The question of why the New Testament is primarily written in Greek while the Old Testament is in Hebrew is a fascinating one that delves into the historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts of the biblical texts. Understanding this distinction requires a journey through the history of the ancient Near East and the Mediterranean world, exploring how language, culture, and divine providence intersected to shape the Scriptures we have today.
The Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible, was written over a period of many centuries, beginning as early as the 12th century BCE and continuing until the 2nd century BCE. The primary language of the Old Testament is Hebrew, with a few portions in Aramaic (such as parts of Daniel and Ezra). Hebrew was the language of the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and it was the language in which God initially revealed His law and covenant to His people. The Old Testament reflects the history, religion, and culture of the Israelites, and Hebrew was the natural choice for these texts as it was the vernacular of the authors and the audience at the time.
As we transition to the New Testament period, the historical and cultural context had significantly changed. By the time of the New Testament's composition, beginning in the mid-1st century CE, the world had been transformed by the conquests of Alexander the Great in the late 4th century BCE. Alexander's empire spread from Greece to Egypt and as far east as India, and with it, Greek culture and language permeated the known world. This era, known as the Hellenistic period, saw Greek become the lingua franca, or common language, across the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East.
When the New Testament was written, the Roman Empire ruled the Mediterranean basin, but Greek remained the dominant language of commerce, education, and culture, especially in the eastern parts of the empire, including Palestine. The Jewish diaspora communities spread throughout the empire also adopted Greek as their primary language for communication. This widespread use of Greek provided a unique opportunity for the dissemination of the Christian message.
The choice of Koine Greek, the common dialect of Greek at the time, for the New Testament writings was strategic and providential. It allowed the message of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the apostles to reach a broad audience. Greek was accessible to a diverse population, encompassing Jews and Gentiles alike. The use of Greek facilitated the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish communities, aligning with the Great Commission of Jesus to "make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19, ESV).
Furthermore, the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, known as the Septuagint, which was completed by the 2nd century BCE, played a crucial role in this linguistic transition. The Septuagint was widely used among Greek-speaking Jews and early Christians. It provided a scriptural foundation in Greek, making the Old Testament accessible to those who did not speak Hebrew. The New Testament authors often quoted from the Septuagint, further embedding Greek as the language of early Christian theology and discourse.
Theologically, the use of Greek also allowed for the expression of complex ideas and philosophical concepts that were integral to the articulation of Christian doctrine. Greek was a language rich in vocabulary and nuance, capable of conveying the depth of theological truths about the nature of God, Christ, salvation, and the human condition. The Apostle Paul, for instance, used Greek to engage with both Jewish and Gentile audiences, employing rhetoric and argumentation that resonated with the philosophical traditions of the time.
Moreover, the choice of Greek aligns with the universal scope of the New Testament message. While the Old Testament is primarily concerned with God's covenant relationship with Israel, the New Testament reveals the fulfillment of that covenant in Jesus Christ and extends the promise of salvation to all humanity. The use of Greek underscores the inclusive nature of the gospel, breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers to proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth.
In summary, the New Testament's composition in Greek rather than Hebrew reflects a confluence of historical, cultural, and theological factors. The Hellenistic influence and the Roman Empire's dominance created a world where Greek was the most effective medium for communication across diverse populations. The Septuagint provided a bridge between the Hebrew Scriptures and the Greek-speaking world, while the theological and missional goals of the early church found expression in the richness of the Greek language. This linguistic choice was not merely practical; it was a divine orchestration that enabled the rapid spread of Christianity and the enduring impact of its sacred texts.
