How do we know how Koine Greek was pronounced?
we look at spelling interchanges ...
Look at ancient inscriptions
Inscriptions are important because they preserve the original spelling of the scribe at the time it was written.
Mark all spelling interchanges
Historical phonologists can make a record of every time a scribe spells a word differently: e.g., an English speaker might spell tough as t-u-f-f.
Look at ancient papyri
Like inscriptions, papyri also provide a window into the exact spelling of the scribe at the time of composition.
Analyze spelling equivalences
By comparing where spelling mistakes occur, we can conclude what sounds were pronounced the same: e.g., from above, we may conclude that gh = ff.
Interactive Pronunciation Guide
New Testament Greek (Roman Palestinian Koine)
Vowels
click the letters for more details and audio recordings of example words
Diphthongs
click the letters for more details and audio recordings of example words
Consonants
click the letters for more details and audio recordings of example words
Practice reading/hearing this pronunciation with texts!
Now that you have learned the Koine pronunciation, use the KoineGreek.com ancient audio reader to practice reading the New Testament (in ancient or modern script) while hearing the recording at the same time.