Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Chaldee, often referred to as Aramaic in biblical studies, is a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew. It holds significant importance in the context of the Old Testament, particularly during the period of the Babylonian exile. The term "Chaldee" is derived from the Chaldeans, an ancient people who inhabited the region of southern Babylonia. This language became prominent as the lingua franca of the Near East during the Neo-Babylonian and Persian empires. Biblical Context: Chaldee is notably present in certain portions of the Old Testament, where it is used instead of Hebrew. The most prominent sections written in Chaldee include parts of the books of Daniel and Ezra. These sections reflect the historical and cultural context of the Jewish people during and after the Babylonian exile. Key Biblical Passages: 1. Daniel 2:4-7:28 · This section of the Book of Daniel is written in Chaldee. It begins with the Chaldeans speaking to King Nebuchadnezzar in Aramaic: "Then the Chaldeans answered the king in Aramaic: 'O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.'" (Daniel 2:4). The use of Chaldee here underscores the setting in the Babylonian court and the interactions with the Chaldean wise men. 2. Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:12-26 · These passages in the Book of Ezra are also written in Chaldee. They include official correspondence and decrees from Persian kings, reflecting the administrative language of the empire. For example, Ezra 4:8 begins with, "Rehum the commander and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to King Artaxerxes as follows:" . Historical Significance: The use of Chaldee in these biblical texts highlights the historical reality of the Jewish exile and the subsequent Persian period. As the Jews were exiled to Babylon, they encountered the Chaldean language, which influenced their own linguistic practices. By the time of the Persian Empire, Aramaic had become the dominant language of administration and commerce, further embedding itself into Jewish life and scripture. Linguistic Characteristics: Chaldee, or Aramaic, shares many similarities with Hebrew, including its script and vocabulary. However, it also exhibits distinct grammatical and phonetic features. The adoption of Chaldee by the Jewish people during the exile and post-exilic period reflects a broader cultural and linguistic assimilation into the surrounding empires. Theological Implications: The presence of Chaldee in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and faithfulness during times of exile and foreign domination. It illustrates the adaptability and resilience of the Jewish faith and culture, even when faced with external pressures. The use of Chaldee in prophetic and historical narratives underscores the universal reach of God's message, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. Conclusion: The Chaldee language, as seen in the biblical texts, provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural milieu of the Jewish people during the Babylonian and Persian periods. Its presence in the Bible is a testament to the enduring nature of God's word, communicated through diverse languages and contexts. Nave's Topical Index Daniel 1:4Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. Nave's Topical Index Greek 1446. Hebrais -- Hebrew, the Aramaic vernacular of Pal. ... NASB Word Usage Hebrew (3). Hebrew. From Eber; the Hebraistic (Hebrew) or Jewish (Chaldee) language -- Hebrew. see GREEK Eber. (ebraidi) -- 3 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1446.htm - 6k 1447. Hebraisti -- in Hebrew, in Aramaic Library Daniel. The Original Text and Its History. Ancient Versions of the Old Testament. Arbel. Shezor. Tarnegola the Upper. Index of Subjects. The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem. Messiah's Innocence vindicated Title and Position. The Greater Prophets. The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament... Resources What is dynamic equivalence in Bible translation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the spiritual gift of interpreting tongues? | GotQuestions.org What is metaethics? | GotQuestions.org Language: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Language of all Mankind One at First Language of some Nations Difficult Language: Ancient Kingdoms often Comprehended Nations of Different Language: Confusion of a Punishment for Presumption Language: Confusion of Divided Men Into Separated Nations Language: Confusion of Originated the Varieties In Language: Confusion of Scattered Men Over the Earth Language: Dialects of the Jews Language: Great Variety of, Spoken by Men Language: Interpretation of a Gift of the Holy Spirit Language: Interpretation of Antiquity of Engaging Persons For Language: Interpretation of Most Important in the Early Church Language: Interpretation of The Jews Punished by Being Given up to People of a Strange Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Arabic Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Chaldea Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Egyptian Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Greek Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Hebrew Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Latin Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Lycaonian Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Syriack Language: Many Spoken at Jerusalem Language: Parthian and Other Lands Language: Power of Speaking Different: A Gift of the Holy Spirit Language: Power of Speaking Different: A Sign to Unbelievers Language: Power of Speaking Different: Ceased when the Written Bible Completed Language: Power of Speaking Different: Conferred by Laying on of the Apostles' Hands Language: Power of Speaking Different: Followed Receiving the Gospel Language: Power of Speaking Different: Given on the Day of Pentecost Language: Power of Speaking Different: Necessary to Spread of the Gospel Language: Power of Speaking Different: Promised Language: Power of Speaking Different: Sometimes Abused Language: Speaking in Inspired "Tongues" Forbidden Language: The Term Barbarian Applied to Those Who Spoke a Strange Related Terms |