English vs. Greek exegesis classes

[Guest]

Quick question: does it matter whether a student takes Greek or English exegesis courses if they aren't going into NT studies of any sort? I know Greek but a schedule conflict is making English exegesis courses my only option unless I sacrifice a beloved elective. Just curious how much this might matter in light of PhD apps in my area of theological studies. 

[RD_Paul]

I'd say having a Greek exegesis course on your transcript will only make your application stronger, but I don't think it will hurt you to just have English if you're not going into NT studies.

[diazalon]

If you're intending to work in theological studies and write at all about theological implications of New Testament passages, then showing practical facility with both the Greek language and also original language exegesis will be a strength in your application. 

[sacklunch]

Depends on the professor. I have heard of some 'high level' exegesis courses in 'Greek' that end up being a second year (Koine) Greek class, while others are much more philologically rigorous. You likely have a good idea of what kind of course the Greek one will be, so use your best judgement. You would be better off taking the English class if the Greek course is more 'Greek light'. There is no sense reviewing future less vivid clauses if your time could be better spent reading secondary literature.

[Macrina]

If you already know Greek and have some sort of proof of this on your transcript and you need to take a course on NT exegesis, then the English one should be fine. If your future plans include any form of further study where you will need Greek (NT, early Christianity, LXX, etc), then the more Greek you have on your transcript, the better.

[sacklunch]

^Agreed. Though you should prolly head on over to your Classics Dept. You will soon find out how much Greek you truly know (or for most of us, how little we know!). Having an some broader idea of the 'cultural encyclopedia' of the Greco-Latin world will serve you well in the future, an approach that is (sadly) often completely lost on many NT doctoral students I have been around. :'(

[awells27]

^Agreed. Though you should prolly head on over to your Classics Dept. You will soon find out how much Greek you truly know (or for most of us, how little we know!). Having an some broader idea of the 'cultural encyclopedia' of the Greco-Latin world will serve you well in the future, an approach that is (sadly) often completely lost on many NT doctoral students I have been around. :'(

Agreed.  

 

As far as which class to take, I would always opt for the original language whenever possible.