Could Jesus read and write?

Question

Does it actually mention it in the bible? if so where?

Answer 1

It is debated whether Jesus could read and write though it is thought that literacy levels in Galilee in the time were quite low. However, in the Gospel of Luke Jesus is said to have read from the Isaiah scroll in a synagogue in Nazareth; also in the narrative about the woman caught in adultery (which is sometimes put in John but doesn't appear in all manuscripts) Jesus is said to write in the dust. The historicity of these two stories has often been questioned however.
There is little in the New Testament about Jesus' education and we don't know what Jewish education would have been like at this time. Most of what we know comes from Rabbinic traditions which were much later and can't really be said to reflect Jesus' milieu.
Further, the story of Jesus in the temple as a child occurs only in Luke's gospel and thus is highly debated. Further, it does not say that he studied there extensively but that he was there over passover when he was twelve.
As for Jesus' standing in his community prior to his ministry... we don't know much about it. The Greek says that he was a Tekton (in Mark's gospel) or the son of the Tekton (Matthew's Gospel). Some scholars have suggested that Tekton has a slightly pejorative connotation (it literally means 'builder'). Certainly, when preaching in his home community the gospels record that Jesus had little success.

Answer 2

A most interesting question - for which many thanks.

I have always supposed that since Jesus was often called Rabbi and had spent much of his childhood in the temple with the priests, it follows that he probably could read and write. He was certainly surrounded by well read and quite wealthy people - including Peter, who was not only a mere fisherman, but the owner of a fleet of fishing boats. His house still stands by the Sea of Galilee.

Okay - lets suppose for a moment that Jesus could indeed read and write. Now you have to ask yourself the question - why have we all been hunting for the "Holy Grail"? What should have been searching for is the "Journal" - hand written by Jesus himself.

Back to the Dead Sea Scrolls then.....

Answer 3

I may be wrong, but I don't remember the King James Bible giving any clue to whether Jesus could read or write, so my answer is no better than my opinion, I'm afraid.

Is is almost definite that he would have been able to read Hebrew which he would have been taught from an early age so he could read and study the Scriptures (the Old Testament books).

As he would have most likely been sent to the synagogue for his education, there is a good possibility that he would have been able to write as well.

****EDIT****

Can I just say top answer to Fingerworm - its nice to learn something new. Please give him the points - he is correct and gives spot on references.

Answer 4

Jesus was a rabbi. Like most men who achieved that status, he was taught how to read the Torah. I'm sure he was taught to write as well.

Although it was left out of the Bible, Jesus was probably married at sometime and possibly even had children (let's ignore the Davinci Code for now). Until he reached the age of 30, he was a carpenter and a respected member of his community. That means he must have done what was expected in that day and age which includes marriage.

My own personal theory is he was a widower which allowed him the freedom to go out and preach like he did.

Answer 5

If He exchange right into a Rabbi, then very probable, as a carpentor or meton, unlikely he had time or capacity! maximum could not study and not nuch of a publishing industry in the classic international.. The language used exchange into Greek, Bible written in Greek as is most of the photographs and mythos that have confounded the message, that's a localized Buddhism compasion and reform of a Caste equipment.

Answer 6

YES Jesus could read and write.
There are 2 references in the bible: Luke chapter 4 verse 16 " and he stood up to read" and John 8 v8 "and again he stooped down and wrote on the ground"
For a man who never wrote a book he sure changed the world

Answer 7

I can't think of anything in the Bible that alludes to Jesus reading or writing although he did study in the synagogue when he was a teenager. He quotes scripture later in life, before He begins His ministry (during the 40 days in the wilderness) and later (on many occassions)- but maybe things like this were passed on by word of mouth?? Not sure...

Answer 8

Yes Jesus could read and write because most Jewish males could at that time so they could read the Jewish scrolls of the Jewish Bible.

Answer 9

Yes - the gospels record that he was invited to read in the synagogue. And in the story of the women caught in adultery he is reported as writing something in the sand with his finger.

Answer 10

If he actually existed the New Testiment states that he was educated. Tradition states he was educated in the house of Hillel, a Pharasee. SO yes if he existed he could read and write