Basics of Greek Accents

John A. L. Lee (PhD, Cambridge University) is a Senior Research Fellow (honorary) attached to the Ancient History Department at Macquarie University. He has been cochair of the Biblical Lexicography Section, Society of Biblical Literature (2003-05), and is a member of the Studiorum Novi Testamenti Societas (elected 2005).

“Greek accents are a seemingly impenetrable haze to most students of the New Testament. John Lee’s Basics of Greek Accents cuts through the fog in a pedagogically humane way. Well laid out and easy to digest, this book offers a straightforward, step-by- step approach to the acquisition of Greek accentuation for any who want to master this language. I recommend it even for the beginner because knowledge of the accents is essential for learning the language properly from the get-go. It is much easier to have good habits of pronunciation from the start than to unlearn bad habits later on.” -- Daniel B. Wallace, senior research professor, New Testament, Dallas Theological Seminary

“With admiral clarity and simplicity John Lee introduces the rules of Greek accentuation in eight short lessons. Accents are rarely taught, though central to advanced Greek study; and no other resource makes learning accents easier and explains their complexities in a more accessible fashion. Every serious student should study this book.” -- James K. Aitken, reader in Hebrew and early Jewish studies, University of Cambridge

“There is simply no better place to start learning Greek accentuation than right here with this book.” -- Constantine R. Campbell, professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

“A really useful little book!” -- Eleanor Dickey, FBA, professor of classics, University of Reading, England

“In G. K. Chesterton’s autobiography he writes, “As for Greek accents, I triumphantly succeeded, through a long series of school-terms, in avoiding learning them at all.” If many a Greek teacher is honest, his or her knowledge of Greek accents may not be too far behind Chesterton’s. Thankfully, in this compact and well-written new book, John Lee guides both professors and students to a competency in Greek accents. Thanks are due to Dr. Lee for producing a resource that has been needed for generations.” -- Robert L. Plummer, professor of New Testament interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, founder of Daily Dose of Greek

“John A. L. Lee is both a distinguished authority on ancient Greek and an outstanding classroom teacher. This compact book, beautifully produced, dispels the unnecessary mystique that has come to shroud the topic of ancient Greek accents, offering a clear and practical approach to rapid mastery of the basic rules and patterns of usage. The book is best suited to use in the classroom context, but it can also be used effectively for private study. It functions as a highly accessible guide for those taking their first steps in Greek accentuation, while experts too will find valuable insights here. I strongly recommend it to all teachers of the language.” -- T. V. Evans, associate professor, ancient languages program director, Macquarie University

“From the author of the magisterial History of New Testament Lexicography, here comes an eminently useful and practical tool on Greek accents---for students, teachers, and editors alike. Highly recommended.” -- Andreas Köstenberger, senior research professor of New Testament and biblical theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and founder of Biblical Foundations (www.biblicalfoundations.org)