Gentile

Gentile is a term that originates from the Latin word gentilis, which means "of or belonging to a clan or tribe." In modern usage, it generally refers to a person who is not Jewish. The term is often used in religious contexts, particularly within Judaism and Christianity.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The word "Gentile" comes from the Latin gentilis, which means "of a clan or tribe." The term was used in the Latin Vulgate to translate the Hebrew word goyim, which means "nations" or "peoples." In the Bible, goyim is often used to refer to non-Israelite nations.

Usage in Judaism[edit | edit source]

In Judaism, the term "Gentile" is used to describe anyone who is not a Jew. The Hebrew term goy (plural: goyim) is often used in the Torah and other Jewish texts to refer to nations other than Israel. The term is not inherently pejorative, although it has sometimes been used in a derogatory manner.

Biblical References[edit | edit source]

The term goyim appears frequently in the Hebrew Bible. For example, in Genesis 12:2, God promises Abraham that his descendants will become a "great nation" (goy gadol). In Isaiah 49:6, the prophet speaks of Israel as a "light to the nations" (or goyim).

Usage in Christianity[edit | edit source]

In Christianity, the term "Gentile" is used to refer to non-Jews. The New Testament often uses the Greek word ethnos to describe Gentiles. The Apostle Paul is known for his mission to the Gentiles, as described in the Acts of the Apostles and his Epistles.

Pauline Epistles[edit | edit source]

Paul's letters, such as Romans and Galatians, discuss the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian Church. In Romans 11:11-24, Paul uses the metaphor of an olive tree to describe how Gentiles have been "grafted in" to the spiritual heritage of Israel.

Cultural and Social Implications[edit | edit source]

The term "Gentile" has various cultural and social implications, depending on the context in which it is used. In some contexts, it simply denotes a person who is not Jewish. In others, it may carry connotations related to religious or cultural identity.

Related Terms[edit | edit source]

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Translate this page: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.