Aramaic

/ˌær.ə.ˈmeɪ.ɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to an ancient Semitic language once widely spoken in the Middle East, particularly during the time of Jesus and in ancient empires.

Etymology

From Arameans, an ancient Semitic people, with the Greek suffix '-ic' added; the language itself originated around the 11th century BCE and became the lingua franca of the Middle East for centuries.

Kelly Says

Jesus almost certainly spoke Aramaic, not Hebrew or Greek—and one of his most famous phrases 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani' (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me) appears in the Gospels in his actual language rather than translated.

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