Sentence
diagramming is a graphic portrait of an author's thought on paper.
It is especially helpful for visual learners to see clearly the
sentence in a non-linear fashion as each part of speech takes its
place in the diagram like pieces in a jigsaw puzzle.
Just
like interlocking puzzle pieces that form a coherent picture, so the
individual units of a sentence on a diagram reveal the portrait of
the author's literary piece.
Puzzle
lovers and those who like to put things in their
proper place typically find diagramming
simultaneously challenging and satisfying. The
discipline forces one beyond rote memory of
grammatical definitions into the realm of
application where every word in a sentence must be
understood in relation to its neighboring words.
Diagramming is a practical method to understand
NTGreek. In short, it develops one's command
of Greek grammar, syntax, and language with the
results it makes one competent to read accurately
the Greek New Testament.
Sentence diagramming traces an author's thought
development like no other tool. By breaking a
sentence down into its basic component parts, it
images the sentence, meets the eye, and stirs the
imagination. It calls to attention the
obscurities that translations and commentaries
overlook.
On
the other hand, a properly diagrammed passage
furnishes the "big picture" by visibly revealing the
author's structural hierarchy.
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Click on image to enlarge |
Diagramming shows
the
logical
arrangement of each sentence, as
distinguished from the
sequential
or lineal
arrangement, which is the focus of
NTGreek in
Structure by Robert Bailey. For
example, a diagram begins with the main subject
and the main verb, with the various dependent
clauses and modifiers attached in standard ways
to designate visually how the whole sentence
fits together logically.
Diagramming is equally helpful for both Greek
and English, but some portions of the New
Testament, especially Paul’s epistles, use
protracted and complicated sentences that
diagramming is especially useful to see how each
element in the sentence fits together.
Diagramming still remains as one of the best
tools for both exegete and expositor, for both
self-study and teachers.
For Self Study
Prepared diagrams are ideal for home study and
reference. For some, diagramming has not
been a possibility because the lack of knowledge
how to do it. By example, however, these
diagrams will show a method to approach
diagramming. With each chapter studied,
one gains confidence in their ability to diagram
which in turn stimulates a deeper understanding
and appreciation of the text--not because of
what has been translated, but what has been
revealed by God. Although these diagrams
were prepared with Bible college and seminary
students in mind, they will be beneficial for
anyone who seriously studies the Greek New
Testament.
For
Teachers
Prepared diagrams are perfect for busy
vocational teachers. Teachers often
discover that diagramming is an excellent means
to communicate to their students how sentences
are constructed. It has been proven that
analyzing a sentence and diagramming its
structure with a consistent visual method is
helpful, both for NTGreek language beginners and
for those trying to make sense of the language
at any level. Furthermore, individual
pages may be transferred to overhead
transparencies for classroom work, whether for
introductory or advanced Greek exegesis classes.
Availability
Diagrams for all the Greek New Testament
epistles (Acts--The Revelation) and the four
Gospels are being
prepared for those who may find them helpful.
Those that are presently available are listed in
the left-hand menu. For further details,
to view sample pages, and how to purchase
individual diagram sets on-line, make a
selection.
The most cost effective method to
acquire all the diagrams and future ones is to
become a NTGreek In Diagram Member. Unlimited
entry to the
Membership Area
is granted 24/7/365 with a one-time membership
purchase without any further annual
subscription costs. For further information,
visit the
membership subscription information page.
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The remaining New Testament epistles and Gospels will
be diagramed in the following sequence as indicated below.
- The Revelation
- The Acts of the Apostles
- The Gospel of Luke
- The Gospel of Mark
- The Gospel of Matthew
- The Gospel of John
Click on images to enlarge
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