Aramaic Biblical Vocabulary

Aramaic is a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew and was widely spoken throughout the Near East from the late first millennium BCE. It holds a unique and significant position in biblical studies and early Christian history, providing vital linguistic and cultural context for understanding the Bible. Aramaic as a…

1. Aramaic Term: Abba — אָבָּא Pronunciation: AH-bahMeaning: Father; an intimate, personal term for father, expressing closeness and affection. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verses: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Aramaic Term: Raca — רֵיקָא Pronunciation: RAY-kahMeaning: Empty, worthless; a term of contempt or insult. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verse: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Aramaic Term: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא Pronunciation: mam-MOH-nahMeaning: Wealth, riches, or material possessions; often personified as a false master or idol. 2. Biblical Usage: 3. Example Verses: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Talitha koum — תַלִיתָא קוּמִי Meaning: “Little girl, arise!” — A phrase spoken by Jesus to raise a girl from the dead. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Ephphatha — אֶפְתַּח Meaning: “Be opened!” — A command spoken by Jesus to heal a man who was deaf and mute. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא Meaning: Wealth, riches, or material possessions; often personified as a false master or idol. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא Meaning: “Our Lord, come!” — An expression of longing for the Lord’s return. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani? Meaning: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Rabbouni — רַבּוּנִי Meaning: “My teacher” or “My master”; a respectful form of address for a teacher or rabbi. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא Meaning: “Our Lord, come!” — A liturgical invocation expressing longing for Christ’s return. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani Meaning: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” — Jesus’ cry from the cross expressing anguish. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Eliyahu — אֵלִיָּהוּ Meaning: “My God is Yahweh”; the name of the prophet Elijah. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Hosanna — הוֹשַׁעְנָא Meaning: “Save, please!” or “Save now!” — A cry of praise and petition for salvation. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Barabbas — בַּר אֲבָּא Meaning: “Son of the father” — Name of the prisoner released instead of Jesus. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Mammon — מַמּוֹנָא Meaning: Wealth, riches, or material possessions; often personified as a false master or idol. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance:

1. Term: Maranatha — מָרָנָתָא Meaning: “Our Lord, come!” — A liturgical invocation expressing longing for Christ’s return. 2. Historical-Cultural Context: 3. Literary Examples: 4. Cultural Significance: Would you like to explore additional Aramaic terms or begin a new series?