Bible Dictionary
Shemitic Languages
Shemitic, or Semitic, languages are the related languages traditionally associated with the descendants of Shem, including Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, Assyrian, and related tongues.
Definition
Shemitic, or Semitic, languages are the family of languages traditionally associated with the descendants of Shem. The supplied examples include Hebrew, Chaldaic, Assyrian, Arabic, Phoenician, and Aramaic or Syriac.
Biblical Usage
Hebrew was spoken by the Jews in their earlier history, while Aramaic, also called Syro-Chaldaic, was spoken by them in the time of Christ.
Historical Background
The designation is based on the traditional association of these languages with Shem and his descendants.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
the family of languages spoken by the descendants of Shem, chiefly the Hebrew, Chaldaic, Assyrian, Arabic Phoenician and Aramaic or Syriac. The Jews in their earlier history spoke the Hebrew, but in Christ’s time they spoke the Aramaic, sometimes called the Syro-Chaldaic.