Peshitta

PESHITTA (pĕ-shēt'ta). Often called “simple” version, it is the common name for the ancient Syriac (Aramaic) translation of the Bible. The OT was translated before the Christian era, no doubt by Jews who spoke Aramaic and lived in the countries east of Palestine. Syriac Christians translated the NT during the early centuries of the church, the standard version being that of Rabbula, bishop of Edessa in the fifth century. The Syriac Bible played an important role in the Christian missionary thrust into the countries of the Far East, including India.

See also