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Gentiles

גּוֹי/JEN-tylz/

“Nation or people”

Summary

A term used in Scripture to designate all peoples and nations other than Israel, who stood outside God's covenant relationship with the Jewish people.

☩Terminology

The Hebrew word 'goy' (plural 'goyim') is rendered variously as 'Gentiles,' 'nations,' or 'heathen' in English translations. In the New Testament, the Greek 'ethnos' corresponds to this term and is similarly translated. While these words can refer to any nation including Israel in certain contexts, they commonly designate non-Israelite peoples in contrast to God's covenant nation. The term 'Greeks' (Hellenes) also came to mean Gentiles generally, as Greek became the international language.

Key verses:Deuteronomy 26:18-19Romans 2:9-10

☩Israel's Relation to Gentiles

Under Old Testament regulations, Gentiles were simply non-Israelites, aliens from the worship, rites, and privileges of Israel. Yet with all the superiority of gentile world kingdoms in military prowess, commerce, and the arts, Israel stood on an immense moral elevation in one point: nearness to God and possession of His revealed word. This superiority was intended that Israel, as priests unto God, might be mediator of blessings to all nations.

Key verses:Exodus 19:5-6Psalm 147:19-20Isaiah 61:6

☩Gentiles in the New Testament

The sharp differentiation between Jew and Gentile increased in New Testament times, yet God's purpose always included the nations. Jesus ministered primarily to Israel but anticipated the ingathering of Gentiles, and the apostles proclaimed a gospel that broke down the dividing wall. In Christ, the distinction between Jew and Greek is abolished for believers, who are made 'one new man' in Him.

Key verses:Ephesians 2:14Galatians 3:28Acts 10:34-35

Related Verses197 mentions

Acts· 37 verses

4:277:459:1510:4511:1

Isaiah· 30 verses

2:29:111:1018:742:1

Romans· 26 verses

1:51:131:182:12:14

Matthew· 11 verses

4:156:328:1110:510:18

See Also

Portrait of a woman as Ruth.
Foreigner
Heathen
Heathen
Plaque with Solomon Turning to Idolatry
Idolatry
Missions
Missions

References

  1. 1.James Orr (ed.), "Gentiles," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
  2. 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Gentiles," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
  3. 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Gentiles," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
  4. 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Gentiles," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
  5. 5.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Gentiles," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
  6. 6.George Morrish, "Gentiles," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).