I have been attempting acquire a feeling for the Greek text without
translating the words into English while I read (recite) parts of
the text. To aid in this I have been memorizing portions of the
Greek. I am finding that as I memorize and recite the text audibly,
that once I have mastered to mechanics of knowing the words I desire
to have the ability to stress the words with meaning in the same
manner as I would when reading an English text. This is really exciting
for me, because it is causing me to think about each word and how it
relates to the entire context in a way that I have never done before.
Perhaps some of the things I am noticing are not important due to my
lack of formal training, but if anyone has insight into what I am
attempting, I would appreciate guidance.
In the text below, I am unsure as to whether the word order is dictated
by grammar, or is a concious effort on the writers part to stress his
main points.
For example, I am at a loss as to why 'everlasting life' in verse 2,
and in verse 3 have a reversed word order between ZWH and AIWNIOS.
Does placing AIWNIOS before ZWH give the emphasis as in *everlasting* life. ?
Also, I notice that in verse 4, DE/DWKA/S has two accent marks, while
in verse 2 it has but one. Is this an enclitic, and if so, should I
emphasize the pronunciation differently when reading the Greek text
aloud ? I think I recall someone on this forum saying that enclitics
were prounced as one word as in EG/WEIMI. Would this be DE/DWKA/SMOI,
for this example ?
I have up to now, tried to ignore the accents, with the exception of
the rough breathing, but if it is important to the interpretation of
the text, I will consider tackling them.
Also, If memorizing the Greek text is a valuable tool, what portions
of the GNT lend themselves to this ? I have memorized John 1:1-18 and
my concern is that if this is a hymn, that the pattern of word usage
is different that for normal prose. I have not read enough of the
Greek text to formulate an opinion on this.
Sincerely,
Larry Kruper
Joh 17:2 KAQWS EDWKAS AUTW ECOUSIAN PASHS SARKOS
INA PAN O DE/DWKAS AUTW DWSEI AUTOIS ZWHN AIWNION
Joh 17:3 AUTH DE ESTIN H AIWNIOS ZWH INA GINWSKWSIN SE
TON MONON ALHQINON QEON KAI ON APESTEILAS IHSOUN XRISTON
Joh 17:4 EGW SE EDOCASA EPI THS GHS
TO ERGON TELEIWSAS O DE/DWKA/S MOI INA POIHSW