Language

I'm looking forward with great anticipation to immersing myself in Middle Eastern culture; a culture Jesus knew well. I especially have my sights set on becoming fluent in Hebrew and Arabic. Jesus was most likely tri-lingual. He taught and probably spoke what scholars call Mishnaic Hebrew, the common dialect of the day. Modern Hebrew is much different than Biblical or Mishnaic Hebrew much like Shakespearean English is archaic compared to modern English. Jesus also conversed in Aramaic, and most likely spoke Greek given Israel's "melting pot" culture and numerous references in the Synoptic Gospels of his interactions with Gentiles who would not have spoken Hebrew or Aramaic. One scholar goes so far as to suggest Jesus may have known enough Latin to squeak by in a conversation given his interaction with Pilate.

What fascinates me is how striking the linguistic parallels are between then and now. Today, Israel is dominated by Hebrew, Arabic, and English. In Israel's ancient times, Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek were the three prominent languages.The dominant world language during the time of Jesus was Greek much like English is the preeminent world language today. By and large, the people of Israel today are at minimum bi- lingual; they speak their native tongue and know English.

Acquiring the ability to converse with a foreigner in their own language lends instant credibility and respect. In my opinion, to speak another's language displays a willingness to identify, understand, and honor another's essence, heritage, and culture. Israel is unequivocally a shame and honor society. Respectful and honorable actions hold a lot of water in a society such as this. Language is one such way to exhibit honor and respect.

Language is a unifying and creative force. Through common language, we create societies, establish relationships, initiate conversations, work towards common goals, and invite others to share and build of what we only conceive in our heads. Language is the most expressive mode of originality. God created things through words. We create things through words.

To become well-versed in Hebrew and Arabic affords me the opportunity to build rapports with the locals. Furthermore, I want to become an expert in Biblical Hebrew to understand the story of God in its original language. How did that language influence and create the story we now read about? Why were some words chose to describe events? Why was Hebrew chosen as the lashon hakodesh (the holy tongue) of the Bible? What makes it so compelling and worthy to be used as the medium for the best selling book of all time?