"It’s Greek to me," someone whispers to the person sitting next to them in church. This expression, however, would have been unheard-of in the disciples’ day because Koiné (which means, "common") Greek was the ordinary language throughout the Mediterranean world. In fact, sharing the gospel was much easier in the Church’s first few centuries due to a common language known to all.

Today when we hear a pastor or teacher define a Greek word or explain a verb tense from the New Testament, we generally have one of two reactions: We disregard it because we don’t understand Greek, or we pay closer attention because we want to grasp the intent. But, what exactly is the significance of the Greek language? Are there really benefits in knowing what the Greek says and means?

There are tremendous treasures in God’s Word that can be unearthed when we understand some basic elements of the Greek language. First, by investigating various shades of meaning, we are not limited by our present understanding. Consequently, we can broaden the scope of possible meanings a passage may have in an effort to narrow down the correct one. Second, when we see a variance between our translations, sometimes we are able to focus in on the meaning by knowing the original language. For example, compare 2 Pt. 1:1 in the KJV, NASB, and NIV.

Third, although our modern English translations are remarkably precise, we can verify the accuracy of translators and commentators with some basic knowledge of Greek. Moreover, we will not be so dependent upon others’ ideas and explanations. Fourth, and most importantly, discovering God’s truth is a source of inspiration as we seek to learn as much as possible what He anticipates for our lives. After all, the Bible is God’s word to us.

"How Useful Are Word Studies?"
When doing word studies, it’s important to keep in mind that the meaning of a word can be different depending upon how it’s used (compare "agape," a word for love, in Jn. 3:16, Jn. 12:43, and 2 Tim. 4:10). Ordinarily, the biblical writer intends one meaning for a word in a given context. Word studies, by themselves, tell us very little of what the author intended; we must understand how the word is used. The most important rule in doing word studies is context remains the best indicator of meaning.

"What Tools Can Help Me Explore the Original Language of the New Testament?"
The good news about reference aides for the Greek New Testament is that there are so many available. The bad news is that there are so many available! Knowing which reference tools are faithful to the author’s original intent, yet give simple and practical help, can save us a great deal of time and money.

The first reference tool needed is a concordance. This is an index of words in the Bible, arranged in alphabetical order, that includes biblical references to every occurrence of a word. The NIV Exhaustive Concordance or the NAS Exhaustive Concordance are easy to use. Both contain Hebrew and Greek dictionaries. For speed, however, there is no better tool than a computer-based Bible program. One of the best buys is BibleSource for Windows which comes with the complete NIV and the New Testament Greek text.

The most useful reference available for word studies is the four-volume set entitled The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology (NIDNTT). The words are arranged alphabetically in English and are easily located. Though this set does not include all the words found in the New Testament, it does contain the key words. It’s far more important to define key words than to look up every word in a passage.

Another helpful tool is Alfred Marshall’s NASB-NIV Parallel New Testament in Greek and English. This allows us to see the English translation beneath each Greek word. Keep in mind that the word order is arranged differently in Greek than English.

"How Do I Get Started?"
"What does this word mean in the Greek?" No doubt, you have asked this question. Let’s take a word and do some homework using our reference tools. Following five simple steps, we will uncover some important truths from God’s Word to us.

Step 1 "What does it say in the Greek?"

Read John 14:16 in the NASB-NIV Parallel New Testament in Greek and English. Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as "Counselor" (NIV) or "Helper" (NASB). Looking at the Greek word above our translation we find that it is "Paraclete".

Step 2 "What is the essential meaning of a Greek word?"

Turning to the NIDNTT we look up the word "Advocate" and find an article entitled "Advocate, Paraclete, Helper." We read that "Paraclete" was used in a legal context for one who speaks in the defense of, or pleads the case for, another. It was generally thought of as a defense attorney, intercessor, helper, or advocate.

Step 3 "Are there other occurrences in Scripture of the same word?"

Using a concordance or a computer-based Bible program, we find that, among the Gospel writers, the Greek word "Paraclete" is used exclusively by John. In 1 John 2:1 John says Jesus is our "Paraclete" (NASB). This is most likely the reason for "Paraclete"  being translated "Advocate" or "Counselor." Since this was a common usage of the term "Paraclete," then John’s readers would have immediately understood his meaning about the role of Jesus. Without the aide of Greek, our English versions don’t give us a clue that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are given the same designation.

This raises some interesting questions: "Since John uses the same Greek term to describe Jesus and the Holy Spirit, how are they the same?" Moreover, "How can I learn more about the ministry of the Holy Spirit and Jesus?"

Comparing the NASB with the NIV in 1 John 2:1, we find that the NASB calls Jesus our "Advocate," whereas the NIV translates "Paraclete" as "one who speaks in our defense." Without question a defense attorney fits nicely into the role of Jesus that John outlines in his epistle. When we sin, there is One who not only puts in a good word for us, but actively seeks our forgiveness and restoration because of his work on the cross! This is precisely the point John is making in verse 2. But, does "defense attorney" fit in other biblical contexts where "Paraclete" is used? This brings us to the next important step.

Step 4 "How is the word used elsewhere in Scripture?"

In John 16:7-11 the idea of a defense attorney doesn’t fit well, because we see the activity of the "Paraclete" more in terms of a prosecuting attorney. The "Paraclete" is more an "accuser" than a "defender." And, "Helper" (NASB) sheds more darkness than light, since a "helper" usually has positive rather than negative implications. Therefore, the NIV’s "Counselor" probably fits best here.

In John 14:16, and verse 26, we find that the "Counselor" is sent by the Father, whereas in 15:26 and 16:7 Jesus sends the "Counselor." It appears, therefore, that the Father and Son are so closely associated that whatever activity the One does, the Other participates in as well (see, Jn. 5:19). In addition, John 15:26 tells us that one role of the "Counselor" is to "testify" concerning Jesus. It is the mission of Jesus to continue the work he began on earth. The primary Person through whom he does this is the Holy Spirit of God.

Although "Paraclete" is not used to refer to the Holy Spirit or Christ outside of John’s writings, other New Testament writers expressed some aspects of John’s teaching on the Paraclete’s role. The NIDNTT article tells us that the other Gospel authors were aware of Christ’s helping his disciples without him being physically present (Mt. 10:20; 18:20; 28:20; Mk. 13:11; Lk. 21:15).

Step 5 "What difference does it make?"

Let’s draw out some implications from understanding the ministries of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. First, the Holy Spirit pleads Christ’s case here on earth and Christ is pleading our case in heaven. Whereas a defense lawyer would argue for the innocence of the accused, Christ acknowledges our guilt but points to his sacrificial offering of himself as the basis for our forgiveness before the Father (1 John 2:1-2).

Second, our Helper is in heaven and on earth to enable, convict, and forgive. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of its guilt and need for a Savior (Jn. 16:8). Therefore, we must never think of ourselves as Christ’s only witnesses, because the Spirit is a witness also (Jn. 15:26-27). Third, Jesus insists that, in some sense, it is better that he is not physically present with us because of the continuing help of God’s Spirit in our lives (Jn. 16:7). That Jesus is not visibly present is no handicap to us who share in the presence of Christ through his Spirit. The presence of the Spirit is like having Christ himself present. Indeed, Jesus said to his disciples he would send "another Counselor," which implies that they already have One (Jn. 14:16). The residence of Jesus as Counselor and Helper is merely extended to the courts of heaven as well as remaining here on earth by His Spirit.

Using the Greek language is beneficial in studying Scripture. The key to unlocking the treasures from God’s Word is learning how to use the right tools. Upon doing so, we will find food that nourishes our souls for this life and the life to come.