Aramaic Words in the Bible
Quick Summary
This article explores the Aramaic words and phrases that appear in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, explaining what they mean and why the biblical writers preserved them. These expressions offer a glimpse into the everyday language of Jesus and the Jewish world of the first century.
Introduction
While the Old Testament was written mainly in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek, Aramaic was the everyday spoken language for many Jewish people during the time of Jesus. It is closely related to Hebrew, sharing similar vocabulary and grammar, and it functioned as the common tongue in Galilee and Judea.
Because Aramaic was so widely used, several Aramaic words appear in Scripture. Most are preserved in the New Testament, often at emotionally charged or deeply important moments in Jesus’ ministry. When biblical writers keep an Aramaic phrase intact and then translate it for readers, they draw attention to the moment’s significance.
Below are some of the most well-known Aramaic terms in the Bible, each with explanation and context.
Aramaic Words That Appear in the Bible
1. Abba (אַבָּא) – Father
“Abba” is an intimate word for “father,” expressing closeness, trust, and dependence. Jesus uses it in Gethsemane when praying to God (Mark 14:36). Early Christians adopted the word as a way of describing the believer’s relationship with God through the Spirit (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). It remains one of the most cherished Aramaic terms in Christian vocabulary.
2. Talitha koum (טַלִיתָא קוּמִי) – Little girl, get up
Jesus speaks this phrase when raising Jairus’s daughter from death (Mark 5:41). The Gospel carefully preserves the original words to highlight the tenderness and immediacy of the moment. In a world where death seemed final, Jesus’ Aramaic command shows compassion and authority.
Read more with What Language Did Jesus Speak?
3. Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani (אֵלִי אֵלִי לְמָה שְׁבַקְתַּנִי) – My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
These words are spoken by Jesus from the cross (Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46). The phrase quotes Psalm 22:1 and demonstrates Jesus drawing from Scripture in his suffering. The Gospels preserve the Aramaic expression to honor the solemnity and depth of the moment. Read more with The Three-Word Sermon: It is Finished
4. Ephphatha (אֶפְפָּתַח) – Be opened
When healing a man who is deaf and has difficulty speaking, Jesus says “Ephphatha!” (Mark 7:34). This Aramaic word underscores the instantaneous nature of the healing. It also carries symbolic weight—Jesus opens not only ears but hearts.
5. Raca (רֵיקָא) – Empty-headed, insult
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns against using the insult “Raca” toward another person (Matthew 5:22). It is a dismissive Aramaic term that expresses contempt. Preserving the word emphasizes the seriousness with which Jesus treats verbal harm.
6. Mammon (מָמוֹנָא) – Wealth, possessions
“Mammon” appears in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:9–13. Jesus contrasts serving God with serving mammon, meaning the pursuit of wealth or material gain. The word carries a sense of loyalty—what one depends on or trusts for security.
7. Hosanna (הוֹשַׁע נָא) – Save us now / Lord, save
Although rooted in Hebrew, "Hosanna" reflects the spoken Aramaic of the first century. Crowds shout it as Jesus enters Jerusalem (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9–10; John 12:13). Originally a plea for help, it became a cry of praise.
8. Maranatha (מָרָנָא תָּא) – Come, Lord! / Our Lord, come!
Paul uses this Aramaic expression in 1 Corinthians 16:22. Early Christians spoke both Greek and Aramaic, and this prayer reflects their longing for Christ’s return. It remains one of the earliest liturgical cries of the church.
9. Cephas (כֵּיפָא) – Rock
Jesus gives Simon the Aramaic name Cephas (John 1:42), translated “Peter” in Greek. Both mean “rock.” The name signifies Peter’s role in the early Christian movement.
10. Gabbatha (גַּבְּתָא) – Stone pavement
John 19:13 uses this Aramaic place-name to identify the location where Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd. Retaining the original word grounds the narrative in historical geography.
11. Golgotha (גֻּלְגָּלְתָּא) – Place of the skull
Golgotha is the Aramaic name for the hill where Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27:33; Mark 15:22; John 19:17). The term is memorable and solemn, marking the site of Jesus’ suffering.
12. Rabbouni (רַבּוּנִי) – My Teacher / Master
Mary Magdalene calls the risen Jesus “Rabbouni” in John 20:16. While related to the Hebrew “Rabbi,” Rabbouni expresses deeper affection. It reveals the intimacy of discipleship.
13. Bar-Jonah / Barabbas / Bartimaeus – Son of…
Many names in the New Testament use the Aramaic prefix "bar," meaning “son of.” Examples include:
Bar-Jonah (Matthew 16:17) – Simon, son of Jonah
Barabbas (Matthew 27:16) – Literally “son of the father”
Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46) – Son of Timaeus
These names provide clues about lineage and identity in Jewish culture.
14. Boanerges (בְּנֵי רְגֶשׁ) – Sons of thunder
Jesus gives James and John this Aramaic nickname in Mark 3:17. The meaning may refer to their boldness or intensity. The preserved word highlights Jesus’ personal relationship with his disciples.
Aramaic in the Old Testament
While the Old Testament is mostly Hebrew, several sections were written originally in Aramaic:
Ezra 4:8–6:18; 7:12–26 – Administrative correspondence
Daniel 2:4–7:28 – Narratives and visions in the court of Babylon
Aramaic appears here because these parts describe life in exile, when Aramaic was the language of the surrounding empire.
Why the Gospels Preserve Aramaic Phrases
Historical authenticity – These moments likely reflect the actual words Jesus spoke.
Emotional significance – Many Aramaic expressions appear at moments of healing, suffering, or revelation.
Theological symbolism – A preserved word can highlight the spiritual meaning of the scene.
FAQs
Was Aramaic Jesus’ primary language?
Most scholars agree Jesus’ everyday language was Aramaic, though he likely knew Hebrew and perhaps some Greek.
Why didn’t the New Testament get written in Aramaic?
Greek allowed the gospel message to spread across the Roman Empire, reaching both Jewish and Gentile readers.
Are Aramaic and Hebrew the same?
They are related Semitic languages, similar in grammar and vocabulary, but distinct.
Is Aramaic still spoken today?
Small communities in the Middle East continue to speak forms of modern Aramaic.
