Latin
Summary
The language of the Romans, one of three languages used in the inscription on Christ's cross.
☩Biblical References
Latin is mentioned explicitly in the Gospels only in connection with the inscription Pilate placed on Jesus' cross, which was written in Hebrew (Aramaic), Greek, and Latin (Luke 23:38; John 19:20). This trilingual inscription ensured that the charge could be read by all: Latin for the Romans who ruled, Greek for the common population, and Hebrew (Aramaic) for the local Jews. Latin was the official language of law and administration throughout the Roman Empire.
☩Latin in the New Testament
While Latin is rarely mentioned directly, many Latin words entered Greek and appear throughout the New Testament. These include military terms like 'centurion' (kenturion), 'legion' (legeon), financial terms like 'denarius' (denarion), and legal terms like 'praetorium' (praitorion). Paul likely knew Latin and may have used it in his trial before Caesar. The Gospel of Mark shows particular evidence of Latin influence, which accords with tradition that it was written in Rome.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Latin," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Latin," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).