there was a surge of interest in learning hebrew by many of the puritans, and other religious group that settled in NA at that time. Remember, they were trying to "Purify" christianity from "Papist" influences. english still had formal and inforal means of address (thee and thou, and others.. (not good on details here)).

Not thinking it right to have every day language for religous services, but wanting to get rid of latin, hebrew became a popular alternative.

and there was a increase in the use of old testiment names-- good old english ann, gave way to Hannah. --jack was surplanted by Jacob..


my other obsession