The Prolegomena introduces foundational principles or premises upon which the subsequent three volumes build. It provides a sketch of the language of the New Testament. Originally published in 1906, its wide-spread success led to a second and third edition being released in the following two years. A hundred years later, A Grammar of New Testament Greek Vol. 1 is still considered an excellent starting point for students of advanced NT Greek.
Prolegomena’s lasting popularity stems from its lucid exposition of its subject and its unprecedented position on New Testament Greek. Grammars written prior to Moulton’s assessed the NT Greek in terms of the literary style of Greek evidenced in formal writing. Moulton bases his grammar upon recently discovered (at the time) Greek papyri which shows the influence of common Koine Greek on the New Testament authors. These papyri help clarify the grammar and meaning of numerous biblical passages. Chapters include: General Characteristics of NT Greek, History of the 'Common' Greek, Notes on the Accidence, Syntax: the Noun, Adjectives, Pronouns, Prepositions, The Infinitive, and multiple sections concerning The Verb. Also included are an Index of Quotations, Index of Greek Words and Forms, and Index of Subjects. Revolutionary in its own time, Prolegomena’s lively prose and erudite review of NT Greek continue to enlighten scholars and students today.
