice. As a vocabulary-building resource, 800 Words and Images is strategically arranged to assist students in gaining competency and fluency in Koine Greek. Divided into ten sections, this work links together nearly eight hundred words from the New Testament with helpful visuals. In addition, audio files for each section have been created so that students can listen while interacting with the book. Research from the fields of cognitive linguistics, neurosciences, and mental representation theory show that when images and sounds are combined in the process of vocabulary learning, retention is dramatically increased. 800 Words and Images utilizes this research for the purpose of helping and encouraging Koine Greek students. All learners, whether autodidacts or participants in a classroom, can use this work to bolster their New Testament Greek vocabularies. Dr. Richard Heyduck and several students also had great things to say about the book:

"Whether you're a beginner or a long time student of New Testament Greek, you will recognize the need to build and maintain a strong vocabulary base. In this work Michael Halcomb has given us a tool to do exactly that. Since this book is image based, it works well for multiple ages and does not require initial English fluency."

Richard Heyduck, Ph.D. - Wiley College

"Michael Halcomb has created just what you need to dramatically improve your ability to read the New Testament in its original language. Utilizing images and audio together with lists of vocabulary organized into semantic domains, this holistic resource will increase the fruitfulness of your studies by engaging multiple senses at once. Halcomb's method immerses students of biblical Greek into the language of the New Testament like never before."

Matt O'Reilly, Ph.D. Candidate - University of Gloucestershire

"800 Words and Images implements recent linguistic research, which suggests that vocabulary retention is substantially increased with the coupling of the visual and auditory senses. If 'A picture is worth a thousand words,' then Halcomb has captured that each word is worth a picture. This first-of-its-kind work will help any Greek student (beginner or advanced) build and retain vocabulary."

Cole Bodkin, M.Div. - SermonSleuth.com

New Biblical/Ancient Languages Publisher

Hello everyone, I wanted to share the news with you today that a new biblical/theological and ancient languages publisher, GlossaHouse, has officially launched its website. GlossaHouse states that it has the "vision of creating innovative Greek resources to help students and researchers advance in the language." Right now, the focus is Greek resources, particularly the AGROS series, but GlossaHouse is open to publishing resources for other languages. You can read about GlossaHouse, its current resources, and get in touch with the publisher at www.GlossaHouse.com. In addition, I'd like to mention that GlossaHouse has started the first ever Ancient Greek Honor Society, which is known as ΓΡΚ (Gamma Rho Kappa). Again, check this and more out at www.GlossaHouse.com.

Asbury Seminary & Conversational Koine Institute Join Forces

Today, I am very pleased to announce the formal partnership between Asbury Theological Seminary & the Conversational Koine Institute.  The partnership is built around the development of a Greek Certificate Program.  This means that those who participate in and complete the Conversational Koine Institute's curriculum and "opt in" for the "Greek Certificate Track" can receive an official certificate from CKI and ATS.  In addition to all of the learning, there are several added benefits such as the possibility of receiving "Advanced Standing" for acceptance into one of Asbury's Masters Degree programs.  You can find out more about the Greek Certificate Program HERE and via the flyer below.

Bring Koine Greek To Wherever You Are

Today the Conversational Koine Institute launched its "Bring CKI To You" initiative.  Essentially, this initiative allows individuals, groups, or institutions to bring the Conversational Koine Institute to them. Put differently, you no longer have to wait until the next semester begins or until the next immersion workshop occurs to "Get Greek!" CKI can work with you and your calendar. You can learn more about the initiative by click HERE.

A Koine Greek Romance - Learn To Speak Biblical Greek

Check out this silly comic short that I recently made. Oh, and if you want to learn biblical Greek / Koine Greek online, then the Conversational Koine Institute is the place to do it. Check out the website and register for upcoming events and classes at www.ConversationalKoine.com.

Halcomb Interviewed About Teaching Students To Speak Koine Greek

Today, my local city/county newspaper published a very nice, full-page interview about the Conversational Koine Institute.  The online version, which I assume most of you will read, seems small in comparison to the actual print version but in my view both are very nice and I'm thankful to have had this opportunity.  You can check out the online interview HERE (photo taken from the newspaper's website).  Thanks again, to the Jessamine Journal for sharing this.

Online Koine Immersion Event

Dear readers and lovers of Greek,
I want to share with you a limited-time opportunity. At the end of June CKI is host the first ever online weekend immersion workshop for Koine Greek taught by myself and Jordan Day. Currently we only have 3-4 spots left open. You can learn Greek online right from the comfort of your home or wherever you may happen to be at that moment. All you need is an internet connection and a webcam and you're good to go. Again, check out the flyer below. If you want to register, please click HERE. Availability is on a first come, first serve basis. Hope to see you there!

Kindle & Audio Versions of "The Path to Learning Greek" Now Available

On the heels of yesterday's release of my fifth book, ἡ ὁδός: The Path to Learning Greek, I am happy to announce today that the Kindle version is now available.  You can get it by clicking HERE.  You can get the print version by clicking HERE.  Also, you can now get the audio to read/listen along with ἡ ὁδός by going to the GlossaHouse website HERE and scrolling to the bottom of the page to the relevant purchase link.