Linguistics and the Bible

In 2016, the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis (CBLTE), a research center located at McMaster Divinity College, hosted the annual Bingham Colloquium. Scholars from around North America were invited to participate in a collegial and collaborative dialogue on what is currently happening (or could happen) at the intersection of linguistics and biblical studies, particularly in regards to the linguistic study of biblical languages, their translation, and the way that linguistic methods can contribute to the interpretation of the biblical texts. This volume of essays publishes many of the presentations that took place at the Colloquium.


""This fascinating collection of essays showcases the value of modern linguistics for responsible exegesis and effective translation of the Greek New Testament. Readers will find the range of perspectives and applications of modern linguistics in this brief volume a helpful bridge into an interpretive tool that is often neglected.""
--Martin Culy, Founding Editor, Baylor Handbook on the Greek New Testament, Director, Cypress Hills Ministries

""One cannot possibly read what emanates from McMaster Divinity College without treading across that intersection between Hellenistic Greek and cutting edge linguistic exploration. Whether it's text corpora, discourse analytical, clausal, lexical, or other issues, the payoff is always fresh exegetical understanding allied with pastoral implications--i.e., exactly what is needed in study and informed ministry today, and presented here via a pleasant diversity of conceptual and textual connections.""
--Jonathan M. Watt, Professor of Biblical Studies, Geneva College and Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

""Stanley Porter has been a leader in the field of application of linguistic theory to the interpretation of the New Testament and study of Greek grammar. In this collection of essays, he assembles an impressive group of scholars who address a wide range of issues related to the application of linguistics to interpreting the Greek text. More specifically, this volume focuses on the application of Systemic Functional Linguistics in the tradition of M. A. K. Halliday. This volume will provide a solid and up-to-date introduction and discussion of the importance and usage of Systemic Functional Linguistics for New Testament students. This book is a must-read for anyone unfamiliar with linguistic approaches to the New Testament, or anyone who wants to explore further the value and implications of Systemic Functional Linguistics for interpreting the New Testament. I highly recommend it.""
--David Mathewson, Associate Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary


Stanley E. Porter is President, Dean, and Professor of New Testament, as well as holder of the Roy A. Hope Chair in Christian Worldview, at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is a prolific writer and editor in the area of Greek linguistics and the Founder of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.

Christopher D. Land is Assistant Professor of New Testament and Linguistics at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is the Director of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.

Francis G. H. Pang is Assistant Professor of New Testament at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. He is the Associate Director of the Centre for Biblical Linguistics, Translation, and Exegesis.