The answer is: Hebrew

The majority was Hebrew, with a little Aramaic.

The Old Testament, primarily composed in Hebrew, holds profound significance in its rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Imagine ancient prophets passionately delivering God’s messages in this ancient tongue, poetic and robust! Approximately one-third of the Old Testament—mainly from the books of Daniel and Ezra—is actually in Aramaic. This language became popular during the Babylonian Exile, illustrating how cultures blend and influence one another over time.

Did you know that Hebrew is one of the oldest continuously spoken languages in the world? Although it went through periods of dormancy, especially after the Second Temple’s destruction in 70 AD, Hebrew revived in the 19th and 20th centuries and became the official language of Israel. How cool is it that something thousands of years old can still be so relevant today?

Exploring the Old Testament in Hebrew reveals layers of meaning often lost in translation. For example, the term "shalom" translates just as "peace" but carries a sense of wholeness and completeness. Similarly, words carry connotations based on cultural context, allegories, and value systems evident in ancient Israelite society.

So, when reading verses originally penned in Hebrew, it's like peeling an onion—layer upon layer of historical, cultural, and theological insights waiting to enhance your understanding of how this remarkable compilation shapes thoughts about ethics, justice, and community even still. Who knew language could be such a vibrant window into the hearts and minds of a people?