Final answer:
The Old Testament was originally recorded in Hebrew and Aramaic. Hebrew is the main language of the text, while Aramaic is used in certain sections, especially those referencing the Babylonian exile.
Step-by-step explanation:
Original Languages of the Old Testament
The Old Testament was originally recorded in Hebrew and Aramaic. These are the primary languages used for the various books of the Old Testament with Hebrew being the predominant language. Some portions, particularly those written during the Babylonian exile, are in Aramaic. While translations and transcriptions into other languages, such as Greek, Latin, and even further translations into the vernacular languages, have occurred over time, these two Semitic languages are the original and authoritative texts of the Jewish faith.
Hebrew and Its Role
Hebrew holds a central place in Jewish history as the language of the patriarchs and the prophets. During the seventh century BCE, significant religious reforms and compilations of the Hebrew scriptures took place, leading to the formation of early parts of the Hebrew Bible. Hebrew was the language in which the majority of the Old Testament writings were composed, reflecting the life, culture, and religious practices of the Hebrew people.
Aramaic and Its Use
Aramaic, another Semitic language, was used widely in the Near East and became the lingua franca of the Babylonian and later Persian empires. It was the language spoken by many Jews, including Jesus Christ, during certain periods. As a result, some parts of the Old Testament, particularly those that deal with the Babylonian exile, were written in Aramaic.