What Language Was the Bible Originally Written In? One of the most common misconceptions about the Bible is that it was originally written in Latin. Others assume it was all Hebrew, while some argue for Aramaic or even claim the New Testament was first written in Hebrew or Syriac (the Peshitta). The truth is more complex—but also more secure. The Bible was written over many centuries, by dozens of authors, in a few key languages.

The Masoretic Text: What It Is—And What It’s Not. If you’ve ever read a Bible that didn’t include the so-called “Apocrypha,” or noticed differences in Old Testament quotations between your Bible and the New Testament authors, you’ve likely encountered the effects of the Masoretic Text (MT). But what is it, really? Where did it come from? And why does it matter?