The Earliest Translations of the New Testament: From Greek Origins to Culinary Languages

Throughout the centuries, the New Testament has been translated into countless languages, becoming one of the most widely disseminated texts in the world. However, the earliest translations were pivotal in shaping how different cultures and communities engaged with the Bible. This article explores the origins and early translations of the New Testament, focusing on the Latin Vulgate, the role of Aramaic, and the significance of the Greek texts.

Introduction to Early Translations

Contrary to some beliefs, the first complete translations of the entire New Testament weren't just one-off efforts. Rather, as the New Testament originally written in Greek, and later translated into various languages, it had a profound impact on Christian communities around the world. A key milestone in this process was the Latin Vulgate, crafted by Saint Jerome around 400 CE, which would serve as 'the Bible' for over a millennium.

The Latin Vulgate: A Historical Milestone

The first major translation of the entire New Testament and the Bible was the Latin Vulgate, commissioned by Pope Damasus I around 383 CE. This translation, attributed to Jerome, was significant because it was the first attempt at creating a comprehensive, definitive version in a language widely used at the time. For over a thousand years, the Vulgate served as a reference point for Christian scholars and believers, making it a cornerstone of medieval and Renaissance Catholicism.

From Greek to Aramaic: The Role of Aramaic in Early Translations

Although many believe that Greek was the primary language of the early New Testament, the impact of Aramaic cannot be overlooked. During the Babylonian captivity, Aramaic replaced Hebrew as the everyday language in Judea. While Hebrew was still used for religious purposes, Aramaic became the language of the common people. This linguistic shift made it essential for the Bible to be translated into Aramaic, particularly for those who spoke only this language.

According to historical records, the translation of the Torah and other biblical texts into Aramaic, known as the Old Testament in the Christian tradition, was a significant step. The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament, was also widely used. However, the debate over whether the New Testament was originally written in Greek or translated from Aramaic continues. Some scholars argue that the New Testament was first written in Aramaic, with later Greek and Latin translations, while others maintain that it was originally in Greek.

Spread and Translation of the New Testament

One of the key aspects of the early translations of the New Testament was the focus on local languages. Corinthians 4:15–17 and Acts 2: 5–11 provide evidence of the early efforts to translate the New Testament into various languages. For instance, Paul instructed the churches to circulate his letters and read them regularly. This practice led to the dissemination of the New Testament to different cultures and languages, particularly in the early centuries of Christianity.

Moreover, the frequent travels of Jews to Jerusalem for religious feasts facilitated the spread of the New Testament as it was translated into the languages of these pilgrims. Acts 2: 5–11 vividly describes how listeners, from various linguistic backgrounds, understood the words of the apostles in their own languages. This event, known as the Day of Pentecost, was a testament to the growing importance and accessibility of the Christian message across different cultures.

Conclusion

The earliest translations of the New Testament were crucial in shaping the Christian tradition and spreading the message of Christ across different linguistic and cultural communities. From the Latin Vulgate to the diverse languages such as Aramaic, Greek, and beyond, these translations played a vital role in making the New Testament accessible and understandable to a broader audience. The ongoing debate over the original language of the New Testament highlights the complex and nuanced nature of its transmission and translation throughout history.