Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Egyptian
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Topical Encyclopedia
The Egyptian language holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, reflecting the historical and cultural interactions between the Israelites and the Egyptians. The Bible references the Egyptian language in various contexts, highlighting its importance in the ancient Near East.

Historical Context

The Egyptian language, part of the Afro-Asiatic language family, was the language of one of the most powerful and enduring civilizations of the ancient world. It was used in various forms, including hieroglyphics, hieratic, and later, demotic scripts. The language was integral to the administration, religion, and culture of ancient Egypt.

Biblical References

1. Joseph in Egypt: The account of Joseph, found in the Book of Genesis, provides an early biblical reference to the Egyptian language. Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers, rises to prominence in Egypt. As a high-ranking official, Joseph would have been fluent in the Egyptian language, which was necessary for his role in managing the country's resources during the years of famine (Genesis 41).

2. Moses and the Exodus: Moses, raised in Pharaoh's household, would have been educated in the Egyptian language and culture. This background was crucial for his leadership during the Exodus, as he communicated with both the Israelites and the Egyptian authorities (Exodus 2:10).

3. Isaiah's Prophecy: The prophet Isaiah mentions the Egyptian language in a prophecy concerning Egypt's future. Isaiah 19:18 states, "In that day five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the LORD of Hosts. One of them will be called the City of the Sun." This passage suggests a future transformation where the language of Egypt would be replaced or supplemented by the language of Canaan, symbolizing a shift in allegiance and worship.

4. Jeremiah's Warning: The prophet Jeremiah warns the Israelites against seeking refuge in Egypt, a land with a different language and culture. In Jeremiah 44:26 , he declares, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD, all you Judeans living in the land of Egypt: ‘I have sworn by My great name,’ says the LORD, ‘that never again will My name be invoked by the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, “As surely as the Lord GOD lives.”’" This warning underscores the cultural and linguistic divide between the Israelites and the Egyptians.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Egyptian language was not only a means of communication but also a vehicle for religious and cultural expression. The Egyptians used their language to inscribe religious texts, such as the Pyramid Texts and the Book of the Dead, which played a crucial role in their religious practices and beliefs.

In the biblical context, the Egyptian language represents both the allure and the danger of foreign influence. While it was a language of power and sophistication, it also symbolized the spiritual and cultural challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their distinct identity and faith.

Conclusion

The Egyptian language, as mentioned in the Bible, serves as a testament to the complex interactions between the Israelites and the Egyptians. It highlights the historical realities of the biblical narrative and underscores the broader themes of faith, identity, and divine providence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 84:5
Blessed is the man whose strength is in you; in whose heart are the ways of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 114:1
When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:10
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... which was already occupied by a people of a different race, who used a language
cognate, it would ... Mitanni is mentioned on several Egyptian monuments; but ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Miracle of Tongues.
... some spoke in gene glottou, ie, in kinds of tongues ... fifteen men (the number of languages
mentioned in Acts 2 ... not affected by the difference of language, so must ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxviii the miracle of tongues.htm

A Living Book
... key for discovering the meaning of both kinds of ancient ... of patient labour, the
long-dead language could be ... nations besides the Egyptians are mentioned in the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/duff/the bible in its making/chapter i a living book.htm

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. ...
... to be bestowed on the choice of good language, in which ... Paper (from the Egyptian
"papyrus") is mentioned in 2 ... Of this there were three kinds, according as the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 8 subjects of study.htm

Uncorrupt Preservation of the Gospel Narratives.
... The use of the above-mentioned paper was very ... manuscripts of the New Testament are
of two kinds. ... have made, sometimes in very strong language, concerning the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter iii uncorrupt preservation of.htm

The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ...
... And - still in the language of the Parable - if they had not ... which, if genuine and
unmixed - for at least three kinds of silk are mentioned in ancient ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the unjust steward.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... or city Tyre, situated on the continent, and mentioned in Joshua 19 ... gives us a key
to his own language, of right ... and planted trees in them of all kinds of fruits ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... realm Jehovah destroyed by fire and brimstone, is mentioned. ... for Alexander gifts
of various kinds, flocks of ... be properly trained in the language and learning ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

Of the Origin of the Sarabaites and their Mode of Life.
... own affairs, are rightly named in the Egyptian language Sarabaites, [2079 ... of those,
whom we have mentioned, who wanted ... rule by describing the four kinds of monks ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter vii of the origin.htm

The Old Testament and Archeology
... far more closely than any other Semitic language now known ... figure are attendants
bearing gifts of various kinds. ... of Shalmaneser III Israel is mentioned again as ...
/.../the christian view of the old testament/chapter iv the old testament.htm

Resources
Should Bible translations use gender-inclusive language? | GotQuestions.org

What are the five love languages? | GotQuestions.org

What is Biblical Hebrew? Why was the Old Testament written in Hebrew? | GotQuestions.org

Language: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
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Language

Language of all Mankind One at First

Language of some Nations Difficult

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Language: Ancient Kingdoms often Comprehended Nations of Different

Language: Ashdod

Language: Called: Speech

Language: Called: Tongue

Language: Chaldee

Language: Confusion of

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: Egyptian

Language: Gift of

Language: Great Variety of, Spoken by Men

Language: Greek

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: Latin

Language: Lycaonian

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: Syrian

Language: The Term Barbarian Applied to Those Who Spoke a Strange

Language: Unity of

Vulgar Language

Related Terms

Figurative (20 Occurrences)

Ethiopic

Chaldee

Rabshakeh (15 Occurrences)

Interpret (27 Occurrences)

Script (5 Occurrences)

Arabic

Barbarous (1 Occurrence)

Barbarian (2 Occurrences)

Commonly (5 Occurrences)

Coptic

Syrian (12 Occurrences)

Alphabet (2 Occurrences)

Gothic

Confusion (71 Occurrences)

Latin (2 Occurrences)

Jew (34 Occurrences)

Judean (7 Occurrences)

Rab'shakeh (14 Occurrences)

Rab-shakeh (14 Occurrences)

Aramaean (13 Occurrences)

Abusive (7 Occurrences)

Slavonic

Clearly (67 Occurrences)

Jewish (49 Occurrences)

Armenian

Provinces (40 Occurrences)

Georgian

Veiled (23 Occurrences)

Baptist (16 Occurrences)

Lieutenants (4 Occurrences)

Lycaonia (2 Occurrences)

Word (8118 Occurrences)

Impious (19 Occurrences)

Fourth (87 Occurrences)

Translate (3 Occurrences)

Mouth (534 Occurrences)

Matthew (5 Occurrences)

Confound (9 Occurrences)

Chaldees (13 Occurrences)

Colors (12 Occurrences)

Charity (29 Occurrences)

Aramean (17 Occurrences)

Accad (1 Occurrence)

Satraps (12 Occurrences)

Secretaries (5 Occurrences)

Aramaic (12 Occurrences)

Color (18 Occurrences)

Elamarna

Tablets (31 Occurrences)

El-amarna

Except (236 Occurrences)

Lion (92 Occurrences)

People's (37 Occurrences)

Cross (157 Occurrences)

Eliakim (14 Occurrences)

Greek (19 Occurrences)

Three (5005 Occurrences)

Targum

Tell (3056 Occurrences)

Speaks (109 Occurrences)

Speech (107 Occurrences)

Cush (31 Occurrences)

Septuagint

Manasses (1 Occurrence)

Lip (20 Occurrences)

Bel (3 Occurrences)

Governors (43 Occurrences)

Susanna (1 Occurrence)

Version

Shebna (9 Occurrences)

Pisidia (2 Occurrences)

Dragon (20 Occurrences)

Spoke (799 Occurrences)

Library

Messenger (235 Occurrences)

Writing (194 Occurrences)

Semites

Languages (36 Occurrences)

Language: Kinds of, Mentioned: Chaldea
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