What Language Was the Old Testament Written In?
Quick Summary
The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew, with a few portions in Aramaic. Hebrew was the common language of the Israelites, while Aramaic became more widespread during the Babylonian exile. Together, these two languages form the foundation of the Old Testament scriptures.
Introduction
Have you ever opened the Old Testament and wondered, What language am I really reading here? The words on the page are English (or Spanish, Mandarin, French, et al), sure — but they trace back thousands of years to a different alphabet, a different sound, and a culture deeply rooted in covenant and community. Understanding the original languages of the Old Testament gives us insight into how God first spoke through prophets, poets, and lawgivers.
In this post, we’ll explore which languages the Old Testament was written in, when and why Aramaic appears, and what it means for Bible readers today.
Main Language of the Old Testament: Hebrew
The vast majority of the Old Testament was written in Biblical Hebrew, also called Classical Hebrew. This language reflects the worldview, culture, and poetic sensibilities of ancient Israel.
What is Biblical Hebrew?
Biblical Hebrew uses a script known today as the Ketav Ashuri (Assyrian script), which evolved from older forms of writing. It’s a Semitic language, similar to Arabic and Aramaic, and features a root-based word system — where three-letter roots form the foundation for related words.
When we read the Scriptures, we are entering a different time, seeing people interact through their respective cultures, and reading words with a life of their own.
Books Written in Hebrew
All the books of the Old Testament were originally composed in Hebrew except for a few sections. That includes Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy — the entire Torah — as well as historical books (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings), the wisdom literature (Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes), and most of the prophetic writings (Isaiah, Jeremiah, etc.).
Aramaic Sections in the Old Testament
While Hebrew dominates, Aramaic appears in specific and strategic places. Aramaic became a common spoken language among the Jewish people during and after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), much like how English is widely spoken around the world today.
Where Does Aramaic Appear?
The main Aramaic sections in the Old Testament are:
Daniel 2:4b – 7:28 – This portion of Daniel shifts from Hebrew to Aramaic mid-verse. These chapters cover visions and events during Babylonian exile, so the use of Aramaic fits the political and cultural setting.
Ezra 4:8 – 6:18 and 7:12–26 – These sections contain imperial correspondence between Persian officials and Jewish leaders. Aramaic was the diplomatic language of the Persian Empire.
Jeremiah 10:11 – A single sentence in Aramaic appears in the middle of a Hebrew chapter. It’s a bold, stand-alone declaration: “The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens.”
Why Two Languages? Historical Context Matters
Hebrew: The Covenant Language
Hebrew was the native language of Israel. It was used in worship, law, poetry, and prophecy — everything from the Ten Commandments to the Psalms. Writing in Hebrew rooted the people in their covenantal identity.
Aramaic: The Language of Empire and Exile
Aramaic, by contrast, was the language of the Near East during much of the Old Testament era, especially after the Assyrian and Babylonian conquests. Jews in exile began to adopt it in daily life. Including Aramaic in the Bible shows us how God's message reached people even when they were far from home.
Old Testament Language and the Dead Sea Scrolls
One of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls, includes copies of almost every book of the Hebrew Bible — written in Hebrew and Aramaic. These scrolls, dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE, confirm that the Old Testament was preserved in its original languages with astounding consistency.
Did Jesus Read the Old Testament in Hebrew or Aramaic?
Jesus likely read the Hebrew Scriptures in synagogue (as in Luke 4:16–21) but also spoke Aramaic as his daily language. Many of his sayings preserved in the New Testament include Aramaic expressions like:
Talitha koum (Mark 5:41)
Ephphatha (Mark 7:34)
Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? (Mark 15:34)
This overlap reflects the same linguistic duality seen in the Old Testament.
Why It Matters for Today’s Readers
Understanding that the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic helps modern readers:
Appreciate the poetic beauty of Hebrew psalms and prophecy.
Understand cultural nuance, especially in legal and covenantal texts.
Recognize the resilience of a people who preserved their sacred language even in exile.
See the multilingual nature of God's Word, which speaks across boundaries.
When we read a modern English translation, we’re engaging with centuries of careful scholarship, tracing back to those original tongues — tongues that carried the breath of God’s Spirit through history.
