The Original Language of the Gospel of Matthew: A Scholarly Exploration

The question of whether Matthew wrote his Gospel in Hebrew has been a matter of scholarly debate. Early church tradition, particularly from figures like Papias, suggests that Matthew may have originally composed his Gospel in Hebrew or Aramaic for a Jewish audience. However, the Gospel of Matthew that we have today is written in Greek.

Scholarly Debate on the Original Language of the Gospel of Matthew

For the longest time, scholars have discussed whether the original version of the Gospel of Matthew was written in Hebrew or another language. Early church historians like Papias, who lived around the 2nd century, claimed that Matthew preached and wrote his Gospel in Hebrew or Aramaic. This belief was further supported by the fact that the first translations of the Gospel of Matthew were in Hebrew or Aramaic.

Some modern scholars argue that there might have been an earlier Hebrew or Aramaic version of Matthew’s Gospel. However, the consensus among most contemporary scholars is that the Greek text we have today is the authoritative and primary version. Some contend that Matthew’s Gospel was crafted in Greek to reach a broader audience while still retaining elements of Jewish thought and tradition.

No Evidence for a Hebrew Gospel

It is important to note that there is no direct evidence suggesting that the original Gospel of Matthew was written in Hebrew. We have no Hebrew manuscripts or other direct evidence to support this claim. This lack of evidence does not disprove the possibility but simply indicates that we lack the concrete historical records needed to draw definitive conclusions.

However, it is reasonable to assume that Matthew, being a Jew, could have written in Hebrew. The apostle Matthew was a tax collector who worked with the Romans, and the common language of the Roman Empire during that period was Greek. Latin was primarily used for official documents and was rarely used outside of Rome itself. Therefore, it is likely that Matthew chose to write his Gospel in a language that would reach a broader audience: Greek.

Key Features of the Gospel of Matthew: Hebrew Influences

Despite the fact that the Gospel of Matthew was likely written in Greek, it contains several features that reflect Hebrew influence. For instance, chapter 1 emphasizes 14, 14, 14 generations - this is because the numerical value of the Hebrew name for David, David (Hebrew: ?????ít), is 14 (4 6 4). This use of numbers to convey a deep theological meaning reflects Hebrew tradition.

Another example is the reference to Jesus being in the grave for “three days and three nights.” This phrase is rooted in Hebrew thought and is a way of saying “three days continuously, at night and day,” not a 72-hour period as in the Greek text. This Hebrew convention is found elsewhere in the Old Testament and reflects the writer's preference for Hebrew linguistic and theological clarity.

The Gospel of Matthew also includes several elements that show a deep knowledge of the Hebrew scriptures. For example, the presence of the number 14 in the genealogies, the emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy, and the use of the phrase “It is written” to introduce prophetic scripture.

Conclusion

In summary, while historical speculation points to the possibility of an original Hebrew version, the Gospel of Matthew as we know it today is in Greek. The presence of Hebrew influences in the text, such as the use of numbers and specific phrasing, demonstrates the writer's connection to Hebrew tradition and thought. However, the Greek manuscript is the authoritative version and offers a broad reach and understanding for the early Christian community.