Koine Greek vs. Attic Greek: What's the Difference?

What is Koine Greek? Koine Greek is the Greek dialect that was used to write the New Testament. The Apostle Paul and others wrote in Greek because people in the eastern half of the Roman Empire spoke Greek as a common language. So, they wrote in a language the people of that time and place could read (or hear) and understand.

In contrast, Attic Greek is a Greek dialect spoken in Attica, a region of Ancient Greece. Athens. Most courses teaching classical Greek will teach the attic dialect. Examples of Attic Greek authors include Euripides and Sophocles.

Koine Greek evolved from Attic Greek.

Tags: greek; koine greek; bible language; greek language