In New Testament (Koine) Greek, there are three main pronunciation systems that people often use, depending on their preference or background: Erasmian, Modern Greek, and Reconstructed Koine. Each has unique features and is used for different reasons.
1. Erasmian Pronunciation
This system was devised in the 16th century by the scholar Erasmus and is widely used in academic settings, especially in the study of classical texts.
Vowels: Each vowel and diphthong is pronounced distinctly, which makes it easier for learners to differentiate words based on their written form.
α = “a” as in “father”
ε = “e” as in “bet”
η = “e” as in “they”
ι = “i” as in “machine”
ο = “o” as in “not”
υ = “ü” as in German “über” (sometimes pronounced as “u” in “lute”)
ω = “o” as in “tone”
Consonants:
β = “b” as in “boy”
γ = “g” as in “go”
δ = “d” as in “dog”
θ = “th” as in “think”
χ = “kh” as in “Bach”
Dipthongs:
αι = “ai” as in “aisle”
ει = “ei” as in “freight”
οι = “oi” as in “boil”
2. Modern Greek Pronunciation
This system follows how Greek is pronounced today and is used by modern speakers of Greek, including in the Greek Orthodox Church.
Vowels: Many vowel sounds have merged, making fewer distinctions than in Erasmian.
α = “a” as in “father”
ε = “e” as in “bet”
η, ι, υ, ει, οι, υι = all pronounced “i” as in “machine”
ο = “o” as in “not”
ω = “o” as in “tone”
Consonants:
β = “v” as in “voice”
γ = soft “g” or “y” depending on the context
δ = “th” as in “this”
θ = “th” as in “think”
χ = a rough “h” sound, like the Scottish “loch”
Dipthongs:
αι = “e” as in “bet”
ει = “i” as in “machine”
οι = “i” as in “machine”
3. Reconstructed Koine Pronunciation
This is a scholarly attempt to approximate how Greek would have been spoken during the New Testament period, based on historical and linguistic evidence. It’s a middle ground between Erasmian and Modern Greek.
Vowels:
α = “a” as in “father”
ε = “e” as in “bet”
η = a long “e” like in “they”
ι = “i” as in “machine”
ο = “o” as in “not”
υ = similar to French “u” or German “ü”
ω = a long “o” as in “tone”
Consonants:
β = “v” sound (starting to transition from “b”)
γ = soft “g” or like “y” before certain vowels
δ = a soft “d” or “th” in “this”
θ = “th” as in “think”
χ = like the Scottish “loch”
Dipthongs:
αι = “e” as in “bet”
ει = “ei” as in “freight”
οι = “oi” as in “boil”
Summary:
Erasmian: Used in academic settings; distinct vowel and diphthong sounds.
Modern Greek: Contemporary Greek pronunciation with fewer vowel distinctions.
Reconstructed Koine: An attempt to recreate how the New Testament era Greek would have sounded, striking a balance between the two other systems.
Each pronunciation has its advocates, and the choice often depends on whether one is focused on historical linguistics, ecclesiastical tradition, or learning the language in a modern context.