In the 2-volume Matthew set of A Handbook on the Greek Text, Wesley Olmstead provides a foundational analysis of the Greek text of Matthew. The analysis is distinguished by the detailed yet comprehensive attention paid to the text. Olmstead’s analysis is a convenient pedagogical and reference tool that explains the form and syntax of the biblical text, offers guidance for deciding between competing semantic analyses, engages important text-critical debates, and addresses questions relating to the Greek text that are frequently overlooked or ignored by standard commentaries. Beyond serving as a succinct and accessible analytic key, Matthew also reflects the most up-to-date advances in scholarship on Greek grammar and linguistics. This handbook proves itself an indispensable tool for anyone committed to a deep reading of the biblical text.
Endorsements
"Although this handbook is part of the secondary literature, it will push the reader to the text of Matthew’s Gospel. While some will disagree with some of Olmstead’s conclusions concerning rhetorical force and balk at his ‘idiosyncratic’ translations, the readability of the volume, given its reference nature, makes for an indispensable resource for seasoned scholars and students with some working knowledge of Greek." - Charles Nathan Ridlehoover, Catholic Biblical Quarterly
"The Baylor Handbook on the Greek New Testament series has been a welcome and distinctive addition to an otherwise crowded field of biblical commentaries. Whereas some volumes have merely identified grammatical forms and others have strayed noticeably beyond grammar, Olmstead steers a helpful middle course. He does not attempt to multiply categories of meaning for words that is actually determined by their context but does identify all standard forms. He makes judicious decisions on the vexed issues related to verbal aspect and deponency. He regularly gives reasons for those views that might be disputed rather than simply making assertions. This is a very welcome addition to an important series." - Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary
"…Olmstead has produced a masterful and incisive treatment of the Greek text of the Gospel of Matthew. This is without any shadow of doubt one of the stand-out volumes in the Baylor Handbook on the Greek New Testament series. What makes this volume so valuable is not simply the fact that Olmstead executes his task with great skill and decades of experience, but that he understands the purpose behind such an endeavour. Olmstead uses analysis of the Greek text as a key tool in the exegete’s repertoire to probe more deeply into the meaning of the text by paying close attention to the actual words and expressions that were selected and constructed by the author of the Gospel of Matthew. In so doing, Olmstead illustrates the continued value of learning biblical languages to the fullest level possible, and the fruits that might be gleaned from applying that learning to a close and detailed reading of the text." - Paul Foster, Expository Times
Wesley G. Olmstead is Henry Hildebrand Professor of Biblical Studies at Briercrest College and Seminary.
