CategoryBiblical Term
Modern Equivalentnations; non-Jewish peoples.
KJV Word TypeNoun
DefinitionPeoples or nations outside Israel; in the New Testament, often non-Jews in contrast to Jews.
Key Verses"A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:32)
KJV Usage NoteOften refers broadly to the nations outside Israel, especially in promises concerning the spread of salvation.
Common MisunderstandingIt does not refer to a single ethnic group; it is a broad term for non-Israelite or non-Jewish peoples.
EtymologyFrom Latin gentilis, meaning "of a nation or clan."