1. Definition and Function
Definition of a Noun: A noun (ὄνομα) is a word that identifies a person, place, thing, or idea.
Functions of Nouns in a Sentence: Nouns can serve multiple roles, such as:
Subject: The main actor in a sentence.
Direct Object: The recipient of the action.
Indirect Object: Indicates to whom or for whom the action is done.
2. Gender of Nouns
Nouns in NT Greek are classified as masculine, feminine, or neuter. This affects agreement with articles and adjectives.
Masculine: Generally denotes male beings.
Example: ἀνήρ (“man”) in John 1:6.
Feminine: Typically denotes female beings.
Example: γυναῖκα (“woman”) in Luke 8:2.
Neuter: Often denotes objects or abstract concepts.
Example: ὄρος (“mountain”) in Matthew 5:1.
3. Number of Nouns
Nouns can be singular, plural, or dual:
Singular: One entity.
Example: λόγος (“word”) in John 1:1.
Plural: More than one entity.
Example: λόγοι (“words”) in 1 Corinthians 12:8.
Dual Number: Rarely used but indicates two entities.
Example: ἡμῖν (“to us” in dual).
4. Case System
The case system indicates the grammatical function of nouns:
1. Nominative Case: Subject of the sentence.
Example: ὁ Ἰησοῦς (“Jesus”) in Matthew 16:16.
2. Genitive Case: Indicates possession.
Example: τοῦ Ἰησοῦ (“of Jesus”) in John 1:12.
3. Dative Case: Indicates the indirect object.
Example: τῷ Ἰησοῦ (“to Jesus”) in Luke 17:14.
4. Accusative Case: The direct object of the sentence.
Example: τὸν ἀδελφόν (“the brother”) in Matthew 5:22.
5. Vocative Case: Used for direct address.
Example: ὦ πατέρα (“O father”) in Luke 11:2.
5. Declension of Nouns
Nouns are grouped into three main declensions:
1st Declension (Feminine Nouns):
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἡ ἀγάπη | αἱ ἀγάπαι |
| Genitive | τῆς ἀγάπης | τῶν ἀγαπῶν |
| Dative | τῇ ἀγάπῃ | ταῖς ἀγάπαις |
| Accusative | τὴν ἀγάπην | τὰς ἀγάπας |
2nd Declension (Masculine and Neuter Nouns):
| Case | Masculine Singular | Masculine Plural | Neuter Singular | Neuter Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ὁ λόγος | οἱ λόγοι | τὸ τέκνον | τὰ τέκνα |
| Genitive | τοῦ λόγου | τῶν λόγων | τοῦ τέκνου | τῶν τέκνων |
| Dative | τῷ λόγῳ | τοῖς λόγοις | τῷ τέκνῳ | τοῖς τέκνοις |
| Accusative | τὸν λόγον | τοὺς λόγους | τὸ τέκνον | τὰ τέκνα |
3rd Declension (Various Genders):
| Case | Masculine Singular | Masculine Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ὁ πατήρ | οἱ πατέρες |
| Genitive | τοῦ πατρός | τῶν πατέρων |
| Dative | τῷ πατρί | τοῖς πατράσι |
| Accusative | τὸν πατέρα | τοὺς πατέρας |
Irregular Nouns: Some nouns do not follow standard declension patterns.
Example: ἡ ὁδός (“way”) has irregular forms in its plural:
Nominative: αἱ ὁδοί (“ways”).
Additional Activities for Learning
Exercises:
Identify the case of given nouns in sentences.
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of nouns based on their declension.
Translation Practice:
Translate short passages from the New Testament, focusing on identifying and using nouns correctly.
