Languages of Creation and Connection

In the beginning, when God created the world, everything was perfect. Language was the way Adam communicated with God and the world around him. Adam didn’t need to search for the right words to describe things because there was no confusion—his words carried meaning, and everything he said made sense. There was no disconnect, no miscommunication. Everything in the Garden of Eden worked in harmony. Adam named the animals, and he had no trouble understanding them or being understood. God’s world wasn’t just beautiful in its creation—it was beautiful in its communication. The first language Adam used was direct and simple, but also full of power, as it represented the perfect relationship between man, creation, and God.

But then, things changed. The first humans were given the gift of choice. They could obey God or follow their own desires. The story of the Tower of Babel tells us about a time when people tried to make a name for themselves by building a tower that reached the heavens. They thought they could be like God, reach the same heights, and have all the power for themselves. The problem was that they were trying to achieve their own greatness, leaving God out of the picture. God saw the pride in their hearts, and He knew if they continued down this path, it would only lead to more separation from Him. So, He stepped in. In one moment, He confused their language, and suddenly, the people couldn’t understand one another. A person would speak, but others would have no idea what they meant. The workers who once built the tower together, united by the same language, were now scattered, unable to communicate.

This moment, as confusing and frustrating as it seemed, was also part of God’s greater plan. By scattering the people and causing them to speak different languages, He made sure they couldn’t continue building a monument to their own pride. But God also, in His wisdom, created something even more beautiful—diversity. The different languages that emerged from this event didn’t just divide people; they became a reflection of the creativity of God. Each language that came into being carried with it the unique culture, customs, and history of the people who spoke it. People weren’t just communicating—they were speaking in ways that reflected their identity and their relationship to the world around them. Every language became more than just words. It became a way of seeing and understanding the world, a unique way of expressing the human experience.

Take Hebrew, for example. Hebrew is the language of the Bible’s Old Testament. It’s not just a language for communicating—it’s a language rich with history and meaning. When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, He spoke Hebrew. Hebrew words aren’t just words; they’re full of deep meaning. For instance, the word “shalom” means peace, but it’s not just the absence of conflict. It’s a wholeness, a peace that fills every part of life—a peace that only comes from God. The word “chesed” in Hebrew doesn’t just mean love; it means a deep, steadfast love—a love that is loyal and always present, even when things are hard. These words shape how the Hebrew people understood their relationship with God. It wasn’t just about hearing the words—it was about living them out, experiencing them in every part of life.

When the New Testament came along, the apostles began spreading the message of Jesus in Greek. Greek was the language of scholars and philosophers in the Roman Empire, and it was well-suited to convey complex ideas. The New Testament was written in Greek because it allowed the apostles to speak in depth about God’s love and the salvation Jesus brought. Greek had multiple words for love, each one capturing a different aspect of it. One of the most well-known words is “agape,” which refers to God’s selfless, sacrificial love. It’s the kind of love that led Jesus to the cross, giving up everything for humanity’s sake. Greek made it possible to express love in all its forms, making it the perfect language to share the story of Jesus and His sacrifice for us.

Latin, the language of the Roman Empire, became the language of the Church for many centuries. Even when people didn’t speak Latin in their everyday lives, it became the language of sacred worship. The Catholic Church used Latin in Mass and the Bible. The reason for this wasn’t just about tradition—it was because Latin had a certain weight to it. It was a language that felt holy, that carried with it the history and authority of the Church. Even though Latin is not widely spoken today, its influence is still seen in many of the languages we use now. Spanish, Italian, French, and others are all descendants of Latin. These Romance languages carry the legacy of Latin in their structure and vocabulary, and they also carry a deep connection to the Christian faith, which spread through these lands.

Spanish, for instance, is spoken by millions of people across the world. For many people, Spanish is not just a language—it’s a key part of their identity and culture. It’s a language filled with warmth and passion. When people speak Spanish, they express their joy, their love, their sorrow, and their hopes. The way Spanish speakers pray, sing, and celebrate shows a deep connection to their culture and faith. You can hear the rhythm of life in the language—the songs, the food, the family traditions. Spanish is a language that holds generations of experience, history, and culture.

Mandarin Chinese is another fascinating language that’s deeply tied to culture and history. Chinese is one of the oldest languages in the world, and it carries with it thousands of years of tradition. Instead of an alphabet, Chinese uses characters, each one representing a word or idea. Each character tells a story, and the structure of the language itself reflects the Chinese worldview—one that values respect, family, and tradition. When someone speaks Mandarin, they’re not just communicating; they’re expressing a way of seeing the world that’s been passed down for generations. Christianity in China may face challenges, but it is growing, and as Chinese Christians gather to worship, they do so in a language that’s as ancient as the faith itself. For them, Mandarin is not just a way to communicate; it’s a way to express their devotion to God.

Arabic is another language that carries immense significance. It is also a language rich in culture, history, and spirituality. For many Christians in the Middle East and North Africa, Arabic is the language of faith as well. The sounds and rhythms of Arabic often bring a sense of reverence and devotion. Arabic has deeply influenced the culture of the region, from art and poetry to philosophy and science. It’s a language full of beauty, and even when people are speaking secularly, it carries the weight of centuries of history.

English, in today’s world, has become the language most people associate with global communication. It’s the language of business, technology, science, and entertainment. But English also has a deep connection to the Christian faith. The Bible has been translated into English countless times, and the language has played a major role in spreading the Christian message across the world. But more than that, English, with its rich vocabulary and flexible structure, allows for a wide range of expression. It’s a language that continues to evolve, reflecting the cultures and histories of the people who speak it.

All of these languages, from Hebrew and Greek to Latin, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and English, help us understand not just the words being spoken, but the people who speak them. Each language has its own rhythm, its own sound, and its own story. The language someone speaks can tell you a lot about where they’re from, what they value, and how they see the world. When we learn a language, we open the door to a deeper understanding of the people who speak it. It’s not just about learning how to communicate; it’s about learning their culture, their customs, and their history. It’s about connecting with them on a deeper level.

Take sign language, for example. Sign language is the primary way for many hearing-impaired individuals to communicate with the world. Just like any spoken language, sign language has its own grammar, vocabulary, and nuances. It’s a language of expression, using gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning. Sign language is not just a tool for communication; it’s a way for the deaf community to connect, share their stories, and express their feelings. Just as with any other language, it carries the culture and identity of the people who use it. In a world where sound is often the primary mode of communication, sign language reminds us that there are other ways to connect and share meaning. And, just like other languages, it’s a living, evolving language that plays an important role in how people interact and connect with each other.

Languages, spoken or signed, are not just tools for communication. They are threads that weave through our cultures, connecting us to the past, shaping how we see the world, and helping us connect with one another. When we learn a new language, we step into someone else’s world. We begin to understand them not just through words, but through the culture, traditions, and experiences that shaped that language. And one day, when we gather before God’s throne, we will all be united, not just by our faith, but by the many languages that have told the story of who we are and how we’ve come to know Him.

I hope this message blessed you. If so, please leave a comment. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anna M. C. Hazen 2025