koine etymology

Etymology:

  • From Greek κοινή (koiné), lit. 'common.'

Meaning and Origin:

"Koine" refers to the common dialect of Greek that emerged in the Hellenistic period (after the conquests of Alexander the Great). It was a simplified form of Attic Greek, the language of Athens, which became the lingua franca of the Mediterranean region.

The term "koine" was first used in the 2nd century BCE by grammarians to distinguish this common dialect from earlier forms of Greek. It later became widely used in the Byzantine period, and today it is the basis of Modern Greek.

Usage:

  • The Koine Greek Bible, written in the 1st century CE, is the basis of Christian scripture.
  • The New Testament of the Bible was written almost entirely in Koine Greek, with some Aramaic sections.
  • Koine Greek was also used extensively in literature, commerce, and diplomacy throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
  • Today, Modern Greek as spoken in Greece and Cyprus is a direct descendant of Koine Greek.

koine relate terms

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