Languages The Bible Was Originally Written In

The Bible, one of the most influential and widely read books in history, was originally written in three primary languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Each of these languages reflects the diverse historical, cultural, and geographical contexts in which the biblical texts were composed. Understanding these languages provides insight into the development of the biblical canon and the transmission of its texts over time.

Hebrew: The Language of the Old Testament

The majority of the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh, was written in Hebrew. Hebrew is a Semitic language that was spoken by the Israelites in ancient times.

1. Historical Context:
   • Origins: Hebrew emerged as a distinct language in the late second millennium BCE. It is closely related to other Northwest Semitic languages, such as Phoenician and Moabite.
   • Biblical Usage: Hebrew was the primary language used by the ancient Israelites for religious, legal, and literary texts. The earliest books of the Old Testament, including Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, are written in Hebrew. These books form the Torah, the foundational texts of the Hebrew Bible.
2. Characteristics of Biblical Hebrew:
   • Consonantal Writing System: Ancient Hebrew was written using a consonantal alphabet, which initially did not include vowels. Vowel points were later added by the Masoretes, Jewish scribes in the early medieval period, to aid in pronunciation.
   • Poetic and Narrative Styles: The Hebrew Bible contains a rich variety of literary styles, including poetry, prophecy, law, and historical narrative. This diversity is reflected in the language, with its distinctive poetic structures and legal terminology.

Aramaic: The Language of Exile and Return

Aramaic is another Semitic language that became widely used in the Near East, particularly during and after the Babylonian Exile of the Israelites in the 6th century BCE. Several portions of the Old Testament were written in Aramaic, reflecting its significance during this period.

1. Historical Context:
   • Adoption and Spread: Aramaic was adopted as the lingua franca of the Near East during the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. It was the common language of administration and commerce.
   • Exilic and Post-Exilic Periods: During the Babylonian Exile, many Jews adopted Aramaic as their daily language. This continued during the Persian period when the Jews were allowed to return to their homeland.
2. Aramaic Texts in the Old Testament:
   • Books with Aramaic Sections: Significant portions of the books of Daniel and Ezra are written in Aramaic. For instance, Daniel 2:4b-7:28 and Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:12-26 are in Aramaic.
   • Language of the Targums: Targums, Aramaic translations and interpretations of the Hebrew Bible, were widely used in Jewish synagogues.
3. Characteristics of Biblical Aramaic:
   • Similarities to Hebrew: Aramaic is linguistically similar to Hebrew, sharing much of its vocabulary and grammar.
   • Influence on Hebrew: The extensive use of Aramaic influenced later stages of the Hebrew language, particularly in the post-exilic period.

Greek: The Language of the New Testament

The New Testament was originally written in Koine Greek, the common dialect of the Greek-speaking world following the conquests of Alexander the Great.

1. Historical Context:
   • Hellenistic Influence: Following Alexander’s conquests, Greek culture and language spread throughout the Mediterranean and Near East. Koine Greek, a simplified form of classical Greek, became the lingua franca.
   • Early Christian Writings: The early Christians, many of whom were Greek-speaking Jews or Gentiles, wrote their texts in Greek to reach a broad audience.
2. Characteristics of Koine Greek:
   • Accessible Language: Koine Greek was a practical and accessible dialect, well-suited for the spread of early Christian teachings. It differed from the more formal classical Greek of earlier periods.
   • Literary Diversity: The New Testament includes a variety of literary forms, including gospels, letters, apocalyptic literature, and historical narrative. Each genre utilized the nuances of Koine Greek to convey its message.
3. Greek Texts of the New Testament:
   • Gospels and Letters: The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the Epistles (letters written by Paul and other apostles) are primary examples of New Testament Greek texts.
   • Book of Revelation: The apocalyptic literature of the New Testament, exemplified by the Book of Revelation, also showcases the use of Koine Greek.

The Bible’s original languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—are integral to understanding its historical and cultural context. Hebrew, the primary language of the Old Testament, reflects the ancient Israelite civilization. Aramaic, used during the Exilic and post-Exilic periods, represents a significant era in Jewish history. Greek, the language of the New Testament, highlights the Hellenistic influence on early Christianity. Studying these languages offers profound insights into the Bible’s composition, its transmission over centuries, and its enduring impact on religious and literary traditions worldwide.