What language did Jesus speak? That’s kind of a random and unusual question, and does it even matter? In the first century in that region of the world, Rome ruled with an iron fist, and yet they were greatly influenced by the Greek culture. Much of the important literature (including the New Testament) was originally written, or translated into Greek.
Greek was the language of the educated, the wealthy, of the upper class. Although Jesus would have been familiar with several languages (including Greek) Jesus didn’t teach in Greek. In fact we have no record that Jesus spoke in Greek. We know that Jesus spoke Aramaic.
Does that matter? It really does. While Greek was the language of the ruling class, Aramaic was the language of the common man. Jesus lived and ministered among the common man. Jesus kept company with the down trod, the outcasts and those rejected by society. In fact some of the most vicious attacks upon His credibility was the criticism, “He was a friend of sinners”. I'm glad, because that means there's hope for you and me.
God knows you. Jesus knows your name. He speaks your language.
Leave a Reply