What language did Jesus speak?

Answer

While Jesus most likely spoke Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek, Aramaic was probably his primary language. The Gospels document Jesus using various Aramaic expressions: talitha koum «And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. », (Mark 5:41); ephphatha «and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. », (Mark 7:34); eloi eloi lama sabachthani (Matthew 27:46;Mark 15:34); abba «And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. », (Mark 14:36). Historians, archaeologists, and cultural anthropologists widely agree that Aramaic was the everyday language in Israel during Jesus’ era. Aramaic closely resembled Hebrew but included many words and phrases borrowed from other languages and cultures, particularly Babylonian.

Hebrew was mainly used by the scribes, law teachers, Pharisees, and Sadducees, known as the “religious elite.” Hebrew was likely frequently read in synagogues, so most individuals probably had some understanding of Hebrew. As Greek was the language of the Romans who ruled over Israel in Jesus’ time, it became the language of the political and business class. Greek was the lingua franca of that period, making the ability to speak Greek a valuable skill. Nevertheless, some individuals refused to speak Greek due to their resentment towards the Roman authorities.

Oppressors. When Jesus conversed with Pontius Pilate, it is conceivable that He communicated with him in Greek, even though Pilate, as the governor, probably could converse in Aramaic as well.

Jesus, as God manifested in human form, had the ability to speak any language He desired. In His human nature, Jesus probably restricted Himself to the languages prevalent in His society: Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek. Jesus likely spoke the language that was most suitable for the audience He was speaking to.