Language Issues
These are notes for an incomplete "Concept" page.
- Information is being added as the Bible Pages are added. In the end, everything will be compiled, further information added (as necessary), broken links connected, etc.
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In Scripture, people are often divided into groups, based on language. Even the concept translatd as "nation" (such as in Matthew 28:19-20) refers to "people groups," with a strong emphasis on language differences, rather than the modern concept of "nation," which places boundaries in arbitrary locations.
It is quite significant that all the known languages of the past were very complex. There is absolutely no evidence that could possibly suggest that language "evolved" from grunts and gibberish!
- For that matter, the earliest record of language involves God speaking it at the very moment that creation came into existence - Genesis 1:1. And language was probably the very first thing Adam learned when he was created - taught by God, the author of language.
How many languages?
Originally - 1 language.
- Genesis 11:1-9 - They all spoke one speech and language, so they chose to disobey God's command to spread out over the earth, and to stay together and build a "name" for themselves (determine their own significance).
After Babel - many languages.
- Genesis 11:1-9 - God confused their speech and language, so that they could not understand each other. That brought to an end their attempt to stay together. There was no reason to for people remain in one location, surrounded by people you couldn't communicate with.
At Pentecost - temporarily 1 language among the group (a temporary reversal of Babel).
Today - linguists have determined that there are an estimated 6700 recognized languages in the world.
- Today, people are attempting to work toward 1 language, or something equivalent to that (often by means of technology, such as computers).
- Meanwhile, more languages than ever before are being learned, put into print, etc., than ever before (by organiationhs such as SIL & Wycliffe).
Future - 1 language.
SEE ALSO: The Confusion of Languages
Scripture Pages that Link to Here
- A warning to Israel: One of the judgments for ongoing rebellion - to be conquered by a nation who's language you don't know.
Some other passages to consider
- Isa 28:11 But he will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language; ... [a judgment, when they were unwilling to listen to God - the Assyrians].
- Jer 5:15 Behold, I will bring a nation on you from far, house of Israel, says Yahweh: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you don't know, neither understand what they say [the Babylonians].
- When God delivers his people: Isa 33:19 You will no longer see the fierce people, a people of a deep speech that you can't comprehend, with a strange language that you can't understand.
- According to Deuteronomy 28:49, being overrun by a people of a different language, was an aspect of judgment!
Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.
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