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Latin

The vernacular language of the Romans, although most of them in the time of Christ also spoke Greek.

The New Testament refers to Latin-the language which sprang from ancient Rome (Lk 23:38, Jn 19:20). Most of the Roman Empire also spoke Greek in Jesus' day. But as Roman power spread throughout the ancient world, Latin also expanded in use.

The influence of Latin on the Mediterranean world in the time of Jesus is shown by the occurrence of such Latin words as denarii (Mt 18:28) and praetorian (Phil 1:13), (RSV, NASB) in the New Testament.