There is something so powerful and intimate about praying the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, the language Jesus taught in.
What is the Lord’s Prayer (in Aramaic)?
The Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer, otherwise known as the Our Father, is prayed every day all around the world by Christians — in a multitude of languages. Spoken aloud in mass and other services, this prayer is also something we recite in the morning in solitude, or with our families before coming together for a meal at night.
Jesus’ language: Aramaic
While Jesus likely spoke a few languages, including Hebrew and Greek, he spoke with his disciples and delivered his sermons in Aramaic. Scholars have come to a consensus that this ancient dialect was the primary language of Jews living in Palestine during the first century.
Looking at the two appearances of the Lord’s Prayer in the New Testament (Luke’s and Matthew’s Gospels), scholars have found that the translations lead us back to Aramaic. In the first century, this prayer was delivered by Christ for everyone — not just people who were educated in Greek or Hebrew. The Lord’s Prayer is for everyone — anytime, anywhere.
Why pray the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic?
Praying the Lord’s Prayer in its original language offers a special opportunity to remove ourselves from the modern world. Through prayer, we can better appreciate the beauty of Christ’s words from the first century.
Often, when we read or listen to a prayer we aren’t as familiar with, it helps us meditate on it in a new way. By praying the Lord’s Prayer in its original language, we might find a new way of connecting with Christ in our daily meditations.
When should you pray the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic?
Just like praying the Lord’s Prayer in English, Spanish, or another language spoken today, the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic can be prayed in any moment of the day or night. While it might feel strange at first, this ancient language will become more familiar as you listen to it on Hallow with guest Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen, as your guide.
How to Pray: the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic
The first time you pray this ancient version of a prayer you might have memorized in English, focus on the sound of the words. Leave the busyness of your day and focus on being present with Christ, as you learn a few phrases in the language he spoke throughout his days on earth.
Below, you’ll find the Lord’s Prayer in first century Aramaic translated by Rev. William Fulco, SJ.
Abun di bashmayya nethqadash shmak.
Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name.
Tethey malkuthak.
Thy / Your kingdom come.
Newe tzevyanak aykan di bashmayya af ba’ara.
Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Lakhman di sunkanan yamana hav lan yoma dheyn.
Give us (this day) our daily bread.
Wa-shbuk lan khavine aykana, d’af hanan shbukan l’khayvine.
And forgive us our trespasses/ debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Ulo ellan lanisyana l’heyn atzeyl lan min beesha.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us /protect us from the evil one.
Amin.
Amen.
We hope you enjoy praying the Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic. You can find the prayer in the Guests section on Hallow. You can also pray the Lord’s Prayer in Latin in the same tab.