A guided approach to reading the Greek New Testament directly from the text. TBWM combines Greek text, syntax notes, grammatical diagrams, discourse analysis, and guided reading exercises to help readers engage Scripture carefully and structurally.
| Start Reading | | Current Projects |
What Makes TBWM Different?
TBWM approaches Greek as a tool for understanding how meaning is structured and communicated — not merely as an exercise in isolated glosses or grammar rules. The goal is not simply translation, but learning how to follow the argument, structure, and flow of the text itself.
Where should you begin?
Foundations in Johannine Reading Track
Johannine Letters. Ideal for learning careful structural reading through recursive discourse, thematic development, and repeated observation. Short, recursive, relational, and conceptually tight. These letters teach how to slow down, track grammar carefully, and follow theological argument without being overwhelmed.
Begin the Johannine Track
Pauline Argumentation Track
Pauline Argumentation. Focused on increasingly layered syntax, discourse flow, and theological argument structure.
Begin the Pauline Argumentation Track
- Ephesians [Launched! July 7, 2026]
- Expands the scope: longer sentences, heavier discourse structure, and sustained theological reasoning. A natural next step once you’re comfortable reading whole letters.
- Colossians [Launching Late Summer 2026]
- Builds on prior skills while emphasizing dense argumentation, Christological precision, and discourse-driven exhortation.
- Philippians [In development]
- Galatians [In development]
Extended Argument & Rhetoric Track [Coming Soon]
Extended Argument and Rhetorical Complexity. Focused on dense argumentation, conceptual compression, and macro-discourse structure.
Argument & Rhetoric Track Planned Projects
- Hebrews [Planned for Winter 2026]
- Romans
- 2 Corinthians
TBWM groups readings into broad tracks designed to help orient readers to different kinds of syntactical and discourse complexity. These tracks are not rigid difficulty rankings, but guided pathways intended to help readers progressively develop structural reading skills.
Working Through TBWM
TBWM can be used in several different ways depending on your goals—translation practice, teaching, or guided reading:
- Independent translation practice;
- Guided Greek reading;
- Syntax and discourse training;
- Structural observation practice; and
- Vocabulary reinforcement through context.
Readers may move slowly through passages, compare analyses, or integrate TBWM into their own study workflow.
For more information read the following articles:
Current Projects
- Current
- Launching Soon
- Planned
- Galatians
- Hebrews
Why Devote This Much Energy to Reading the NT in Greek?
Reading the New Testament in Greek is not about proving translators wrong. Our English Bibles are trustworthy and carefully produced.
The value of reading Greek lies elsewhere:
- in seeing structure, emphasis, and connection that are often invisible in translation;
- in following an author’s argument as it develops;
- and in learning to let the text speak before rushing to conclusions.
- Many people learn enough Greek to use tools effectively—and that’s a worthwhile goal. But after investing the time it takes to learn Greek, many discover they want something more: the ability to actually read the text with care and confidence.
Systematically translating extended portions of Scripture does exactly that. It sharpens morphology, deepens vocabulary, forces attention to syntax, and trains judgment in how ancient Greek moves into modern English.
For many readers, this work becomes deeply absorbing—not because it is easy, but because it rewards sustained attention. Few experiences match the quiet satisfaction of following a passage in Greek and realizing you are no longer decoding it, but reading it.
Helpful Resources
Foundations
- TBWM Reading Map → Learn the recurring grammar, discourse, and structural patterns used throughout TBWM.
- Foundations → Explore the reading guides, methodology, and translation principles behind the project.
Study Tools
- Pronunciation Guides → Hear key vocabulary before reading.
- Diagramming Guide → Learn how to read and create the notebook sketches.
- Study Tools & Resources → Explore additional study tools to help you build your skills.
What Greek Text Do We Use?
I work primarily from F. H. A. Scrivener’s Greek New Testament (see why here).
If you prefer to work from a different critical text, that’s completely fine. TBWM is designed to support discussion and comparison—especially where textual choices affect translation decisions or interpretation.
Why I Prioritize Print-Based Study
As much as possible, I work from an “Island scenario”: my Greek notebook, BDAG, Smyth, and Wallace. This forces me to determine whether I actually understand the text, rather than relying on software to think for me.
Only after that initial work do I turn to digital tools to:
- check my conclusions
- see what I might have missed
- compare alternate analyses
If you’re curious, you can learn about the Island Scenario and explore my curated Greek tool set here →