Linguistic Threads Across Sacred Scrolls
When we speak of the Hebrew Bible, many assume it was written exclusively in Hebrew. But the truth is far more textured—woven with threads of Aramaic that reflect not only linguistic evolution, but also the historical upheaval and cultural interaction that shaped the Jewish people. Aramaic was not merely a language of exile; it became a vessel through which Scripture was preserved, interpreted, and proclaimed.
Though the majority of the Tanakh is in Hebrew, significant portions are written in Imperial Aramaic (אֲרָמִית). These include:
Ezra 4:8–6:18 and 7:12–26 – Persian imperial correspondence, preserved in the administrative Aramaic of the empire. These passages offer us a rare glimpse into diplomatic exchanges and temple restoration edicts, revealing how Scripture also served as historical documentation.
Daniel 2:4b–7:28 – The narrative shifts into Aramaic as Daniel begins interpreting dreams for Babylonian and Persian kings. This section contains prophetic visions relevant to Gentile empires, hinting that Aramaic was chosen to address a broader imperial audience.
Jeremiah 10:11 – A lone verse in Aramaic: “The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish.” This serves as a bold anti-idolatry proclamation, likely preserved in the lingua franca for clarity to foreign peoples.
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