Languages Spoken by Jesus

The Multilingual Jesus: Exploring the Languages Spoken by Christ

The life of Jesus Christ is filled with profound teachings, miracles, and events that have shaped the course of history. Among the many fascinating aspects of His life, the fact that Jesus spoke multiple languages is particularly intriguing. This multilingual ability underscores His accessibility and the reach of His message to diverse groups of people. In this blog post, we will explore the languages Jesus spoke, delving into their significance and how they helped to convey His teachings. We will also include relevant scriptures from the Bible and the Quran to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Languages Spoken by Jesus

Jesus is recorded as having spoken three different languages during His ministry:

1. Aramaic

2. Hebrew

3. Greek

1. Aramaic

Aramaic was the common language spoken by the Jewish people in Palestine during the time of Jesus. It was a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew and was widely used in everyday conversation. Many of Jesus' teachings and sayings were delivered in Aramaic, making His message accessible to the local population.

• Example of Aramaic in Jesus' Words: One of the most famous Aramaic phrases spoken by Jesus is found in the Gospel of Mark.

  • 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!')." This miraculous moment, where Jesus raises a young girl from the dead, showcases His compassionate and powerful nature.

• Another significant Aramaic phrase is uttered by Jesus on the cross.

  • Matthew 27:46: "About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' (which means 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?')." This expression of anguish highlights His deep suffering and fulfillment of prophecy.

2. Hebrew

Hebrew was the sacred language of the Jewish people, used primarily in religious contexts and the reading of Scriptures. Jesus, being well-versed in the Scriptures, spoke Hebrew when reading and teaching in synagogues.

• Jesus Reading the Scriptures in Hebrew: A notable example of Jesus reading from the Hebrew Scriptures is found in the Gospel of Luke.

  • Luke 4:16-21: "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.' Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, 'Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.'"

  • This passage highlights Jesus' fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy and His role as the anointed one sent by God.

3. Greek

Greek was the lingua franca of the Roman Empire, widely spoken and understood across different regions. It was used for trade, governance, and communication among people of various backgrounds. While there is less direct evidence of Jesus speaking Greek, it is likely that He knew the language, given its prevalence and His interactions with non-Jewish individuals.

• Possible Instances of Jesus Speaking Greek: Some scholars suggest that Jesus may have spoken Greek during His interactions with certain individuals, such as the Roman centurion or the Syrophoenician woman.

  • Matthew 8:5-13: The account of Jesus healing the centurion's servant. While the language of the conversation is not specified, the centurion's position and background suggest that Greek could have been used.

  • Mark 7:24-30: The interaction with the Syrophoenician woman. Given her non-Jewish background, it is plausible that Greek was the medium of communication.

Theological Significance

The multilingual ability of Jesus underscores several important theological and practical implications:

1. Accessibility of His Message: Jesus' ability to communicate in multiple languages made His teachings accessible to a diverse audience. This inclusivity reflects the universal nature of His message and mission.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' use of Hebrew in reading the Scriptures and fulfilling prophecies emphasizes His role as the Messiah foretold in the Old Testament.

3. Bridging Cultural Divides: By speaking Greek, Jesus bridged cultural and linguistic divides, reaching out to Gentiles and emphasizing the global scope of His ministry.

In our journey through life, we often seek guidance and wisdom beyond our own understanding. St. Mykul’s prayer is a beautiful expression of this desire, a heartfelt plea for divine intervention and alignment with Jehovah’s will. It serves as a reminder of the profound connection we can cultivate with the divine, allowing us to become vessels of His wisdom and love.

St. Mykul’s prayer:

“I pray for Jehovah to speak through me all the time, and I pray for Jehovah to remove all my thoughts, and implant His thoughts all the time, as I do not even want my thoughts.”