Classical Hebrew

Classical Hebrew (also called Biblical Hebrew or Ancient Hebrew) is the Semitic language that was used by the Hebrews from approximately 1200 BC to 60 AD. The Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) was originally written in Classical Hebrew.

After the first destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of the Jews to Babylon in 586 BC, Classical Hebrew began to be supplanted by Mishnaic Hebrew and Aramaic. Hebrew was revived in the 20th century as the official language of the state of Israel.

A great many given names in the Christian world are of Hebrew origin, coming from the Old and New Testaments. See biblical names.