Hebrew (Aramaic) NT
All of the Apostles wrote the original New Testament in the Aramaic language. The Apostles PETROS (Peter) & Paulus had translators that translated their originally Aramaic book into Greek. The Church Fathers attest to the Apostles originally writing the New Testament in the Heḅrew language. And by Heḅrew, they are meaning Aramaic. At that time, “Heḅrew” referred to “the language of the Heḅrews” which was actually “the Aramaic Language” in the block Heḅrew script versus the cursive Estrangela Aramaic script. It was spoken and written by the Judeans in Judea (Judah, Yehudah). “Heḅrew” can also refer to the Biblical Heḅrew [Israelite] Language, but in the 1st century, that language was largely replaced by the spoken and written common “Heḅrew-Aramaic” or “Block Aramaic” in Heḅrew characters. - ‘περι δε του Ματθαιου ταυτ’ [τουτ’] ειρηται: “Ματθαιος μεν ουν ‘Εβραιδι διαλεκτω τα λογια συνεταξατο ‘ηρμηνευσεν δ’ αυτα ‘ως ην δυνατος ‘εκαστος.” ’ (Παπιας ‘Ιεραπολιτης 3:16 [60-130 CE]). --- Note: τουτ’ is short for τουτο & δ’ is short for δε. ---
- ‘But concerning Matthew, this has been said (spoken): "Therefore Matthew indeed arranged (put together in order) the oracles (divine utterances) in the Heḅrew dialect (language), and each one interpreted (translated) them as he was able (best he could)." ’ ([Fragments of] Papias of Hierapolis 3:16 [60-130 CE]). * ‘Ο μεν δη Ματθαιος εν τοις ‘Εβραιοις τη ιδια διαλεκτω αυτων, και γραφην εξηνεγκεν ευαγγελιου, του Πετρου και του Παυλου εν Ρωμη ευαγγελιζομενων, και θεμελιουντων την εκκλησιαν. Μετα δε την τουτων εξοδον, Μαρκος ‘ο μαθητης και ‘ερμηνευτης Πετρου, και αυτος τα ‘υπο Πετρου κηρυσσομενα εγγραφως ‘ημιν παραδεδωκε. Και Λουκας δε ‘ο ακολουθος Παυλου, το ‘υπ εκεινου κηρυσσομενον ευαγγελιον εν βιβλιω κατεθετο. Επειτα Ιωαννης ‘ο μαθητης του Κυριου, ‘ο και επι το στηθος αυτου αναπεσων, και αυτος εξεδωκε το ευαγγελιον, εν Εφεσω της Ασιας διατριβων.(Κατα ‘Αιρεσεων, Βιβλος Γ, – Κεφαλαιο I:2 – Ειρηναιου).(AKA: Ελεγχος και Ανατροπη της Ψευδωνυμου Γνωσεως).
- ‘But concerning Matthew, this has been said (spoken): "Therefore Matthew indeed arranged (put together in order) the oracles (divine utterances) in the Heḅrew dialect (language), and each one interpreted (translated) them as he was able (best he could)." ’ ([Fragments of] Papias of Hierapolis 3:16 [60-130 CE]). * ‘Ο μεν δη Ματθαιος εν τοις ‘Εβραιοις τη ιδια διαλεκτω αυτων, και γραφην εξηνεγκεν ευαγγελιου, του Πετρου και του Παυλου εν Ρωμη ευαγγελιζομενων, και θεμελιουντων την εκκλησιαν. Μετα δε την τουτων εξοδον, Μαρκος ‘ο μαθητης και ‘ερμηνευτης Πετρου, και αυτος τα ‘υπο Πετρου κηρυσσομενα εγγραφως ‘ημιν παραδεδωκε. Και Λουκας δε ‘ο ακολουθος Παυλου, το ‘υπ εκεινου κηρυσσομενον ευαγγελιον εν βιβλιω κατεθετο. Επειτα Ιωαννης ‘ο μαθητης του Κυριου, ‘ο και επι το στηθος αυτου αναπεσων, και αυτος εξεδωκε το ευαγγελιον, εν Εφεσω της Ασιας διατριβων.(Κατα ‘Αιρεσεων, Βιβλος Γ, – Κεφαλαιο I:2 – Ειρηναιου).(AKA: Ελεγχος και Ανατροπη της Ψευδωνυμου Γνωσεως).
* "But Matthew indeed was among the Heḅrews, [and he wrote] in their OWN DIALECT, and he brought out [the] Writing (Scripture) of the Gospel, [while] Petros (Peter) and Paulus were evangelizing (preaching) in (at) Rome, and were laying the foundation[s] of (founding, establishing) the Church. But after the departure of these men, Marcus, the disciple and interpreter (translator) of Petros, he also has handed down to us in writing the things being preached by Petros. And Lucas also, the follower of (one accompanying) Paulus, put down (placed, recorded) in a book the Message (Good News) being preached by that one. Afterwards, Yoḥannan (Joḥn), the disciple of the Lord, and the one [who] was falling down (laying) upon his breast (chest), he also has given out (handed over, published) the Gospel [while] spending time (living, employing himself) at Ephesus of (in) Asia." (Against Heresies, Book 3, Chapter 1:2 - by Eirenaios [Irenaeus] [d. by 200]).
(AKA: [The] Refutation and Overturning of the Falsely Called [Pseudonym] Knowledge)
# "Ματθαιος τε γαρ προτερον ‘Εβραιοις κηρυξας, ‘ως ημελλεν και εφ’ ‘ετερους ιεναι, πατριω γλωττη γραφη παραδους το κατ’ αυτον ευαγγελιον, το λειπον (λοιπον?) τη αυτου παρουσια τουτοις αφ’ ‘ων εστελλετο, δια της γραφης απεπληρου."(Εκκλησιαστικης ‘Ιστοριας, Βιβλος Γ, – Κεφαλαιο XXIV:6 – Ευσηβιου [Καισαρειας]). # "For even Matthew, having (who had at) first preached to the Heḅrews, when he was about to go to others (other peoples/nations), having delivered (committed, entrusted) the Gospel according to him (his Gospel) [in] writing in the Country Language [his NAITIVE TONGUE], [and thus] the loss (rest [?]) by his presence (coming) he had furnished (provided for, prepared, arranged, set in order) from the things for those ones, [&] he [had] satisfied (fulfilled, completed) through the writing." ([Book] of the History of the Church [Church History], Book III, Chapter 24:6 – by Eusebius [of Caesarea]).
Note: There is at least one word that I’m not sure of in the last line. ^ “Εβραιοις γαρ δια της πατριου γλωττης εγγραφως ‘ωμιληκοτος του Παυλου, ‘οι μεν τον ευαγγεκυστην (ευαγγελιστην) Λουκαν, ‘οι δε τον Κλημεντα τουτον αυτον ‘ερμηνευσαι λεγουσι την γραφην.” (Εκκλησιαστικης ‘Ιστοριας, Βιβλος Γ, – Κεφαλαιο XXXVIII:2-3 – Ευσηβιου [4th Cent.]).
Note: There is at least one word that I’m not sure of in the last line. ^ “Εβραιοις γαρ δια της πατριου γλωττης εγγραφως ‘ωμιληκοτος του Παυλου, ‘οι μεν τον ευαγγεκυστην (ευαγγελιστην) Λουκαν, ‘οι δε τον Κλημεντα τουτον αυτον ‘ερμηνευσαι λεγουσι την γραφην.” (Εκκλησιαστικης ‘Ιστοριας, Βιβλος Γ, – Κεφαλαιο XXXVIII:2-3 – Ευσηβιου [4th Cent.]).
^ "For [Paulus] having addressed in writing to the Heḅrews through (in) the language of the country of Paulus [i.e. him]; some are indeed saying [that] the Evangelist Lukas (Luke, Lucas), but others this Klement (Clement), [that] he [was the one] to translate (interpret) the Writing [i.e. Epistle]." (Ecclesiastical History, Book 3, – Chapter 38:2-3 - by Eusebius [4th Cent.]).
˚ “… Había escrito en Hebreo como un Hebreo, es decir, en su lengua materna, y consiguientemente con elocuencia, queriendo que lo que había sido escrito elocuentemente en Hebreo se tradujera al Griego, …” (De Viris Illustribus, Capitulo V:10-11 Pablo (Paul), Anteriormente Saulo (Saul) – San Jeronimo [4th Cent.]).
˚ "… He [Paulus] had written in Hebrew as a Hebrew, that is to say, in his mother (own) language, and consequently with eloquence (fluency, plain speech), wanting whatever (the thing that) had been written eloquently (vocally) in Hebrew would be translated into the Greek, …” ([Lives] of Illustrious Men, Capital (Chapter) 5:10-11 Paulus, Formerly [Called] Saulus – St. Jerome [4th Cent.]). Note: The Latin word Illustris [Illustribus is the genitive form] literally means: “bright (brilliant)” hence: “distinct (distinguished, remarkable)” or “celebrated (renowned, famous, illustrious, noble).” • και ‘ετερα δε πλειστα γραφει, ‘ων εκ μερους ηδη προτερον εμνημονευσαμεν, οικειως τοις καιροις τας ‘ιστοριας παραθεμενοι (παραθεμενοις), εκ τε του καθ’ ‘Εβραιους ευαγγελιου και του Συριακου και ιδιως εκ της ‘Εβραιδος διαλεκτου τινα τιθησιν, εμφαινων εξ ‘Εβραιων ‘εαυτον πεπιστευκεναι, και αλλα δε ‘ως εξ Ιουδαικης αγραφου παραδοσεως μνημονευει.(Εκκλησιαστικης ‘Ιστοριας, Βιβλος Δ, – Κεφαλαιο XXII:8 – Ευσηβιου).
˚ "… He [Paulus] had written in Hebrew as a Hebrew, that is to say, in his mother (own) language, and consequently with eloquence (fluency, plain speech), wanting whatever (the thing that) had been written eloquently (vocally) in Hebrew would be translated into the Greek, …” ([Lives] of Illustrious Men, Capital (Chapter) 5:10-11 Paulus, Formerly [Called] Saulus – St. Jerome [4th Cent.]). Note: The Latin word Illustris [Illustribus is the genitive form] literally means: “bright (brilliant)” hence: “distinct (distinguished, remarkable)” or “celebrated (renowned, famous, illustrious, noble).” • και ‘ετερα δε πλειστα γραφει, ‘ων εκ μερους ηδη προτερον εμνημονευσαμεν, οικειως τοις καιροις τας ‘ιστοριας παραθεμενοι (παραθεμενοις), εκ τε του καθ’ ‘Εβραιους ευαγγελιου και του Συριακου και ιδιως εκ της ‘Εβραιδος διαλεκτου τινα τιθησιν, εμφαινων εξ ‘Εβραιων ‘εαυτον πεπιστευκεναι, και αλλα δε ‘ως εξ Ιουδαικης αγραφου παραδοσεως μνημονευει.(Εκκλησιαστικης ‘Ιστοριας, Βιβλος Δ, – Κεφαλαιο XXII:8 – Ευσηβιου).
• “And he [Hegesippos] was writing also very many other things, which we have in part already mentioned formerly, [introducing] the histories (narrations, inquiries) familiarly at the times [i.e. “places”] being set (made, established, assigned), both from the Message [Epistle] according to the Hebrews and the Syriac [Gospel]. And he places (quotes) some [passages] personally from the Hebrew dialect, showing himself to have believed [that he was a convert] from the Hebrews, and he mentions other matters also, as [taken] from the unwritten tradition [as handed down (transmitted)] of or for the Jew[s].” (Ecclesiastical History, Book 4, – Chapter 22:8 – by Eusebius).
Note: The name: Hegesippos [‘Ηγησιππος] looks like it is of Greek origin. The name may mean: “Horse of the Command [‘Ηγησεως + ‘ιππος]” or “Holy Horse [‘Αγιος + ‘ιππος].” The name is Latinized as: “Hegesippus.”
꙳ ‘Και την προς ‘Εβραιους δε επιστολην Παυλου μεν ειναι φησιν, γεγραφθαι δε ‘Εβραιοις ‘Εβραικη φωνη, Λουκαν δε φιλοτιμως αυτην μεθερμηνευσαντα εκδουναι τοις ‘Ελλησιν, ‘οθεν τον αυτον χρωτα ευρισκεσθαι κατα την ‘ερμηνειαν ταυτης τε της επιστολης και των Πραξεων. …’(Εκκλησιαστικης ‘Ιστοριας, Βιβλος ς, – Κεφαλαιο XIV:2 – Ευσηβιου).
꙳ ‘But He [Clemens] says [that] the Epistle to the Heḅrews was indeed by Paulus ([the work] of Paul), and [that] it has been written to the Heḅrews in the Heḅrew sound (voice, language); but [that] Lukas (Luke) [was the one] having (who had) translated it eagerly (zealously, emulously, carefully [?]) to give [it] out (publish [it]) for the Greeks, therefore (and hence), the same body (style of expression) is to be found according to the interpretation of this [Epistle], even both of the Epistle and of the Acts. …’(Ecclesiastical History, Book 6, – Chapter 14:2 – by Eusebius).
Eusebios (Eusebius) [AD 260/265 – May, 30, 339] records Clemens (Clement) of Alexandria (150-215 AD) stating that Paulus wrote Heḅrews in Heḅrew & that Lucas translated his words into Greek. He may have got that info from the work called Hypotyposes, where Clemens of Alexandria asserts that the Epistle to the Heḅrews was written by Paul, to the Hebrews, in the Heḅrew tongue, but that it was carefully translated by Luke, and published among the Greeks (Hypotyposes - Clement of Alexandria [c. 200 CE]).
Note: The name: Hegesippos [‘Ηγησιππος] looks like it is of Greek origin. The name may mean: “Horse of the Command [‘Ηγησεως + ‘ιππος]” or “Holy Horse [‘Αγιος + ‘ιππος].” The name is Latinized as: “Hegesippus.”
꙳ ‘Και την προς ‘Εβραιους δε επιστολην Παυλου μεν ειναι φησιν, γεγραφθαι δε ‘Εβραιοις ‘Εβραικη φωνη, Λουκαν δε φιλοτιμως αυτην μεθερμηνευσαντα εκδουναι τοις ‘Ελλησιν, ‘οθεν τον αυτον χρωτα ευρισκεσθαι κατα την ‘ερμηνειαν ταυτης τε της επιστολης και των Πραξεων. …’(Εκκλησιαστικης ‘Ιστοριας, Βιβλος ς, – Κεφαλαιο XIV:2 – Ευσηβιου).
꙳ ‘But He [Clemens] says [that] the Epistle to the Heḅrews was indeed by Paulus ([the work] of Paul), and [that] it has been written to the Heḅrews in the Heḅrew sound (voice, language); but [that] Lukas (Luke) [was the one] having (who had) translated it eagerly (zealously, emulously, carefully [?]) to give [it] out (publish [it]) for the Greeks, therefore (and hence), the same body (style of expression) is to be found according to the interpretation of this [Epistle], even both of the Epistle and of the Acts. …’(Ecclesiastical History, Book 6, – Chapter 14:2 – by Eusebius).
Eusebios (Eusebius) [AD 260/265 – May, 30, 339] records Clemens (Clement) of Alexandria (150-215 AD) stating that Paulus wrote Heḅrews in Heḅrew & that Lucas translated his words into Greek. He may have got that info from the work called Hypotyposes, where Clemens of Alexandria asserts that the Epistle to the Heḅrews was written by Paul, to the Hebrews, in the Heḅrew tongue, but that it was carefully translated by Luke, and published among the Greeks (Hypotyposes - Clement of Alexandria [c. 200 CE]).
Note: The name "Clemens" [NMS] is of Latin origin & means: "MILD (calm, gentle, kind, merciful)." Clementis - "of CLEMENS (Clement)" is the genitive pronunciation, Clementi - "to Clemens" is the dative pronunciation, & Clementem - "Clemens" is the accusative pronunciation. The 4th century Latin Vulgate Translation has the variant spelling: "Clemente" (Philip. 4:3). “Klemes [Κλημης]” [NMS] is the nominative Greek pronunciation. "Klementos [Κλημεντος]" (Philip. 4:3) is the genitive pronunciation, "Klementi [Κλημεντι]" is the dative pronunciation, & "Klementa [Κλημεντα]" is the accusative pronunciation.
There are more references that I could give, but there are other websites that have done a good job at providing them; so I don’t really see a need to talk much about this subject. You can visit the following websites: aramaicnewtestament, catholic-resources, and others. Moreover, the best evidence that the New Testament was originally written in Aramaic is by reading the Peshitta NT and comparing it with the Greek NT.
Is the Bible Against Homosexuality? by Preacher Mattai © (Ɔ) 2016. All rights reserved.
There are more references that I could give, but there are other websites that have done a good job at providing them; so I don’t really see a need to talk much about this subject. You can visit the following websites: aramaicnewtestament, catholic-resources, and others. Moreover, the best evidence that the New Testament was originally written in Aramaic is by reading the Peshitta NT and comparing it with the Greek NT.
Is the Bible Against Homosexuality? by Preacher Mattai © (Ɔ) 2016. All rights reserved.
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