Benjamin L. Merkle and Rober L. Plummer, Greek Word Studies for Everyone: An Easy Guide to Serious Study of the Bible. Brentwood, TN: B&H Academic, 2025.
This book is basic, but its topics are very important.
For those who have some Greek, the greatest temptation is to think that they have the key to unlock the secrets of the Bible. Knowing some Greek may help in understanding more of the biblical message, but it can be dangerous, too. Just like AI, knowledge about Greek should be handled with care. One should be aware of its usage, how to use it, and its limitations.
Chapter 2, “Word Studies can be Dangerous,” is a must-read especially nowadays, when you can find decent websites that give you basic information about any given Greek word in the Bible. Suppose one word has ten meanings; it does not mean that all meanings are there when the word is used in a particular passage in the Bible. Context determines the reading. Context means more than literary context. It also means the time frame of the passage, because we all know languages change, and Greek is no exception.
Chapter 7 proposes a template for word study, which should be helpful when one has some knowledge of Greek and access to basic tools, etc.
Case studies, such as agape vs. phileo, and examples like those in Comos and James 1:5 on prayer, are very helpful. The tools recommended are up-to-date. The methods and processes are sound and standard.
All in all, Greek is a tool. If it makes one feel pride and judgmental, it brings more harm than good. Liars who know Greek and lead people away from faith should be judged severely by God.