Which language, in addition to Hebrew, is a significant part of the book of Daniel?

Prepare for the Old Testament Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and detailed explanations. Excel in your test!

The book of Daniel is unique among the texts in the Old Testament because it contains content written in two languages: Hebrew and Aramaic. Aramaic is the significant language incorporated within Daniel, specifically in chapters 2 through 7. This portion addresses the experiences and visions that Daniel and his companions encounter during the Babylonian exile, engaging directly with the language spoken by the Babylonians and other Near Eastern peoples of that time.

Using Aramaic, which was the lingua franca of the region and the common language of the Babylonian and Persian empires, allowed the author to convey the messages in a manner accessible to the audience of his day. This bilingual structure showcases the book's thematic focus on both Jewish faithfulness to God in a foreign land and the overarching sovereignty of God over all nations and cultures.

In contrast, Greek, Latin, and Syriac do not appear in the text of Daniel. Greek was not commonly used until after the period of the Old Testament's composition, Latin was primarily associated with the Roman Empire, and while Syriac is a dialect of Aramaic, it is not the language actually found in the book of Daniel. Thus, Aramaic is the correct answer as it is the language that is

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