Gentile — Meaning in the Bible
A person who is not Jewish; "the nations". The Bible promises blessing to all nations through Abraham, and Acts tells how Gentiles came to faith.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
God promised Abraham that all the families of the earth would be blessed through him. The prophets speak of the nations coming to God's light. Genesis 12:3Isaiah 49:6
In Acts the Spirit falls on the Gentile household of Cornelius, and the Jerusalem council decides Gentiles do not need to be circumcised. Paul calls himself the apostle to the Gentiles. Acts 10:44–48Acts 15:6–19Romans 11:13Galatians 3:28
Key passages
- Genesis 12:1–3 — All families blessed.
- Isaiah 49:6 — A light to the nations.
- Acts 10:34–48 — Cornelius.
- Acts 15:1–21 — The council.
- Ephesians 2:11–22 — Gentiles brought near.
How translations differ
- The same Greek and Hebrew words are translated "nations" or "Gentiles" depending on context and version. Matthew 28:19Romans 11:13
Study further
- Acts 10–11 The door opens.
- Ephesians 2:11–22 One new people.