The Bible, often referred to as the Word of God, is a collection of writings inspired by JHVH and authored by men under divine guidance. Central to its understanding and transmission are the original languages in which it was written. These languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—played a significant role in preserving the divine message across millennia. By examining these languages and their historical contexts, we gain a clearer understanding of how the Bible was faithfully transmitted.
The Role of Hebrew in the Old Testament Scriptures
The primary language of the Old Testament was Biblical Hebrew. Its use spanned from the time of Moses (circa 1446 B.C.E.) to the period of Malachi, the last prophetic writer, around 440 B.C.E. Hebrew is part of the Semitic language family, characterized by a unique structure and vocabulary well-suited to precise expression of divine truths.
Origins and Development of the Hebrew Language
The Bible introduces Hebrew as the language of Adam and Noah, a foundational tongue preserved until the confusion of languages at Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). Genesis 11:1 refers to this original language, stating, “Now the whole earth had one language and one set of words.” From this linguistic foundation, Hebrew developed further among the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, becoming the national language of Israel.
Moses, raised in Pharaoh’s court and educated in Egyptian wisdom (Acts 7:22), was uniquely positioned to compose the Pentateuch. He likely used ancient documents and oral traditions passed down through the patriarchs, compiling them under divine inspiration into the books of Genesis through Deuteronomy.
The preservation of the Hebrew Scriptures demonstrates extraordinary care. For example, during King Josiah’s reign (circa 7th century B.C.E.), the “book of the law” was rediscovered in the temple (2 Kings 22:8-10). This text, likely the original Torah written by Moses, had been safeguarded for centuries. Ezra, the post-exilic priest and scribe, further ensured the Scriptures’ preservation. Ezra 7:6 notes that he was “a skilled copyist in the law of Moses, which Jehovah the God of Israel had given.” He likely standardized and organized the texts that would form the Hebrew canon.
Aramaic’s Role in the Old Testament
While Hebrew dominates the Old Testament, portions were written in Aramaic, a sister Semitic language. Aramaic was the lingua franca of the Near East during the Assyrian and Babylonian empires, making its inclusion in Scripture practical for communication to a broader audience. Aramaic sections include:
Daniel 2:4b–7:28
Ezra 4:8–6:18 and 7:12-26
Jeremiah 10:11
These portions reflect the historical contexts in which Israel interacted with surrounding empires, demonstrating the adaptability of Scripture to changing linguistic landscapes.
By the time of Jesus, Koine Greek had become the dominant language of the Mediterranean world. Alexander the Great’s conquests (4th century B.C.E.) unified much of the known world under Greek cultural and linguistic influence. Koine, the “common” Greek, became the international language, enabling the rapid spread of ideas and texts.
Writing the New Testament in Greek
The Christian Scriptures (New Testament) were composed in Koine Greek, reflecting its accessibility and universality. For example, Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, wrote epistles in Greek, addressing both Jewish and Gentile audiences. The Gospel of Matthew was likely first written in Hebrew or Aramaic for a Jewish audience, but the surviving Greek version was likely authored by Matthew himself.
The use of Greek fulfilled prophetic commands to spread the Word to all nations (Isaiah 42:6; Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus’ teachings and the apostles’ writings in Greek made Scripture accessible to the diverse populations of the Roman Empire.
Preservation of the Greek New Testament
The original manuscripts of the New Testament, written between 45 C.E. and 98 C.E., are no longer extant. However, the faithful copying of these texts produced a vast reservoir of manuscripts. Over 5,800 Greek manuscripts exist today, with remarkable consistency across textual families, confirming the reliability of the New Testament text.
Translation: Extending the Reach of Scripture
The necessity of translating the Bible into other languages is evident in Scripture itself. Deuteronomy 32:43 calls upon nations to “be glad” with God’s people, and Jesus declared that the good news would be preached “to all the nations” (Matthew 24:14). Translation has played a pivotal role in fulfilling these commands.
The Septuagint: A Key Translation
The first major translation of the Hebrew Scriptures was the Septuagint, rendered into Greek in the 3rd century B.C.E. in Alexandria, Egypt. This translation allowed Greek-speaking Jews and later Gentiles to access the Hebrew Scriptures, significantly influencing early Christian theology.
Translations Through the Centuries
As Christianity spread, the Bible was translated into numerous languages, including Latin, Syriac, Coptic, and Gothic. Today, the Bible exists in over 1,900 languages, enabling people worldwide to access JHVH’s message.
Faithfulness in Transmission
The Bible’s textual transmission demonstrates unparalleled fidelity. Scribes meticulously copied manuscripts, using methods like counting letters and words to ensure accuracy. For example, the Masoretes (6th-10th centuries C.E.) developed an intricate system of notes and vowel points to preserve the pronunciation and meaning of Hebrew texts.
In the New Testament, early Christians diligently copied and shared apostolic writings. Despite variations among manuscripts, the essential doctrines and teachings remain intact, reflecting the providence of God in preserving His Word.
Conclusion
The Bible’s journey from its original languages to the versions we read today underscores the faithfulness of JHVH in preserving His Word. Through Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, the Scriptures were communicated with precision and clarity, enabling successive generations to access divine truth. Translators and scribes, guided by their reverence for God, ensured that the Bible’s message reached every corner of the earth.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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