Note Pertaining to Greek Particles (An Edit)

Based on information written to a friend back in 2008:

There are numerous studies on Greek particles and Greek grammars normally deal with the μέν . . . δέ construction. Your question made me wonder about the number of studies out there on this kind of construction. Of course, we have the notable study by J.D. Denniston, The Greek Particles. I just checked amazon and they've got the book for about $90.00. In addition to Denniston's informative study, I found research on particles here: D Lassiter - homepages.nyu.edu

Furthermore, there are various journal articles about particles including one by Denniston. See G. Misener, "Greek Particles," The Classical Philology, 1937 and J.D. Denniston "The Greek Particles," The Classical Review, 1929.

But back to the matter at hand, μέν . . . δέ constructions can be translated "On one hand . . . on the other hand." So my remarks about your book purchases were in that vein. "On one hand (μέν), it is good that you bought the book . . . on the other hand (δέ), μέγα βιβλίον μέγα κακόν (i.e., "big book, big evil"). I'll stop while I'm ahead. :-)

Addendum: The link by Lassiter appears to have changed. And there is major work now being done concerning Greek particles. See http://chs.harvard.edu/CHS/article/display/6391

For an example of the μέν . . . δέ construction, see Ephesians 4:11.