The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew (most of the Old Testament), Aramaic (portions of Daniel and Ezra, plus some words of Jesus), and Greek (the entire New Testament). Hebrew was Israel's sacred language, Aramaic the common tongue of Jesus' day, and Greek the universal language of the Roman Empire.
The Bible was written in three biblical languages across roughly 1,500 years. The Old Testament was composed primarily in Hebrew, the sacred language of ancient Israel. The Hebrew Bible preserves God's covenant with His people in the language they spoke and worshiped in. Small portions of the Old Testament—parts of Daniel (2:4–7:28) and Ezra (4:8–6:18; 7:12-26)—were written in Aramaic, a related Semitic language that became the common tongue of the Near East. Aramaic was also the language of Jesus in His daily life, which is why the Gospels preserve Aramaic words like 'Talitha cumi' and 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani.' The entire New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the universal trade language of the Roman Empire. This was not classical literary Greek but the everyday tongue of common people, which made the Gospel accessible to the widest possible audience. The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament made before Christ, also played a significant role in early Christianity. Understanding these original manuscripts and their languages enriches Bible study and improves the accuracy of Bible translation history across cultures.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16
The Bible is God's inspired Word to humanity—a collection of 66 books written by about 40 authors over 1,500 years. It reveals God's character, His plan of salvation, and how to live. Christians believe it is inerrant in its original manuscripts and authoritative for faith and practice.
The Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible, containing 39 books written before Christ. It includes the Law (Torah), History, Poetry/Wisdom, and Prophets. It records creation, the fall, Israel's history, God's covenants, and prophecies pointing to Jesus. Christians see it fulfilled in Christ.
The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible, containing 27 books written after Christ's resurrection. It includes four Gospels (Jesus' life), Acts (early church), Epistles (letters to churches), and Revelation (prophecy). It records Jesus' teaching, death, resurrection, and the spread of Christianity.
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Answers are informed by Scripture and trusted theologians including Matthew Henry, John Calvin, and John Wesley. Always verify with Scripture and consult your local church for pastoral guidance.