Brief Answer

Aramaic Primacy is the belief that the New Testament was originally written in Aramaic rather than Greek. Advocates of this view argue that Aramaic, the common language spoken by Jesus and His disciples, was the original language of the Gospels and other New Testament writings. They believe the Greek versions are translations of an earlier Aramaic text. However, the majority of biblical scholars hold that the New Testament was primarily written in Greek, with some Aramaic influences. While Aramaic played a significant role in Jesus’ ministry, the evidence for the New Testament being originally written in Aramaic is limited.

Understanding Aramaic Primacy from a Biblical Perspective

Aramaic was widely spoken in first-century Israel, especially among the Jewish population. Jesus and His disciples likely spoke Aramaic in daily conversation, as evidenced by Aramaic phrases preserved in the Greek New Testament:

• “Talitha koum!” – Jesus raised a girl from the dead (Mark 5:41).
• “Ephphatha!” – Jesus healed a deaf man (Mark 7:34).
• “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” – Jesus cried out on the cross (Matthew 27:46).

While Aramaic was commonly spoken, the New Testament was written to a broader audience that included Gentiles, making Greek the more practical choice for its composition and dissemination.

Historical Context

Aramaic in the Time of Jesus

• Aramaic was the dominant spoken language in Judea, Galilee, and surrounding regions.
• Hebrew remained the language of religious texts and temple worship.
• Greek was the international language of trade, government, and scholarly writing.

The Language of the New Testament

The New Testament was written for both Jews and Gentiles, and Greek was the most widely spoken and written language in the Roman world. While some early church writings acknowledge Aramaic influences, Greek manuscripts of the New Testament are the earliest and most widely attested.

The Peshitta and the Aramaic Primacy Debate

The Peshitta is an ancient Aramaic translation of the Bible, used by Syriac-speaking Christians. Some proponents of Aramaic Primacy argue that the Peshitta represents the original New Testament, but most scholars view it as a translation of Greek manuscripts.

Practical Implications

Why Does This Matter?

For most Christians, the debate over Aramaic Primacy does not change core doctrines. However, understanding the historical and linguistic background of Scripture helps believers:

• Appreciate the reliability of the Bible’s transmission.
• Recognize the influence of multiple languages on biblical text.
• Grow in confidence that God’s Word has been faithfully preserved.

Theological Depth and Insight

While Jesus spoke Aramaic, the choice of Greek for the New Testament reflects God’s plan to spread the gospel to the nations. The use of Greek allowed for:

• Greater accessibility – Greek was widely understood in the Roman Empire.
• The fulfillment of prophecy – The gospel was meant for all nations (Isaiah 49:6).
• A common linguistic foundation – Greek was used in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), which was familiar to many Jews and early Christians.

Broader Biblical Themes

The debate over Aramaic Primacy touches on broader biblical themes:

• God’s sovereignty over languages – At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled people to hear the gospel in their own languages (Acts 2:4-6).
• The spread of the gospel – The use of Greek allowed Christianity to spread quickly throughout the Roman world.
• The unity of Scripture – Regardless of the original language, the message of the Bible remains consistent and divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit played a vital role in the writing, preservation, and transmission of Scripture:

• Inspiring the biblical authors – The writers of the New Testament were guided by the Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).
• Enabling understanding – Believers can grasp God’s truth regardless of language (John 14:26).
• Preserving the message – Despite language translations, the Holy Spirit has safeguarded the integrity of God’s Word.

Relevance for Today’s Christian

• Confidence in Scripture – The Bible is reliable, whether in Greek, Aramaic, or translation.
• Recognizing the cultural context of Jesus – Understanding the languages spoken in His time enriches our study of Scripture.
• Trusting God’s preservation of His Word – The message of salvation remains clear across languages and translations.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

The discussion of Aramaic Primacy ultimately points to the heart of the gospel—God’s love for all people. Jesus, though He spoke Aramaic, came to bring salvation to Jews and Gentiles alike. The choice of Greek for the New Testament reflects God’s desire for His Word to reach the ends of the earth.

Bible Characters and Language Use

• Jesus – Spoke Aramaic but communicated universal truths that transcend language.
• Paul – Wrote in Greek to reach a diverse audience (Romans 1:14-16).
• Luke – A Greek-speaking physician who wrote a detailed account of Jesus’ life (Luke 1:3).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think God allowed the New Testament to be written primarily in Greek rather than Aramaic?
2. How does understanding the linguistic background of the Bible deepen your appreciation for Scripture?
3. What does the widespread translation of the Bible teach us about God’s desire for all people to know Him?
4. How can we trust that Scripture has been accurately preserved across different languages?
5. In what ways does language impact the way we understand and share the gospel?

While the debate over Aramaic Primacy is interesting, what matters most is that God’s Word remains clear, accessible, and unchanged in its message of salvation. Whether in Greek, Aramaic, or any modern translation, the Bible continues to reveal Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.