The Evidence Supporting the Original Composition of the Gospels in Greek

Despite the widely held belief that the gospels were originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic, modern scholars largely agree that the gospels we currently have are in Greek. This article explores the evidence supporting this claim, shedding light on why and how these sacred texts were composed in Koine Greek and clarifying common misunderstandings surrounding their original languages.

The Lack of Direct Evidence for Hebrew or Aramaic Compositions

There are few direct statements from ancient writers suggesting Matthew's gospel was originally written in Hebrew (likely referring to Aramaic). It is important to note that such evidence is not entirely absent, but it is not as strong as the evidence supporting a Greek origin. For instance, there are instances where ancient writers mention that the gospel text is similar word for word to the Georgian Gospel or the Heptoparaptolē, which are believed to be translations from a Greek original.

The Origin and Nature of Mark's Gospel

It is widely acknowledged among modern scholars that the text we now know as Matthew's gospel was primarily influenced by Mark's gospel. This relationship indicates that the Greek text of Mark was used as a basis, and any Hebrew or Aramaic original would have required a separate translation step, which is unlikely given the presence of verbatim translations in the text.

Evidence from Quotations and Translations

The Bible uses Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures, further supporting its composition in Greek. For example, the phrase "the virgin conceives" in Isaiah 7:14 is parthenos in the Greek Septuagint, while the Hebrew almah is more accurately translated as a "young woman." This difference highlights the consistent use of the Greek translation throughout the New Testament, further reinforcing the argument for a Greek original.

The Role of Koine Greek in the New Testament

The New Testament was primarily written in Koine Greek, the common language of commerce and communication in the Hellenistic world. Some parts were written in Aramaic, as evidenced by the original manuscripts, but the overwhelming majority of texts are in Greek. This language choice reflects both the cultural context of the time and the need for a wide audience to access the message.

The Evidence from Ancient Codices

Several ancient codices, including the Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Alexandrinus, and Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus, provide further support for the Greek origins of the gospels. These manuscripts, dating from 325 to 450 AD, are written entirely in Koine Greek. These codices are the oldest and most complete copies of the complete Bible, and their uniformity in language further confirms the Greek composition of the New Testament.

Conclusion

The evidence strongly supports the original composition of the gospels in Greek, particularly in the language of Koine Greek. Misunderstandings and alterations in historical quotations have led to the misconception that the gospels were originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic. However, the use of Septuagint translations, the relationship with Mark's gospel, and the analysis of ancient manuscripts all point to the Greek origin of the New Testament texts. This underscores the cultural and linguistic context of the early Christian community and the global dissemination of their teachings through the medium of Koine Greek.

Keywords: Gospels in Greek, Evidence, Biblical Languages