Yeshua’s Disciples—Multilingual?

Matthew 10:2–4, The names of the twelve. The disciples’ names reflect the multilingualism that had influence over Jews of the first century in the land of Israel. Likely, Yeshua and his disciples were multilingual. They spoke Hebrew and Aramaic and likely had some knowledge of Greek as well.

  • Simon Peter. Heb. Shimon (from shama) meaning “heard.” Gk. petros meaning “a rock or stone.”
  • Andrew. Gr. Andereas (from aner) meaning “manly.”
  • James. Heb. Jacob meaning “heal catcher, supplanter.”
  • John. Heb. Jochanan (Yah and chanan) meaning “YHVH has graced, shown mercy.” 
  • Philip. Gk. philoppos (philos meaning “friend” and hippos meaning “horse”) meaning “a friend or lover of horses.”
  • Bartholomaios. Aram. meaning “son of Tolmai.”
  • Thomas. Aram. meaning “coupled or joined together, twin.”
  • Matthew. Heb. Matthaios or Mattiyahu meaning “gift of YHVH.” 
  • Thaddaeus. Of uncertain origin. Could be Greek or Hebrew.
  • Judas. Heb. Yehudah meaning “praised.”
 

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