Koine Greek

Hellenistic Greek-MAP

Greek Script from Rosetta Stone (36140196440)

P46

Koine Greek (Koinē Greek), from the Greek word κοινή (koinē), meaning "common", is a historical stage of the Greek language that was spoken and written from the 4th century BC to the 4th century AD. It evolved from the Classical Greek of the 5th century BC and later transitioned into Medieval Greek by the 7th century AD. Koine Greek served as a lingua franca throughout the Hellenistic world, following the conquests of Alexander the Great, and continued to be widely used under the Roman Empire and early Byzantine Empire. It is also the language of the New Testament of the Christian Bible, the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), and most early Christian theological writings, making it of paramount importance in Christianity and the study of early Christian texts.

History and Development

The spread of Koine Greek was facilitated by the conquests of Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BC, which led to the creation of the Hellenistic world, a cultural melting pot spanning from Greece to Egypt and into the Near East. This new linguistic commonality made it easier for the diverse peoples of the Hellenistic kingdoms to communicate with one another, fostering trade, cultural exchange, and political administration. The language underwent significant changes in phonology, morphology, syntax, and vocabulary from its Classical Greek origins, influenced by other regional dialects and languages.

Characteristics

Koine Greek simplified some aspects of Classical Greek grammar and pronunciation. For example, it had a more restricted system of vowel sounds, and the pitch accent of Classical Greek evolved into a stress accent. The dialect also saw a simplification in the use of the optative mood and a greater reliance on the indicative mood. Vocabulary in Koine Greek expanded with the incorporation of words from other languages of the Hellenistic world, reflecting the diverse cultural and social influences of the period.

Literature and Texts

Koine Greek is the language of many significant ancient texts. The New Testament was written in Koine, making it crucial for biblical scholarship and theology. The Septuagint, a key translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek, also exemplifies the use of Koine, reflecting its role in Jewish and early Christian liturgy and scholarship. Additionally, many important works of early Christian literature, including the writings of the Church Fathers, were composed in Koine Greek.

Legacy

The influence of Koine Greek extends beyond the texts written in it. It played a foundational role in the development of Medieval Greek and, by extension, Modern Greek. Moreover, because of the New Testament and early Christian theological writings, Koine Greek has had a lasting impact on Christian theology, liturgy, and art. Its study remains essential for historians, theologians, and linguists interested in the Hellenistic period, the Roman Empire, early Christianity, and the history of the Greek language.

See Also

• Classical Greek
• Hellenistic period
• Byzantine Empire
• Greek language
• Lingua franca