Weeks 1–2: Introduction to Basic Vocabulary

Introduction

Now that you can read, write, and recognize the Greek alphabet, it’s time to take your first steps into vocabulary. Vocabulary is the building block of every language. Each new word you learn is another step toward reading the New Testament in its original Greek.

At this stage, our goal is not to memorize hundreds of words at once, but to start with a small foundation of words that occur frequently in Scripture. These will give you confidence as you begin to read simple sentences.

Step 1: Why Start with Vocabulary?

Think about how children learn language. They begin with individual words (“mama,” “food,” “no”), and only later string those words together into phrases and sentences. In the same way, you will first gather some basic Greek words, then gradually connect them through grammar and syntax.

By focusing on high-frequency vocabulary, you’ll quickly recognize words that appear again and again in the New Testament.

Step 2: Sample Beginner Vocabulary

Here are a few examples of words you’ll encounter right away:

👉 Notice how many of these words look familiar! This is because English has borrowed heavily from Greek. Words like “theology” (from θεος + λογος) and “graph” (from γραφη) come directly from Greek.

Step 3: Learning Vocabulary Effectively

To make vocabulary stick, we will use three key strategies:

1. Daily Repetition – Even 10 minutes a day is better than an hour once a week. Use the tools provided in this course in the form of the Greek To Me app to help you gradually progress through vocabulary practice.

2. Audio Reinforcement – Hear the word, say the word, and write it down. This activates multiple parts of your brain. This is a key benefit of using the Scripturial app.

3. Spaced Repetition – Review words frequently at first, then less often as you master them. (This is built into the Greek To Me Vocabulary Trainer.)

Step 4: Putting Vocabulary into Context

When you learn a word, don’t just memorize its meaning—say it aloud, write it, and use it in a sentence.

Example:

• λογος (logos) = “word”

• Practice sentence: ὁ λογος θεου (ho logos theou) → “the word of God”

Step 5: How Vocabulary Fits into Your Learning

• The Scripturial App will give you a starting set of ~200 words.

• The Greek To Me Vocabulary Trainer will expand your knowledge to over 1,000 lemmas, and 1,486 words.

• Your daily practice is essential: vocabulary cannot be learned all at once. It must be reinforced little by little.

Practice Assignments

1. Vocabulary Flashcards
Create flashcards (physical or digital) for the six words listed above. On one side, write the Greek word; on the other, its meaning.

2. Write and Say
Write each word five times in Greek, saying it aloud each time. Example: “λογος—logos—word.”

3. Reading Drill
Read the following aloud:

• ὁ λογος

• ὁ θεος

• ὁ κυριος

• ὁ ανθρωπος

4. Build Simple Phrases
Using the words above, combine them into simple two-word phrases (e.g., λογος θεου = “word of God”).

5. Daily Practice Assignment
Spend 10–15 minutes per day practicing vocabulary. Consistency is more important than speed. Use your flash cards, Greek To Me, and Scripturial.

Encouragement

At first, you may feel like the words are slipping through your fingers. This is normal! Trust the process. Every time you see, say, and write a word, your brain is making stronger connections. Soon, you’ll begin to recognize these words without even thinking.

Remember: you’re not just memorizing words—you’re unlocking Scripture in its original form. Every new word you master brings you one step closer to reading the New Testament in the language it was written.

Keep going—you are doing excellent work!