The Best Way to Learn Biblical Greek (Koine Greek) Online

A Guide for Beginners, Bible Students, and Curious Learners

Have you ever wished you could read the Bible in its original language?
Learning Biblical Greek (also called Koine Greek) is one of the most rewarding steps you can take to go deeper into Scripture. Whether you’re a pastor, a student, or just someone with a love for the Word, this guide will help you explore the best ways to get started — and stick with it.

What Is Koine Greek?

Koine Greek (κοινή) was the everyday language of the Eastern Mediterranean around the time of Jesus and the apostles. It’s the language the New Testament was written in — along with many early Christian writings. “Koine” means “common,” and that’s exactly what it was: not academic or elite, but simple and expressive, perfect for conveying the gospel to real people.

What’s the Best Way to Learn Biblical Greek?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on your goals, schedule, and learning style. But here are the three main ways people start learning Koine Greek, along with the pros and cons of each.

Smiling person wearing a yellow polka dot shirt working on a laptop, with headphones, and a notebook nearby.

1. Live Online Classes

Best for: Structure, accountability, and real understanding

For many learners, the fastest way to make real progress is through live instruction. Meeting weekly with an experienced teacher gives you structure, feedback, and motivation — especially if you’re the kind of person who benefits from a plan and a little community.

"I tried learning Greek through books and YouTube but got stuck fast. What helped me was having a real person explain things, answer my questions, and keep me moving forward."

If this sounds like you, Kairos Classroom offers small, interactive online classes designed specifically for biblical language learners. These are not pre-recorded lectures — you’ll be in a real-time session with others, learning and translating together.

Each course includes:

  • 9 weeks of instruction

  • One 90-minute live class per week

  • About 90 minutes of homework per week

Whether you’re preparing for seminary or just want to study Scripture more deeply, this is a powerful way to build lasting skills.

Man wearing headphones, focused on a MacBook, in a modern office or cafe setting.

2. Self-Paced Online Courses

Best for: Independent and highly self-motivated learners

If your schedule doesn’t allow for live classes, a self-paced course might be a great fit. You’ll get structured lessons — usually in the form of videos and PDFs — and you can go at your own pace.

Popular options include:

  • Basics of Biblical Greek by William Mounce (widely used in seminaries)

  • Online courses from Zondervan Academic, Udemy, or Logos

These can be a great introduction if you’re disciplined, but without the chance to ask questions or get feedback, some learners find it hard to stay consistent.

3. Free Tools and Apps

Best for: Dipping your toes in the water

Not ready to invest yet? You can start learning Koine Greek without spending a dime.

Some free resources we recommend:

These tools are great for beginners, and they work well as a supplement even if you’re taking a course.

What Else Helps?

Regardless of the format you choose, here are some pro tips for learning Biblical Greek:

  • 🧾 Start with the Alphabet – Learn to read and pronounce each letter confidently.

  • 📅 Be consistent – It’s better to study 20 minutes a day than 2 hours once a week.

  • 🧑🏽‍🤝‍🧑🏿 Find a learning community – Even if it’s just one other person to check in with weekly.

  • 📝 Review and re-read – Greek rewards slow, thoughtful repetition.

So... Where Should I Start?

If you’re serious about learning and want a path that sticks, consider joining a live online course like those offered at Kairos Classroom. You’ll get structure, personal support, and real confidence reading the New Testament in its original form.

If you’re just exploring, dip your toe in with a free resource and see where it takes you. There’s no wrong place to start — but there are definitely better ways to keep going.