If you’ve ever opened your Bible and wondered, “What language was this first written in?”, you’re not alone. It’s a powerful question. One that connects us directly to the people who walked with God, heard His voice, and passed His words down through centuries.
The truth? The Bible wasn’t originally written in English. Or even Latin. Instead, it was born from three ancient and very real languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. These languages carried the voice of prophets, kings, disciples, and Jesus Himself.
Let’s explore what the Bible’s original language really was—and why it matters to your faith, your understanding, and your connection to Scripture.
The Bible Didn’t Begin in English
We often read the Bible in our native tongue, forgetting that it’s been through centuries of translation. But behind every “In the beginning…” or “For God so loved the world…” is a sentence in another, older language.
To understand the Bible’s true origins, we need to ask:
What language was the Bible originated from?
What was the first language in the world of the Bible?
What was Jesus’ original language?
Let’s answer each—clearly, respectfully, and with depth.
The Old Testament: Written in Hebrew (Mostly)
The first part of the Bible—the Old Testament—was primarily written in Biblical Hebrew. This ancient language was used by the Israelites, the chosen people of God.
Think about stories like:
Adam and Eve in the Garden
Moses parting the Red Sea
David facing Goliath
The Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai
All of these were written originally in Hebrew.
Why Hebrew?
Hebrew was the native language of the Jewish people. It was a rich, poetic, and symbolic language—perfect for the kinds of storytelling, law-giving, and worship that fill the Old Testament.
Even the very first verse of the Bible, Genesis 1:1, was written like this:
“בְּרֵאשִׁית בָּרָא אֱלֹהִים”
(Bereshit bara Elohim) – “In the beginning, God created…”
Powerful, isn’t it?
But Hebrew wasn’t the only language…
The Forgotten Language: Aramaic
Aramaic may sound unfamiliar, but it was a sister language to Hebrew, and it crept into parts of the Old Testament—especially later books.
Where is Aramaic found in the Bible?
Parts of Daniel, Ezra, and a few verses in Jeremiah are written in Aramaic. Why? Because by that time (around the 6th century BCE), Aramaic had become the language of daily life in many parts of the ancient Near East—including Babylon, where many Jews were exiled.
The Language of the New Testament: Greek
Now, fast-forward to Jesus’ time.
The New Testament—the life of Jesus, His teachings, the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and letters to the early church—was written in Koine Greek.
Yes, Greek, not Hebrew or Latin.
Why Greek?
Koine (meaning “common”) Greek was the universal language of the Roman Empire. Much like English is today, Greek was the language people used in business, education, and government. Even though Jesus and His disciples were Jewish, their stories were written in Greek so that the whole world could understand.
Example:
John 1:1 in Koine Greek reads:
“Ἐν ἀρχῇ ἦν ὁ λόγος”
(En archē ēn ho logos) – “In the beginning was the Word…”
That same Greek word logos (word) carries deep meaning: not just speech, but reason, truth, divine order. Greek was uniquely suited to express such deep theology.
So… What Was the Bible’s Original Language?
Let’s break it down simply:
| Section | Language | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament (most of it) | Hebrew | It was the native language of the Israelites |
| Old Testament (parts) | Aramaic | Used during and after exile in Babylon |
| New Testament | Koine Greek | Widely spoken during the Roman Empire |
What Was Jesus’ Original Language?
This is where it gets personal.
Jesus most likely spoke Aramaic in daily life. It was the language of the common people in Galilee and Judea at the time.
But He probably also understood Hebrew (used in religious settings) and Greek (used in commerce and administration).
Real Example:
On the cross, Jesus cried out in Aramaic:
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”
(Matthew 27:46)
Translation: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
That cry wasn’t in Hebrew or Greek—but Aramaic. The language He spoke in anguish, pain, and devotion. That matters.
Was the Bible the First Book Ever Written?
No. The Bible wasn’t the first book in world history, and Hebrew wasn’t the first language humans ever spoke. We have ancient writings from Sumerians, Egyptians, and other cultures that predate biblical texts.
But the Bible is different. It’s sacred, living, and still changing lives thousands of years later. That’s why its original languages matter—not for trivia, but for connection.
How Did the Bible Reach Us?
From Hebrew to Aramaic to Greek… eventually the Bible was translated into:
Latin (The Vulgate, by Jerome)
English (Wycliffe, Tyndale, and the King James Version)
Over 3,500 languages today
But no translation can fully capture the beauty of the original. That’s why scholars study Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—to hear the Bible as closely as possible to how it was first spoken.
Can You Still Read the Bible in Its Original Language?
Yes—but it takes effort.
There are many interlinear Bibles, Hebrew-Greek study tools, and apps that help. You don’t need to be a scholar. You just need curiosity.
And honestly, even one Hebrew word—like shalom (peace)—can add depth to your faith. Or one Greek word—like agape (unconditional love)—can change how you see God’s heart.
Why This Matters
So why go through all this?
Because the Bible isn’t just a dusty old book. It’s a record of real people, real languages, and real encounters with God.
Knowing the original language of the Bible reminds us:
It’s ancient, yet timeless
It came from real places, not fantasy
It’s been carefully preserved for thousands of years
Its message was meant for all people, in all languages
When Jesus spoke, it wasn’t in King James English. It was in Aramaic, probably with a Galilean accent. That makes Him feel even more real, more human, more reachable.
Common Questions About the Bible’s Original Language
1. What was the first language in the world, according to the Bible?
The Bible doesn’t name a “first language,” but Genesis 11 talks about how all people once spoke the same tongue—until God confused their language at the Tower of Babel.
2. Did Jesus speak Hebrew?
Yes, most likely during synagogue readings and religious discussions. But His everyday speech was probably in Aramaic.
3. Was Greek a pagan language?
Greek wasn’t “pagan.” It was just the dominant language of the time. God used it to spread the Gospel far and wide.
4. Is the Bible lost in translation?
No. While some words lose nuance, most Bible translations are carefully done using the original texts. But learning the original languages can deepen your understanding.
God Speaks Every Language?
The Bible’s original language matters—but even more important is the message it carries.
Whether in Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, English, Urdu, Spanish, or Swahili—the Word of God speaks to the heart.
As Psalm 119:105 says:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
That lamp has been lit in three ancient tongues… and now, it lights paths all around the world.
