Gentile
In the Bible, a Gentile is a person from the nations other than Israel. The term often marks the distinction between Jews and non-Jews in God’s unfolding plan of redemption.
At a Glance
In the Bible, a Gentile is a person from the nations other than Israel. The term often marks the distinction between Jews and non-Jews in God’s unfolding plan of redemption.
Description
In biblical usage, a Gentile is generally a non-Jew, that is, someone belonging to the nations outside Israel. The Old Testament often speaks of the nations in contrast to Israel as God’s covenant people, though it also anticipates that the nations will come to know and worship the Lord. In the New Testament, the term continues to describe non-Jews, especially in discussions about the spread of the gospel beyond Israel and the inclusion of the nations through faith in Christ. Scripture maintains this historical distinction while teaching that salvation in Christ is offered to both Jew and Gentile, and that believing Jews and Gentiles share one standing in him without erasing God’s truthfulness to his covenant purposes.