What Was Greek in the Bible?

The Greek language and culture have a prominent place in the Bible, especially in the New Testament. The term “Greek” in the Bible often refers to the language, people, and culture associated with ancient Greece. The Greek language, specifically Koine Greek, was the lingua franca of the Eastern Mediterranean during the time of the early church and was the language in which the New Testament was originally written. This widespread use of Greek greatly facilitated the spread of the gospel message across different regions and cultures.

Greek Language in the New Testament

The Greek language played a crucial role in the dissemination of the Christian faith. Koine Greek, a common dialect that evolved from classical Greek, was widely spoken across the Hellenistic world after the conquests of Alexander the Great. This made it an ideal vehicle for the New Testament writers to reach a broad audience.

Biblical References

• John 19:20 (ESV): “Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek.”
• Acts 21:37 (ESV): “As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, ‘May I say something to you?’ And he said, ‘Do you know Greek?'”

These references illustrate the use of Greek as a common language that could bridge cultural and linguistic divides, facilitating communication across the diverse populations of the Roman Empire. The inscription on the cross of Jesus being in Greek, along with Aramaic and Latin, underscores the wide reach and inclusivity of the gospel message.

Javan and the Greeks

The term “Javan” is used in the Bible to refer to the descendants of Japheth, one of Noah’s sons, and is associated with the Greek people. Javan is often linked to the regions and cultures of ancient Greece and its surrounding areas.

Biblical References

• Genesis 10:2 (ESV): “The sons of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.”
• Isaiah 66:19 (ESV): “And I will set a sign among them. And from them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away, that have not heard my fame or seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among the nations.”

In these passages, Javan is identified as a forebear of the Greek peoples. The mention of Javan in prophetic and historical contexts highlights the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the role of the Greek culture in the biblical narrative.

Spelling Variations and Cultural Impact

In the Greek language and biblical texts, names and terms often appear with variations due to transliteration and translation differences. For instance, the name Javan might be spelled differently depending on the context or language of the text.

Biblical Reference

• Revelation 9:11 (ESV): “They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon.”

The use of different languages and names in the Bible reflects the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the time. Understanding these variations helps modern readers appreciate the nuances of the original texts and the historical context in which they were written.

Lessons for the Modern Christian

The presence of Greek language and culture in the Bible offers several important lessons for modern Christians, especially concerning the spread of the gospel, the inclusivity of God’s message, and the role of culture in understanding Scripture.

The Spread of the Gospel

The use of Koine Greek in the New Testament demonstrates the early church’s commitment to spreading the gospel to as many people as possible. By using a common language, the apostles and early Christians could effectively communicate the message of Jesus Christ across different cultural and linguistic barriers. For modern Christians, this underscores the importance of finding accessible and relevant ways to share the gospel in diverse contexts.

Inclusivity and Universality

The Greek language’s prominence in the New Testament reflects the inclusive nature of the gospel message. Jesus Christ’s message was not limited to a specific ethnic or cultural group but was intended for all people. The use of Greek, a widely understood language, symbolizes the universality of Christianity and God’s desire for all nations to hear and respond to His word. This universality calls Christians to embrace diversity within the body of Christ and to actively engage with different cultures.

Connection to a Loving God

The spread of the Greek language and culture throughout the ancient world played a crucial role in God’s plan for the dissemination of the gospel. This widespread use of Greek allowed the message of God’s love and salvation through Jesus Christ to reach a broader audience.

God’s Providence and Preparation

The prevalence of Greek culture and language in the New Testament era is a testament to God’s providence. By the time of Christ, the Greek language had become a common means of communication across the Roman Empire, facilitating the rapid spread of the gospel. This preparation shows God’s sovereignty in orchestrating historical events to fulfill His purposes. It reminds modern Christians that God is always at work, even through cultural and historical developments, to accomplish His will.

Connection to Jesus Christ

The Greek language and its use in the New Testament also have significant implications for understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Jesus as the Word

The term “Logos,” translated as “Word” in John 1:1, comes from Greek philosophy and is used by John to describe Jesus Christ. This usage bridges the Jewish understanding of God’s Word as creative and sustaining with Greek philosophical concepts, making the gospel accessible to both Jewish and Greek audiences. Jesus, as the Logos, is presented as the divine reason and the ultimate revelation of God, who brings light and life to all people.

The Hellenistic Context of the Early Church

The New Testament’s Greek context also highlights the Hellenistic influence on the early church. This cultural backdrop provided a framework for addressing philosophical and theological questions in ways that were relevant to both Jewish and Gentile audiences. The Apostle Paul’s engagement with Greek philosophy, as seen in Acts 17:22-31, exemplifies how early Christians used Greek thought to articulate and defend the gospel message.

Conclusion

The Greek language and culture are integral to understanding the Bible and the spread of the Christian faith. The use of Koine Greek in the New Testament enabled the apostles to communicate the gospel to a wide and diverse audience, reflecting the inclusive nature of God’s message. The term Javan, associated with the Greek people, underscores the interconnectedness of ancient cultures and the broad scope of God’s redemptive plan. For modern Christians, these insights highlight the importance of cultural engagement, the universality of the gospel, and the providence of God in history. Through the Greek language and its influence, the Bible communicates the timeless truth of God’s love and the hope found in Jesus Christ, the Logos, who bridges the gap between God and humanity.