What Language did Jesus Speak?

What language did Jesus speak?

Jesus Most Likely Spoke Aramaic

Most historians agree that Jesus spoke Aramaic as his primary language. The Aramaic language was the common language spoken in the areas where Jesus lived and spent a majority of his time. The following Scriptures from the Bible provide us with some examples of Aramaic words being used in the New Testament, with the Aramaic words being underlined.

(Mathew 5:22) But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

(Mark 5:41) He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha koum!” (which means “Little girl, I say to you, get up!”).

(Mark 7:34) He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means “Be opened!”).

(Mark 14:36) “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

(Mark 15:34) And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

Portions of Daniel and Ezra from the Old Testament are written in Aramaic as well.

Is The Aramaic Language Still Spoken Today?

The once common language from the Middle East has been broken up into different dialects over the centuries. These different dialects are still spoken among a few small groups in the Middle East, most notably the Assyrians. The Aramaic languages are now considered to be endangered, with researchers working to record all of the dialects before they become extinct.

What About Greek And Hebrew?

Although Aramaic was the primary language that Jesus used, he probably spoke some Greek and Hebrew as well. The Hebrew language was used by the scribes and teachers, while Greek was the language of the Romans. When Jesus read in the synagogues (Luke 4:16) and spoke with the Romans (Pontius Pilate), the Hebrew and Greek languages were most likely used by our Savior. Among the many things that Jesus was, we can say he was probably multilingual as well.

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