The language Jesus primarily spoke was Aramaic.
Understanding Aramaic
Aramaic is a Semitic language with origins in the middle Euphrates region. It gained prominence around 800-600 BC as it spread to Syria and Mesopotamia. Inscriptions from this era, written in Old Aramaic, are the oldest preserved examples of the language.
Key Facts about Aramaic:
- Origins: Aramaic originated in the middle Euphrates.
- Spread: It expanded to Syria and Mesopotamia during the period of 800-600 BC.
- Historical Evidence: The oldest preserved inscriptions date back to this period and are written in Old Aramaic.
- Jesus's Use: It's widely accepted that Aramaic was the language Jesus and his contemporaries primarily used in their daily lives.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Language | Aramaic |
| Family | Semitic |
| Origin | Middle Euphrates |
| Period | 800-600 BC |
| Area of Use | Syria and Mesopotamia |
| Historical Note | Language used by Jesus |
While Greek was a common language in the Roman Empire, Aramaic was the vernacular used in the Galilee region where Jesus spent most of his life, making it his primary means of communication with those around him.
