Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Gentile”
The biblical word “Gentile” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (goy (Hebrew), ethnos (Greek)), where it meant “A non-Israelite nation or people; those outside the covenant community of Israel”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “A non-Jewish person; historically, a non-Christian; in modern usage, any non-member of a particular faith group”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekgoy (Hebrew), ethnos (Greek)A non-Israelite nation or people; those outside the covenant community of Israel
Hebrew goy (H1471), plural goyim. Greek ethnos (G1484), 'nation' or 'people'. Originally descriptive, later took on separatist connotations in Jewish law and practice.
Medieval Latin / Church
LatingentilisA non-Christian person; those who have not received Gospel salvation or the Christian faith
Latin gentilis from gens (clan, nation). Church Fathers applied this to pagans and those outside Christendom; mission theology centered on converting gentiles.
Modern English
EnglishgentileA non-Jewish person; historically, a non-Christian; in modern usage, any non-member of a particular faith group
From Latin gentilis via Old French. In Christian theology, key to understanding Paul's mission to the gentiles (Romans 1:16, Galatians 2:8).