5374 languages

The means of communication shared in common by groups of people. Scripture teaches that the diversity of languages in the world is a result of sin, but the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Acts broke down the barriers of language and nationality.

The origin of different languages

Ge 11:1-9 See also Ge 10:2-5,20,30-31

The close relationship between language and national identity

Isa 19:18 See also Ne 13:23-27; Zec 8:23; Rev 5:9; Rev 7:9; Rev 10:11; Rev 11:9; Rev 13:7; Rev 14:6; Rev 17:15

Language barriers

Ne 13:23-24 See also Dt 28:49-50; Ps 81:5; Jer 5:15; Eze 3:5-6; Da 1:4; 1Co 14:10-11

The diversity of languages in the Persian empire

Est 8:9 See also Ezr 4:7; Est 1:22; Est 3:12

God’s revelation not limited to any single language

Ac 2:1-11 See also Ps 19:1-4; Ac 10:44-48

Aramaic

Aramaic in the OT 2Ki 18:26 pp Isa 36:11 Aramaic is a language related to Hebrew, known from Assyrian times. Under the influence of the Persian empire Aramaic was the diplomatic language in later OT times. In Palestine, by the time of the NT, it was spoken widely, having largely displaced Hebrew as the everyday language of the Jews. See also Ezr 4:7 The text of Ezr 4:8-6:18 and 7:12-26 is in Aramaic; Jer 10:11 The text of Jer 10:11 is in Aramaic; Da 2:4 The text of Da 2:4-7:28 is in Aramaic.

By NT times Aramaic had become the common language of Palestinian Jews Jn 20:16 See also Jn 5:2; Jn 19:13,17,20; Ac 21:40-22:2; Ac 26:14

Aramaic expressions found in the NT Mt 27:46 pp Mk 15:34 See also Mt 5:22; Mk 5:41; Mk 7:34; Mk 14:36; Jn 20:16; Ro 8:15; 1Co 16:22 fn; Gal 4:6

Hebrew

2Ki 18:26 pp Isa 36:11 Hebrew was the language of Israel in the period of the OT. By the time of the NT, it had been partially displaced in everyday use by Aramaic. See also 2Ki 18:28 pp 2Ch 32:18 pp Isa 36:13; Rev 9:11; Rev 16:16

Greek

Jn 19:20 Greek was the major cultural and commercial language of the eastern Mediterranean world. The NT was written in this language, ensuring the rapid spread of the gospel in this region. See also Ac 21:37-39; Rev 9:11

See also