Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "Hebrew" is occasionally used to refer to the language spoken by the Jewish people, which, during certain historical periods, was Aramaic. This usage reflects the linguistic and cultural shifts that occurred throughout the history of the Israelites and later Jewish communities.Historical Context The Hebrew language, a member of the Northwest Semitic group, was the original language of the Israelites and the language in which most of the Old Testament was written. However, during the Babylonian exile (6th century BC) and the subsequent Persian period, Aramaic became the lingua franca of the Near East. As a result, Aramaic began to influence the Jewish people significantly, both in daily life and in religious contexts. Biblical References Several passages in the Bible highlight the use of Aramaic among the Jewish people. In 2 Kings 18:26, during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, the officials of King Hezekiah request that the Assyrian representatives speak in Aramaic rather than Hebrew, indicating that Aramaic was understood by the educated classes: "Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebna and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, 'Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.'" The Book of Daniel also contains sections written in Aramaic (Daniel 2:4b–7:28), reflecting the language's prominence during the Babylonian and Persian periods. Similarly, parts of the Book of Ezra (Ezra 4:8–6:18; 7:12–26) are in Aramaic, further illustrating its use in official and religious documents. New Testament Context By the time of the New Testament, Aramaic was widely spoken among the Jewish people in Judea and Galilee. Jesus Himself likely spoke Aramaic, as evidenced by several Aramaic phrases preserved in the Gospels, such as "Talitha koum" (Mark 5:41) and "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" (Mark 15:34). Cultural and Religious Significance The use of Aramaic among the Jewish people highlights the dynamic nature of language and culture in the ancient Near East. While Hebrew remained the sacred language of Scripture and liturgy, Aramaic served as a practical means of communication and was integrated into Jewish life and religious practice. This bilingual reality is reflected in the Targums, Aramaic translations, and interpretations of the Hebrew Scriptures, which were used in synagogues to make the Scriptures accessible to those who spoke Aramaic. Conclusion The term "Hebrew" as used in the Bible sometimes encompasses the broader linguistic context of the Jewish people, including the use of Aramaic. This reflects the historical and cultural developments that shaped the Jewish experience and underscores the adaptability of the Jewish people in maintaining their identity and faith amidst changing linguistic landscapes. Nave's Topical Index John 5:2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. Nave's Topical Index John 19:20 Acts 21:40 Acts 22:2 Acts 26:14 Revelation 9:11 Library Daniel The Nations of the South-East The Revelation of St. John the Divine The Gospels in General The Paschal Supper - the Institution of the Lord's Supper. New Testament History and Prophecy. Ancient Chaldaea Resources Is it important to know Greek and Hebrew when studying the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIs Yeshua Hamashiach the proper Hebrew name/title for Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is synthetic parallelism in Hebrew poetry? | GotQuestions.org Hebrew: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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