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G1446 · Greek · New Testament
Ἑβραΐς
Hebraïs
Noun (feminine)
The Hebrew Language / Dialect

Definition

The Greek noun Hebraïs (Ἑβραΐς) means 'the Hebrew language' or more precisely 'the Hebrew/Aramaic dialect' spoken in first-century Palestine. It appears in Acts 21:40, 22:2, and 26:14, describing Paul speaking to crowds or hearing the voice of Christ in the Hebrew language/dialect.

Usage & Theological Significance

The significance of Paul speaking 'in the Hebrew dialect' (Acts 21:40) is that the crowd fell silent — it commanded immediate attention and respect. For diaspora Jews, hearing their ancestral sacred language from a Roman citizen being arrested was startling. On the Damascus road, the risen Christ spoke to Paul 'in Aramaic/Hebrew' (Acts 26:14), the intimate language of covenant. God's self-revelation consistently meets people in their own language (Acts 2:11 — Pentecost) — a principle that drives all Bible translation. The language of God's speech is not merely functional; it carries covenantal, cultural, and personal weight.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 21:40 When he had given him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic/Hebrew.
Acts 22:2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic/Hebrew, they became very quiet.
Acts 26:14 I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic/Hebrew, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'
Acts 2:11 ...we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!
John 5:2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda.

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External Resources

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