Gentiles are people who are not Jewish. The term "Gentile" originates from the Hebrew word goy (plural goyim), meaning "nation" or "people," and was used to refer to nations other than Israel. In the Bible, especially the Old Testament, Gentiles often referred to foreign nations or peoples who did not share the Israelite heritage and were frequently depicted as worshipping other gods
. In the New Testament, the Greek equivalent is ethne (plural of ethnos), which also means "nations" or "people groups." The Latin Vulgate translated these terms as gentilis , which evolved into the English "Gentile"
. From a Jewish perspective historically, Gentiles were often seen as pagans who did not know the true God and were considered "unclean" or outsiders to the covenant relationship God had with Israel. This led to social and religious separation between Jews and Gentiles, with Gentiles sometimes being viewed negatively
. However, the Bible also records the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation, especially through the ministry of Jesus and the apostles. The New Testament emphasizes that salvation through Jesus Christ is available to both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down previous barriers of hostility and separation
. In summary:
- Gentiles = non-Jewish people, originally meaning "nations" or "peoples"
- Historically viewed as outsiders or pagans by Jews
- Biblically, Gentiles were often contrasted with the chosen people of Israel but are included in the Christian message of salvation
- The term is used broadly to mean anyone not descended from the 12 tribes of Israel
Thus, Gentiles are essentially all people who are not Jewish, encompassing various nations and ethnicities outside the Israelite lineage.
