Troublesome Topic: WAS THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS WRITTEN IN GREEK OR IN HEBREW?

The Epistle of Hebrews was likely written in Hebrew first. Why would an epistle that was intended for a Hebrew speaking audience be written in Greek rather than Hebrew? And why would this letter display the most elevated form of Greek of the New Testament if it was written for people who knew Greek as a third language and used it only in a mediocre fashion? The most logical conclusion is that it was penned first in Hebrew and then translated into Greek because it was seen to have value to the Gentile churches as well as the Hebrew churches. Regarding Hebrews 9:16-17 and the play on the words “covenant/will” found there, see my translation and paraphrase of that passage in the next lesson.

Paul’s contribution to the Epistle of Hebrews was likely to its Hebrew version, definitely not to its Greek translation.

The strongest objection to this has always been a play on the words “covenant” and “will” found in Hebrews 9:16-17. I have always heard that this play on words would not have worked in Hebrew, therefore, the Epistle to the Hebrews had to have been written in Greek. However, upon doing my own research on the matter, I now find that argument to be weak and have become convinced of the fact that the play on words would have been understood in either Greek or Hebrew. Having removed that one primary obstacle, I believe the majority of the factors point toward Hebrews being written first in Hebrew. Who would ever have thought that a letter to the Hebrew people would be written in Hebrew?!? (See my translation and paraphrase of that passage HEBREWS 9:16-18).

To see my lesson on the Preferred Languages of Jesus and the writers of the New Testament, go to