Which would help me more in my studies; learning New Testament Greek or Old Testament Hebrew?

Answer 1

Learning N.T. Greek will definitely be more help to you because it helps with the meanings of words such as Love.
In John 21:15,16,17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? ( love is the greek word agape) Peter answers with Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love you ( here the word love is in greek phileo).
In verse 16 Jesus asks a second time , Simon , son of Jonas, lovest thou me? ( agape) and Peter say, Yea Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. (phileo)...
In verse 17 Jesus asks a third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? (phileo) And Peter say thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee (phileo)...

Agape love is commanded, obedient love
phileo love is warm friendly love

This is just one example of how learning the Greek can help since Hebrew is translated pretty close with less variation in words.

Jesus asked three times Do you Agape me, Do you Agape me, Do you phileo me... In other words do you love me out of commandment ,,, do you love me as a friend.????

I hope I explained this clearly enough, I have a Greek Bible with the KJV written under the greek. It has helped me a lot.
It is The Interlinear KJV parallel N.T. in Greek and English by George Ricker Berry, I got it at the Christian Light Bookstore.
Contact me if you need any help.
Penny Mae

Answer 2

Start from the beginning. Learning Hebrew helps out a lot when trying to figure out what a phrase means or even a single word. (One word in Hebrew could have 50 DIFFERENT meanings). I also suggest learning about the culture of the people written about in the Bible. Such as, you will find that the Egyptians didn't keep Hebrews as slaves in the sense the Bible shows. Actually, history and archeology is proving that many Hebrews were considered "Lords" in Egypt, owning property and even slaves and living a decent life. While the Bible shows that all Hebrews were slaves, treated poorly, etc...

Answer 3

New Testament Aramaic. The Greek versions came later.

Answer 4

I hate to state the obvious, my brother....but that would depend on what Testament you want to study.

Greek is easier to understand, if you are an English-speaker (you obviously are). I found Hebrew almost impossible....but I didn't take the classes until I was in my 40's

I think Greek has been more useful for me as a Christian. Exegesis for sermons is mostly what I use it for.

Answer 5

If your studies are leading you to be a pastor, you will need both. But Greek is definately easier. A Greek-English Interlinear New Testament will get you started for about 10 bucks.

Answer 6

That's a good question, and I wonder how many of those answering have done what you are alluding to?

In my (untrained) view of this: I would have to think that New Testament Greek would be the one to go with first. But I could be wrong.

It would be interesting to ask someone who has done both, and ask them why they answered the way they did.

Any of those would give you insight to God, I would think. Also. I would think you would have an advantage in the exegesis of scripture. Choose one quickly, and then go! Godspeed!

Answer 7

English is fine, just get a very good book which translates the Hebrew and Greek words both. Sometimes it takes several books, but "All scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for discipling in righteousness. that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16 & 17)

Answer 8

It would be wise to get some basic experience with both. A Vine's Expository Dictionary contains many words from both Old and New Testaments, and helps you to find the exact meaning.

Answer 9

Actually studing english would be better.

Most english bibles today have problems with the english.

Example: It is wrong in english to say "Snoopy is dog"

Yet most english bibles use improper english at John 1:1. "Word was God"

Proper english has to read, "Word was a god"

John 8:58, it is improper in english to mix tenses, so saying "before Abraham was, I am" is improper english.

It should read "Before Abraham was, I have been" which is correct english.

At John 8:58, Jesus was answering the question "how old are you?", not what is your name.

Use any english dictionary and you will find that Jehovah is the name of God in the Christian bible.

Being with someone in english means you can't be that someone. (John 1:1)

So until you learn proper english, learning Greek or Hebrew won't help.

Answer 10

Written in Hebrew- translated to Greek- then translated to English.
I would say Greek at first- then Hebrew.