Grammar Review: Mounce's Basics of Biblical Greek 

I really Bill Mounce’s grammar and I learned in part using his videos. He seems like a genuinely good person and is passionate about helping people learn Greek.

I never thought that I would be able to learn greek and then I paged through the third edition of this grammar... I am eternally grateful that I did. I bought the video lectures and used all the help available on the website to work through the grammar and workbook. Today I can read the greek New Testament - did take quite a few years. The one thing that I am most thankful for is the fact that I could use Mounce’s website to learn greek using the modern pronunciation. When I started out I had no idea that there was more than one pronunciation but it was love at first sight when I heard the modern one, such a beautiful language! It was difficult learning the language using the modern pronunciation because the Erasmian one is used in the lectures and it does isolate you to an extent afterwards because the Erasmian pronunciation is used so widely but when I listen to a native greek person read the New Testament my heart sings! Thank you Darryl for all your insights, love watching your videos, learning something every time. Learning vocabulary will be a lifelong mission for me and I really like the way you are teaching it, thanks again. Many blessings, Christo

Fantastic review Darryl, especially because I agree with everything you said. 😄

Thank you Dr. Burling for your excellent review on Mounce's grammar. I completed the first year of Greek online a year ago studying BBG. Your review is on point. In hindsight I appreciate the strengths you outlined. Mounce is right mastering the paradigms provide the student with what he or she needs. Thank you for the mention of the liquid aorist. Looking forward to future content.

I learnt originally using Wenham’s Elements - probably actually the most widely used university text at the time , it was updated by Duff, who is now doing a revision of his revision! I then came to Mounce 40 years later as a refresh and found it helped so much more click into place because of its concentration on morphology and a few key rules rather than pages and pages of paradigms. I also found him as a teacher on video and via his website, to be generous and engaging which really helped with some of tough bits and found his ancillary materials really helpful, though they are a bit expensive unless you are clever in the sales. BTW the key to the workbook is available via his website and the book website So it’s no more difficult to find than the extra stuff for most other textbooks and I understand the reasons for keep it separate if it is being used as a college text. I do agree though that it is preferable, especially for self-learners to have everything in one if possible - Plummer’s latest shows it can be done. I do think it is worth mentioning for an international audience which grammars use the British and continental preferred NAGD order for the case paradigms and which, like Mounce (against his better judgement as he admits) use the American preferred NGDA format. I know I found it quite awkward to switch from one to the other - like trying to use the NRSV for citation and quotation when all your muscle memory from childhood is KJV! It’s also worth mentioning the confessional and exegetical content in Mounce (and Plummer) which is overtly evangelical and may be a turn off for teachers and learners who just want to learn the language without having someone’s else’s theological and faith commitments intruding on the process . Be good if you could review Duff and the Nunn/Wenham tradition sometime.

Thanks for the recommendation - on chapter 3 and loving it

Great review! I first learned Biblical Greek via the third edition, and it was wonky with that gecko/salamander character. But the more I’m exposed to other beginning grammars, the more I’m thankful I learned through Mounce for the reasons you listed in the strengths. I’m interested to see how Merkle and Plummer’s new grammar stacks up, but I have another month to wait until my copy gets to me and I have a feeling you’ll be delaying your review of it to give you some time to use it in the classroom.

I have just started self study with biblical Greek, and I first came across Bill Mounce's grammar. I'm still working through it, and in the introduction, he actually gives links to be able to download excecises, tests, and even a syllabus for those teaching it. Before I can give more feedback on his grammar, I need more experience. But for now, while just starting out learning, I think his us good. Maybe my mind might be changed the deeper I learned. But I'm just starting out, so I can't say much for now

Thanks for your great review, I agree with all your comments. Just want to highlight two that you mentioned. First is on English grammar, I think it is so important to know it well, or else one will have great difficulties reading any other higher-level grammar, and hinder one's progress in the language. Second is the morphology, I very much enjoy and was greatly helped by reading his explanation on the words.

Could you do a review on Mounce’s Biblical Greek for the rest of us?

I loved this review. A few years ago I showed an edition of Mounce to a pastor in his 80s who learned with Wenham in the 1960s. He said, "I wished I had this when I was learning!" In terms of pedagogy it was a huge advance on what went before. I learned with Duff but often turn to Mounce's Compact Guide and Decker to supplement the terseness of Duff. Two weaknesses for me are that he leaves the discussion of verbs to too late (Duff gets right into them after nouns). There is too little vocabulary too (Duff has 600 plus words).

I am using the 3rd edition, learning the language on my own. The reason is, I bought it before the 4th was available and I am not going to upgrade. Those cartoons and bubbles with text gets ignored consistently. As a general rule, they interfere and disrupts the flow of any reading. I am almost through the grammar for the first time, and my plan is to review and go on to a different grammar once that is done. It is a good grammar and easy to understand. It helps that this is not my first foreign language so I am familiar with gender, cases, etc... I find your reviews of the various grammars and resources very helpful. Thank you!

Mounce does cover liquid aorists, it’s on page 254-255. Unless you meant that he doesn’t have as much detail as he does regarding future aorists, in which case, that’s true. FWIW, I’ve been teaching myself Greek with Mounce’s book, and I am currently on participles, and finding it a bit difficult, so it’s encouraging that you say that it’s difficult no matter which grammar you use. I actually had a different experience than what you mentioned with third declension though; I was listening to free lectures on RU-vid because I didn’t want to shell out the cash for the Mounce lectures, and when I got to the third declension and listened to some other people teach it, I kept being like “why on earth would you ever teach this this way?” And because of that I really gained an appreciation for Mounce’s methods. That being said, your comments about actionsart and aspect are spot on, as evidenced by the fact that I have no earthly idea what you’re even talking about. I had purchased Greek grammar beyond the basics to go through once I finish Mounce; does he discuss these things in detail?

I did not learn with Mounce, and was reluctant when I started teaching from the third edition, but have come to love the way he breaks the paradigms and information into intuitive portions. The fourth edition is an improvement with more up to date scholarship reflected. I agreed that deponency can go the way of the dodo and was glad to rid my teaching notes of that last year. I also enjoy the little exegetical reflections in each chapter. I refer to Mounce as the Rick Steves of Greek.

This is certainly the most popular in the USA for sure. But I wonder if it is the most popular worldwide, Im not sure, if, for example, it is used much in the UK. Perhaps some people in other countries could share what their textbook was? I for one am curious.

Mounce does discuss the Liquid Aorist (254-255; and 460-61 for a list of high frequency liquid aorists). Actually his explanation is quite good. The only complete oversight is comparative and superlative adjectives, which is not a deal-breaker, but most Koine grammars devote at least a page, especially in terms of irregular foemations. Other than that, the main drawback to this grammar is the two-paths option. But every grammar has its issues, and overall the wealth of information and devotion to the subject matter places this grammar among the elites.

Yea I started 20 years ago with ray summers and washed out, just finished basic greek with William hersey davis and just finished intermediate greek. And I just wanted to refresh. So I picked up my mounce...I was so disappointed that I did start with this. Forget the 8-5 case distinction just the way mounce teaches is just so nice especially the paradigms.

Love these videos - wish I could afford to sign-up to your courses. :)

As a very early stage, intermittent leaner of NT Greek (should be further on but long story) I have delved into Mounce (2nd Ed.) and bought all the accompanying resources. Previous to that I had tried Jeremy Duff's 'Elements'. Initially I found Mounce's approach to be helpful, but then he seems to get a bit over complicated (to my mind anyway). Something about Duff's approach seems to make more sense to me, although I can see how Mounce would have the edge in a classroom/ taught setting.

I’m currently relearning my Greek with this Grammar. It’s been refreshing after originally learning from Machen. If I had a few complaints, I’d say it can be a bit too tedious with the information presented. Whereas Machen sometimes felt sparse with detailed explanation, some of Mounce’s points and footnotes seem to fit better in an intermediate grammar rather than a beginner’s grammar. I also wish all his free resources remained current. He references his online resources throughout his book, but one or two are no longer available which is disappointing. Finally, I wish he put a handful of exercises in his book instead of having a dedicated workbook. All in all though, it is a breath of fresh air and easy to work from when you’re learning (or relearning) on your own!

I learned last year using the 2nd edition which I had bought years before. I had been watching your videos and just ignored despondency as a result. I think there’s possibly a pedagogical benefit to how he teaches aspect. I would have struggled to understand Campbell’s view at the time. Learning Mounce’s approach provides a basic way to translate the tenses. Transitioning to a better view of aspect later on is not difficult.

Thank you, sire, for this detailed review! I’m searching for a good grammar to teach the basics in a church environment. Would you Recommend Mounce for that context, or is he too complicated? Many thanks bro :)

I cut my teeth on greek using mounce, the3rd edition.. it helps me to understand the basics about the language, but still cant really read pass the easiest sentences on St John or St Mark gospel, let alone St Luke or Hebrew... not until I read through another greek book (JACT), painfully went through the readings for several times, that finally I can grasp the gist of what is in the new testament I realize book like mounce is helpful so far to teach us *about* the language and also for those who are inclined to learn greek for exegetical purpose.. but to be blunt, without being exposed at first with mounce, JACT would be a big incomprehensible input for me

Bounce with Mounce!

I agree that Mounce’s resources are incredible for young (in time) Greek students. But I really found his book overwhelming for a “brand new” student to Greek. Honestly, and I have commented on another of your videos this same point, but I strongly prefer Baugh’s grammar as a fresh start sort of grammar. Baugh gets you into the Greek and into the text. What I mean is that he gets you working and parsing and translating by the second chapter. Mounce’s book is - in my opinion - trying to do to much too early. Yet, as soon as I say that, I do want to add that Mounce’s book is a good benchmark for beginning Greek. Meaning, I think if you can digest Mounce’s book then you’ve got a good foundation for moving on to intermediate Greek. So that’s where Baugh’s book might be less than Mounce. Mounce gives you more to move on with. But again, my point is that Baugh is better for a first time student and Mounce is a good refresh and deeper dig. Anyways, still really enjoying your videos!

In Bible college I learned from Mounce's 1st edition, I'm pretty sure. One thing I loved was the little devotionals at the start of most chapters that gave practical explanation and application of the Greek. I still remember one of the first ones in there about John 1:1 and how clear and purposeful the Greek is on Jesus' distinct but equal ontology and relationship with the Father. I don't know if those are still a part of the later editions, but it made the book a little more dear to me than other grammars I've also used besides his. In case I've missed it somewhere, have you stated in these videos which is your most highly recommended grammar? Blessings!

I noticed you have S.M. Baugh's 1 John Reader on your bookshelf. What do you think of it? Also, have you considered adding his New Testament Greek Primer to your monthly review list? Back in 2000, we used Baugh's Primer and Reader for first year Greek in seminary and I thought his approach was excellent. In fact, I continue to use both of them for review. Thoughts? By the way, your emphasis on constant vocabulary building has really challenged and inspired me. Thanks!

My biggest problem with Dr. Bill and Dr. Plummer is their pronunciation of omicron! I cannot get my head around why they pronounce it as an "a" sound! I dont think they can blame it on Erasmus it seems more likely they had a Texan teacher somewhere along the line :-)

That’s were I’m at now

What is your opinion of Mounce's Greek for the Rest of Us as a self study book? The description on Amazon says is teaches "baby Greek". Would it be a good intro book? Or would it be better to just skip it and get right into a "real" Greek book?

So I have been watching Bill Mounces videos that follow this textbook (3rd Edition) for free on biblicaltraing.org and downloadable on the App (App Store and Play Store). The free downloads on billmounce.com are astounding! For study or for teaching including powerpoint presentations for each class! Darryl you mentioned about deponency in this video and it seems that Bill teaches deponency in his videos, why dont you think this is a good thing?

I am wanting to learn and I got the 3rd edition from a friend. And then I bought the workbook and vocab cards on Amazon. Am I okay with the 3rd edition? Are there big improvements/differences between the 3rd & 4th editions? I'm retiring this year and plan to begin then. Maybe I'll catch your course in the fall? Am I okay with the 3rd edition?

How does this grammar fit on the leaderboard here: masterntgreek.com/guides/grammars/ ?

Third edition Mounce was our textbook in college. This was before Decker and Plummer-Merkle. The only other popular choice was the Black. Let me just say this: After looking at the library's copy of Black's second edition (3rd ed had only recently been published), I would have much preferred that instead. I find Mounce much too wordy and exhausting to slog through, especially as a beginner's grammar teaching the basics. For all the editions it has been through, they haven't given it the treatment it needs: a thorough revision to make it far more concise and compact. I also would have preferred getting to verbs much sooner than you do with Mounce. Regardless of schedule the teacher follows, Mounce introduces verbs too late, in opinion. I distinctly remember being furious when we finally got there, because I felt I had been _cheated_ and _deprived_ of something essential to the language, something that I _could_ and _should_ have had already, because it would have helped me to read and translate more independently far sooner that I was. And I say that because, up to that point, I was beginning only ever to feel frustrated and dejected, thinking of myself as a failure, that I just wasn't "getting it," that I had missed something crucial somewhere along the way. But I hadn't. So, yeah, in my first-hand experience-formed opinion, verbs should be introduced _far_ sooner than they are in Mounce. For that alone, I would choose Black over Mounce each and every time. Add to that the fact that Black is far more concise and matter-of-fact and you have yourself a clear winner in a head-to-head between the two.

I watched a couple of Mounce's videos on his site (www.billmounce.com/biblicalgreek1) and he said that he is teaching a specific pronunciation that is more likely to help us communicate better with other seminary students and teachers, rather than the most proper way to pronounce words. What if I'm not attending seminary and don't care if I can communicate in that regard? What if I'm going for the most accuracy possible for personal studies and writing?

I learned on the first edition and have privately taught through every subsequent edition. The text has gotten a bit wordy. But the step-by-step, the division between boys and verbs. And the usefulness of the grammar as a reference. The end material is excellent. He has begun incorporating modern Greek pronunciation. But the verb system is a train wreck in the fourth edition. It is horrible. There is too much dead wood. It doesn’t clearly walk a student through the advances made and set them up well to go forward in intermediate. I will have to teach verbs from another grammar and skip Mounce’s gobbledygook. And his leaving deponency in was just sad. He knows it needs to go, yet he left it in. The fourth edition needs a fifth edition. Still an excellent teaching grammar.