Introduction:

In Biblical studies, the understanding of language terms is essential for interpreting the context and meaning of the scriptures. The Greek word Ἑβραϊστί (G1447: Hebraïstí) is particularly significant as it denotes the use of the Hebrew language, either in speech or writing. This term is crucial for recognizing when the original Hebrew language or its cultural significance is highlighted in the New Testament. The use of Ἑβραϊστί reflects the deep-rooted identity of the Jewish people and their language in a predominantly Greek-speaking world, providing insight into the intersection of language, culture, and religion in ancient times.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: Ἑβραϊστί (Hebraïstí) [heb-rah-is-tee’]
• Etymology: Derived from Ἑβραῖος (Hebraîos), meaning “Hebrew,” with the adverbial suffix -στί (-stí), indicating a manner or way of doing something, specifically in language. Thus, Ἑβραϊστί means “in Hebrew” or “in the Hebrew language.”
• Part of Speech: Adverb
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• In Hebrew: Ἑβραϊστί is used to indicate that something is spoken or written in the Hebrew language. This term appears in the New Testament in contexts where the original Hebrew language is specified, distinguishing it from other languages like Greek or Aramaic.

Similar Words:

• Ἑβραΐς (Hebraḯs) [heb-rah-is’]: This noun also refers to the Hebrew language but focuses on the language itself as a subject rather than the manner of speech or writing. Ἑβραϊστί is more about the action of speaking or writing in Hebrew.
• Ἑβραϊκός (Hebraïkós) [heb-rah-ee-kos’]: An adjective that means “Hebrew” in nature or pertaining to the Hebrew language or culture. While Ἑβραϊστί is an adverb, Ἑβραϊκός describes something that is related to Hebrew, such as language, people, or customs.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• Ἑβραϊστί is an adverb, meaning it modifies verbs to indicate that the action, such as speaking or writing, is done in the Hebrew language. Unlike nouns or adjectives, adverbs like Ἑβραϊστί do not decline and are used to describe the manner of an action.
• The term is specifically used in the New Testament to clarify that something was originally in Hebrew, which is crucial for understanding the linguistic and cultural context of certain passages.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: Ἑβραϊστί is defined as “in Hebrew” or “in the Hebrew language.” The lexicon highlights its use in the New Testament to indicate that something is spoken or written in Hebrew, often distinguishing it from other languages like Greek or Aramaic.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon describes Ἑβραϊστί as an adverb meaning “in Hebrew,” with a focus on its use in the New Testament to specify the language of speech or writing. It notes that the term is used in contexts where the Hebrew language is emphasized.

Vine’s: Ἑβραϊστί is noted as an adverb that describes an action as being done in the Hebrew language. Vine’s emphasizes its importance in passages where the language of the original speech or text is significant, particularly in distinguishing Hebrew from other languages.

LSJ: In classical Greek, Ἑβραϊστί is recognized as an adverb meaning “in Hebrew,” commonly used in historical and literary texts to refer to the Hebrew language. The lexicon notes its use in identifying Hebrew as the language spoken or written.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Ἑβραϊστί is listed as “in Hebrew,” with emphasis on its Biblical usage to describe the Hebrew language. The concordance highlights its occurrence in the New Testament where the language of the Jews is specifically mentioned.

Scripture References:

• John 5:2: “Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew (Ἑβραϊστί) called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades.”
• John 19:20: “Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew (Ἑβραϊστί), in Latin, and in Greek.”
• Acts 21:40: “When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew (Ἑβραϊστί) language.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of Ἑβραϊστί (G1447: Hebraïstí):

The adverb Ἑβραϊστί (G1447: Hebraïstí) is a significant term in the New Testament, used to indicate when something is spoken or written in the Hebrew language. Its use highlights the importance of Hebrew as the sacred language of the Jewish people, especially in a context where Greek was the dominant language of the region. Understanding Ἑβραϊστί provides insight into the linguistic and cultural identity of the Jewish people and helps clarify the original context of certain New Testament passages. The term also connects to classical Greek literature, where it was used to identify Hebrew as the language spoken or written, further demonstrating its importance in both sacred and secular texts.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? The term Ἑβραϊστί not only refers to the Hebrew language but also underscores the cultural and religious significance of Hebrew in the Jewish tradition. In the New Testament, when something is described as being spoken or written Ἑβραϊστί, it often reflects the preservation of Hebrew as the language of scripture and liturgy, maintaining its role as a cornerstone of Jewish identity even in a predominantly Greek-speaking world.