Unlocking Biblical Wisdom: The Significance of Hebrew for Christians

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Exploring the Bible in its original language can profoundly deepen your understanding of scripture. While some concordances and other tools can be helpful, reading the Bible in Hebrew can unveil layers of meaning that often get lost in translation. Let’s dive into why learning Hebrew for Christians and Messianic Jews can enrich your spiritual journey.

Also, learn more about our Basic Beginner’s Biblical Hebrew course below so read on!

Why Learn Hebrew?

Most Christians rely on translations of the Bible, but a translation is essentially someone’s interpretation of the original text. That is why we have so many of them. The nuances of the original text can be overlooked or misrepresented, especially since Hebrew words can be idiomatic (uses or contains expressions that are natural to a native speaker and are not a one to one translation). By learning Hebrew, you can engage with the Bible in a more authentic and profound way, discovering meanings and connections that are otherwise hidden.

An example of what I mean by idiomatic: when you ask someone how they are in Israel you would say Ma shlom’cha (or ma shlomech if you are speaking to a woman). Now in English, we say “How are you?” but in Hebrew the words shlomech or shlom’cha come from the word Shalom which means peace. So in actuality, it translates to “How is your peace?”

This may appear to be a small difference and it is, when asking how someone is. But in scripture, those little nuances can actually change how the text is read.

A Deeper Connection to Scripture

When you read the Bible in Hebrew, you engage with the text as it was originally written. This can lead to a more intimate understanding of God’s word. Hebrew words often have multiple layers of meaning, and phrases that might seem straightforward in translation can reveal much deeper truths when you explore them in the original language.

For example, as I said, the Hebrew word “shalom” is commonly translated as “peace,” but it also means completeness, welfare, and harmony. It is also used to say hello to someone. So one word can have different, yet similar meanings but alter how the text is interpreted.

Access to Ancient Wisdom

Learning Hebrew also opens the door to ancient Jewish interpretations and commentaries, which are often written solely in Hebrew and provide invaluable insights into the scriptures. Jewish scholars have been studying and interpreting these texts for centuries, and their perspectives can enhance your understanding of biblical passages.

Is Hebrew Just for Jewish People?

Absolutely not! You don’t need to be of Jewish heritage to learn Hebrew any more than you have to be Spanish to learn the language or French to learn theirs. Many Christians and Messianic Jews have discovered the benefits of studying the Hebrew scriptures in their original language. Seminary students and church leaders often learn Hebrew to better understand the Old Testament.

Did Jesus Speak Hebrew?

It is often asked if Jesus (Yeshua) used the Hebrew language. Although Aramaic was widely spoken during that period, particularly in the Galilee where Jesus was from, He was knowledgeable in both speaking and reading Hebrew, especially for studying the Torah. Aramaic served as the common language of the time after the Babylonian exile, but Hebrew retained its importance for religious matters.

But overall, Aramaic was the common language in Judea in the first century and Hebrew soon fell away as a spoken, every day language.

What About the New Testament?

The New Testament, or Brit Chadasha, was predominantly written in Koine Greek, with some parts possibly in Aramaic. It’s a myth that the entire New Testament was originally written in Hebrew. While most authors were Jewish, Greek was the common language of the broader Hellenistic world in which they lived and wrote.

As I alluded to previously, Hebrew was beginning to fall out of everyday use by then, falling out of use almost altogether around 200 BCE, surviving mainly in religious contexts until its revival in the modern era.

Modern Hebrew vs. Biblical Hebrew

If you’re planning to visit Israel, you might wonder if learning Biblical Hebrew will help you communicate. Modern Hebrew, the official language of Israel, is very different from Biblical Hebrew. For instance, we wouldn’t go to England and speak Shakespearean English because for one, we would look silly, and also, it differs greatly from modern English. People would not understand you.

For travel, learning Modern Hebrew will be more practical, but Biblical Hebrew is essential for in-depth Bible study.

Start Your Hebrew Journey with Besorah Learning Center

Are you interested in diving into Biblical Hebrew? Our very own Besorah Learning Center offers a course in Basic Beginner’s Biblical Hebrew to help you explore the Old Testament (Tanakh) in its original language. Discover the richness and depth of the scriptures in a way you never thought possible.

We will soon be offering a more advanced course as well.

You can find our Hebrew I course below.

Final Thoughts on Hebrew for Christians

Learning Biblical Hebrew can be a transformative experience for Christians and Messianic Jews alike. It bridges the gap between ancient texts and modern understanding, offering a deeper, more nuanced connection to the Bible. Whether you’re a scholar or just beginning to dive in to scripture, studying Hebrew can open up a new world in the Word for you.

Learn More

For those eager to dive into the Jewishness of the Gospels, I recommend checking out a video where I interview one of my favorite professors, Dr. Jen Rosner. And if you’re ready to start learning Biblical Hebrew, visit the Besorah Learning Center to begin your journey.

Embrace the adventure of learning Hebrew and enrich your spiritual life with a deeper understanding of the scriptures.

This video gives good reasons for wanting to learn Biblical Hebrew. This is not an endorsement of any product or institute.

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