(2) The Language.

Hebrew is a Semitic language, and is linked to Aramaic and to Akkadian (Babylonian). It is probable that an earlier form of Hebrew was the language spoken by Adam and his descendants. In the time of king Hezekiah the majority of the Jewish inhabitants would not have understood the Aramaic language spoken by the Assyrian army outside the walls when Jerusalem was besieged (see 2 Kings 18:17-26).

From that time, within Israel the use of Hebrew declined, particularly in the north (Galilee), and Aramaic was commonly in use by all except the priesthood and scholars. Legal documents in Hebrew were found in the Qumran caves, together with coins from the time of the Bar Kochbar rebellion of 135 AD, inscribed in Hebrew. Greek as the language of the educated people took the place of Hebrew as a succession of invaders moved into their land (see Acts 21:37-39).

Strong efforts were made by Jewish religious leaders to maintain the purity of the Hebrew language, and the synagogues throughout the world became centres for the study and preservation of the Hebrew language, and remain so to this day. Hebrew is now the official language of the nation of Israel.

Hades
Hallelujah
Heart
Heathen
Heaven
  1. the Sky
  2. God's Home
  Heavens and Earth
  The "third heaven"
Hebrews
  1. The People
  2. The Language
  3. The Letter
Hell
Heresy, Heretic
Holy
Holy Land
Holy Spirit
  1. Holy Spirit in creation
  2. Holy Spirit inspires God's word
  3. Jesus was born by the power of the Holy Spirit
  4. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit
  5. The Holy Spirit given to the apostles
  6. The Holy Spirit with the church
Hope
House
  1. A building in which people live
  2. A 'household' or family living together
  3. The dwelling of the believer