What language did Jesus speak?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jesus likely primarily spoke Aramaic, the common language of His time. The Gospels record Him speaking Aramaic phrases during miracles and prayer, highlighting both His humanity and His accessibility. Jesus also read and understood Hebrew and likely had some knowledge of Greek. Jesus’ use of multiple languages shows His ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. By speaking these languages, Jesus demonstrated God’s desire to reach every person with the gospel, regardless of culture or status. Still today, God’s love and salvation are available to all, calling us to reflect His heart by engaging and serving people from every walk of life.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The language Jesus spoke is not recorded in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Gospels reveal Jesus speaking numerous Aramaic words: 1) talitha koum (little girl, arise) (Mark 5:41), 2) ephphatha (be opened) (Mark 7:34), 3) eloi, eloi, lama sabachthani (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?) (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), and 4) abba (father/daddy) (Mark 14:36). Historians have established that Aramaic was the common Jewish language spoken during this time period, meaning most of the words spoken by Jesus were in Aramaic.
• Jesus clearly read and spoke some Hebrew. He read from a Torah scroll (Luke 4:16-19) in a synagogue early in His public ministry; the scroll would have been written in Hebrew. At the age of twelve, Jesus discussed the Hebrew Scriptures with the religious teachers in the temple, impressing them with His wisdom (Luke 2:41-50). Hebrew was not the common spoken language, but was important for Jewish education and religious practice in the synagogue. Jesus could clearly read and discuss Hebrew according to the New Testament accounts.
• Jesus also may have known and spoken some Greek. Greek was the primary spoken language of the Roman Empire at the time and was the language in which the New Testament was originally written. During Jesus’ trial with Pilate and Herod, He may have spoken in Greek (or possibly even Latin, though unlikely), yet this is uncertain. Both Pilate and Herod may have known Aramaic or used a translator. Because a translator is not mentioned, however, many suggest Jesus spoke at least some Greek.
• In Matthew 8:5-13, Jesus spoke with a Roman centurion. The centurion would have almost certainly spoken in Greek. It appears no translator was used, meaning Jesus spoke in Greek with the centurion, or the centurion spoke in Aramaic with Jesus. The more likely conclusion is that Jesus spoke Greek rather than a centurion with no Jewish background speaking Aramaic.
• The language of Scripture provides further insight regarding Jesus' ability to speak Greek. Both Matthew and John wrote their Gospels in Greek, indicating a level of Greek language usage among the apostles. Though the Gospel accounts themselves do not directly show Jesus speaking Greek phrases, the common use of Greek as a commercial language indicates He likely had some knowledge of the language.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

God deeply cares about connecting with people from every culture and background. Just as Jesus communicated in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek to reach those around Him, He is able to meet us wherever we are—regardless of our language, culture, or personal circumstances. His love and salvation are not limited to a specific group; He actively pursues each person, demonstrating His desire for a personal relationship with all. Knowing this, we can trust that God understands our struggles, speaks into our lives, and reaches us in ways we can comprehend. It also challenges us to reflect His heart by seeking to engage, love, and serve people from all walks of life, just as He did.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus spoke Aramaic, read Hebrew, and likely knew some Greek.
• Jesus’ use of multiple languages shows God’s desire to reach all people.
• God’s love and salvation are for everyone, regardless of what language they speak.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that Jesus spoke multiple languages change the way you see His effort to reach people personally?
• How can you reflect Jesus’ heart by connecting with people from different cultures or backgrounds?
• How does the truth that God’s love and salvation are for everyone affect the way you view those who are different from you?

ENGAGE

• How does Jesus’ use of Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek reveal God’s intention to reach all people regardless of culture or status?
• In what practical ways can we follow Jesus’ example in engaging with and sharing the gospel with those from diverse backgrounds?
• How does understanding that God pursues a personal relationship with everyone challenge our assumptions about who is “reachable” with the gospel?