In what language was most of the Old Testament written?

In what language was most of the Old Testament written?

• A. Latin
• B. Aramaic
• C. Greek
• D. Hebrew

Answer: (D)

The main language of the Old Testament is Hebrew. The majority of the texts—laws, history, poetry, and prophecy—were written in biblical Hebrew by the ancient Israelites. A few sections switch to Aramaic, mainly in Daniel and Ezra, reflecting linguistic changes in those periods. Greek comes into play later as a translation (the Septuagint) for Greek-speaking Jews, and Latin becomes prominent much later in Christian history. So, Hebrew is the primary language of the Old Testament, with Aramaic parts sprinkled in.

The main language of the Old Testament is Hebrew. The majority of the texts—laws, history, poetry, and prophecy—were written in biblical Hebrew by the ancient Israelites. A few sections switch to Aramaic, mainly in Daniel and Ezra, reflecting linguistic changes in those periods. Greek comes into play later as a translation (the Septuagint) for Greek-speaking Jews, and Latin becomes prominent much later in Christian history. So, Hebrew is the primary language of the Old Testament, with Aramaic parts sprinkled in.