What language did Jesus speak
What language did Jesus speak
The general consensus seems to indicate Jesus spoke ancient Aramaic. The Aramaic language was a Semitic language that was connected to Hebrew. It was also featured in the film ‘Passion’, and with help of multimedia is being preserved so Ancient Aramaic is not lost as a language.
However, we are not certain this was his language, some argue Hebrew. Hebrew was known for the Jews to read scripture and the holy books like it is today, but I think Aramaic was the language spoke by the people.
People that think he spoke the Hebrew language argue the Hebrew language because they want to show Jesus as the fulfillment of all that is written in Hebrew scripture. Which I believe, but I think he spoke the Aramaic language.
Jesus could have also spoken Ancient Greek, however if he did it was only incidentally not as a native language. Greek was the language of trade and business in the Eastern Mediterranean. So what language did Jesus speak? Native language: Aramaic; Literary language: Hebrew; Second language maybe: Greek. I think the most important point is Jesus spoke the language which was most relevant to the people, a common popular language.
Tags: Ancient Aramaic, Langauge, language of Jesus
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March 23, 2008at 9:17 pm
It would be nice to have some recordings
But I think we could have a good clue be knowing what languages have been used by his disciples.
March 24, 2008at 12:21 pm
@Sydney, I would love to have a recording. And I think you are right I do not know the language of his disciples. But funny you mention that on another subject I have the bible on mp3 which I bought in Polish and English. http://www.claritaslux.com/blog/2007/03/17/language-learning-and-the-biblespiritual-writings/ I think this is an excellant way to learn a language. That is listening to the words of Jesus though the bible however in the language you want to learn.