John 19:19 (YHWH?)

[Paul Younan]

Shalom Akhi Dawid,

This is more of a psychological question to you, why do you suppose that the ultra-nationalist type in the 1st century would rather the people speak Greek, than Aramaic? <!-- s:tellme: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/tellme.gif" alt=":tellme:" title="Tell Me" /><!-- s:tellme: -->

Trick question here....think about this carefully before answering.

I see the trap, but I still have to answer honestly. Hellenism was the threat in the first century, so Aramaic would naturally be preferable. If Babylonian culture and religion had been the threat, Greek would have most likely been preferable. Whatever it takes to stave off assimilation.

Thanks for your answer, but I think you got it reversed. Allow me to explain.

According to the Mishna, apparently someone was really ticked off that the vernacular of the people was Aramaic. They posed a question:

Why Aramaic? In the Holy Land, speak either Hebrew or Greek.

Now I pose my question to you again, this is extremely important:

Why do you suppose these nationalist-types would prefer the masses speak Greek, rather than Aramaic ?