Aramaic holds a distinctive place in the biblical narrative, serving as a linguistic bridge between the Hebrew of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New Testament. This ancient language, once a lingua franca of the Near East, appears selectively in the Bible, reflecting historical, cultural, and theological contexts that enrich our understanding of the scriptures.
The Presence of Aramaic in the Old Testament
Aramaic is primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly in books written during or after the Babylonian exile, when Aramaic was the common language of administration and daily life among the Jews in exile. This period marks a significant shift from Hebrew to Aramaic among the people of Israel, a transition that is subtly mirrored in the biblical text itself.
Ezra and Daniel: The Main Concentrations of Aramaic
The books of Ezra and Daniel contain the most extensive Aramaic sections in the Bible. In Ezra, Aramaic is used in chapters 4:8 to 6:18 and 7:12-26. These passages primarily consist of official correspondence between the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and the Persian authorities. The use of Aramaic in these letters reflects its role as the diplomatic and administrative language of the Persian Empire, which controlled Judea at the time.
Daniel chapters 2:4b through 7 are also written in Aramaic. This section begins from the point where the Chaldeans speak to King Nebuchadnezzar in Aramaic and extends through several narratives and visions that Daniel interprets or receives. The choice of Aramaic in Daniel is particularly poignant, underscoring the setting in the Babylonian court and the intended audience, which likely included both Jews and Gentiles living under Babylonian rule.
Jeremiah: A Brief Encounter with Aramaic
Another, albeit brief, instance of Aramaic can be found in Jeremiah 10:11. This verse is a message to the nations, written in Aramaic, likely serving as a practical tool for prophetic outreach, given the widespread use of Aramaic at the time.
Aramaic in the New Testament
While the New Testament is predominantly written in Greek, Aramaic is present in a more subtle form. Aramaic words and phrases are preserved within the Greek text, reflecting the everyday language of Jesus and many of the early Christians.
Words of Jesus
Several of Jesus’ words are preserved in their original Aramaic, providing a profound and intimate connection to His spoken words. For instance, in Mark 5:41, when Jesus raises Jairus' daughter, He says, "Talitha koum," which is translated immediately in the text as "Little girl, I say to you, arise." Similarly, in Mark 15:34, during His crucifixion, Jesus cries out, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" These Aramaic phrases underscore the authenticity and immediacy of the Gospel accounts.
Aramaic Names and Terms
The New Testament also retains Aramaic in the use of certain names and terms. "Cephas," for example, which means ‘rock’ in Aramaic, is the name given to the apostle Peter. Terms like "Abba," meaning father, and "Maranatha," an Aramaic expression used by Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:22 meaning "Our Lord, come!" reflect the colloquial speech of the early Christian community.
Theological and Cultural Implications of Aramaic in the Bible
The inclusion of Aramaic in the biblical text is not merely a linguistic artifact; it carries deep theological and cultural implications. The use of Aramaic in key moments of the biblical narrative emphasizes the Incarnation, showing God’s word and work within specific historical and cultural contexts. It reminds us that the divine revelation was given in a form accessible to the people of that time.
Furthermore, the preservation of Aramaic words in the New Testament highlights the continuity and authenticity of the Gospel accounts. These Aramaic remnants serve as a bridge connecting the teachings of Jesus to the Aramaic-speaking Jewish community and beyond, to the broader Hellenistic world.
Conclusion
In summary, Aramaic is strategically used in the Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, it appears in contexts related to exile and interaction with foreign powers, reflecting its historical role as a language of communication in the Near East. In the New Testament, Aramaic elements underscore the personal and cultural background of Jesus and His earliest followers, enhancing our understanding of the Incarnate Word. Thus, Aramaic is not only a tool for communication in the Bible but also a profound witness to God’s engagement with human history and culture.
