The Frog Prince in Ancient Greek: Based on The Brothers Grimm Story

By Jonathan Christman, The Frog Prince in Ancient Greek, offers students of Koine Greek a rare and engaging opportunity to deepen their language skills through the lens of a beloved classic. This innovative translation of the Brothers Grimm’s “The Frog Prince” employs the vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of the Greek New Testament and Septuagint complemented by terms from broader Hellenistic Greek sources. Bridging the gap between beginning and intermediate proficiency (Tier 3 in AGROS), the text features a higher register of language, complex constructions, nuanced word choices, and occasional use of the optative mood. Also included are comprehensive footnotes, a vocabulary guide, and an English parallel text. The chapter and verse format mirrors biblical conventions for added familiarity. This work invites students to expand their mastery of Koine Greek while enjoying a timeless children’s fairy tale. 

“One of the best ways to increase your skill in reading the Greek New Testament is to read more Greek texts, especially extra-biblical Greek texts with which a student is unfamiliar. Jonathan Christman’s Greek version of The Frog Prince is a fun and creative contribution to the Greek corpus from which students can draw.”
—Robert L. Plummer, Collin and Evelyn Aikman Professor of Biblical Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

“The translation of this well-known Grimm’s fairy tale is very well done and will be a good challenge to intermediate Greek students. Jonathan Christman has provided students with a great resource for furthering their skills in Ancient Greek.”
—Michael Emadi, Lecturer of Biblical Languages, Covenant Baptist Theological Seminary