CategoryBackground / Language and People Term
Modern EquivalentHebrew language; Israelite or Jewish person.
KJV Word TypeLanguage term / people-group term
DefinitionThe language of the Israelites and the original language of most of the Old Testament. Also refers to the Jewish people.
Key Verses"And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water." (Exodus 2:10); "I am an Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land." (Jonah 1:9)
KJV Usage NoteMay refer to the Hebrew language, the Hebrew people, or Israelite identity depending on context.
Common Misunderstanding“Hebrew” can refer to a language, a people, or an identity marker; context determines which meaning is intended.
EtymologyFrom Hebrew Ivri ("one from beyond [the Euphrates]").