John 19:19 (YHWH?)

[Dawid]

Shalom Akhi Dawid,

This is more of a psychological question to you, why do you suppose that the ultra-nationalist type in the 1st century would rather the people speak Greek, than Aramaic? <!-- s:tellme: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/tellme.gif" alt=":tellme:" title="Tell Me" /><!-- s:tellme: -->

Trick question here....think about this carefully before answering.

I see the trap, but I still have to answer honestly. Hellenism was the threat in the first century, so Aramaic would naturally be preferable. If Babylonian culture and religion had been the threat, Greek would have most likely been preferable. Whatever it takes to stave off assimilation.