Original Word: Ἰσραηλίτης
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Israelites
Pronunciation: is-rah-ay-LEE-tace
Phonetic Spelling: (is-rah-ale-ee'-tace)
Definition: an Israelite, one of the chosen people of Israel, a Jew.
Meaning: An Israelite; a descendant of Israel (Jacob), pertaining to the people of Israel.

Word Origin: Derived from Ἰσραήλ (Israēl), which is the Greek form of the Hebrew name יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el).

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H3478 יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el): Israel, the name given to Jacob and subsequently to the nation descended from him.
• H1121 בֵּן (ben): Son, often used in genealogical contexts to denote descent.
• H5971 עַם (am): People, often used to refer to the people of Israel as a collective group.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term Ἰσραηλίτης, its origins, and its significance within the biblical narrative, reflecting the identity and heritage of the people of Israel as depicted in the New Testament.

Usage: The term Ἰσραηλίτης is used in the New Testament to refer to individuals who are descendants of the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel. It denotes ethnic and religious identity as part of the chosen people of God.

Context: The term Ἰσραηλίτης appears in the New Testament to identify individuals who belong to the nation of Israel, the descendants of Jacob. This designation is significant in the context of the New Testament, as it underscores the continuity of God's covenant with the people of Israel and their unique role in salvation history.

In the Gospel of John, Nathanael is described as "an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47, BSB), highlighting the ideal characteristics of a true Israelite. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, often refers to his own identity as an Israelite to establish his credentials and authority in discussing matters of Jewish law and tradition. For instance, in Romans 11:1, Paul states, "I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin" (BSB), affirming his heritage and connection to the promises given to the patriarchs.

The term also appears in the context of discussions about the inclusion of Gentiles into the faith community, as seen in Romans 9:4, where Paul speaks of the Israelites as those "to whom belong the adoption as sons, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, and the promises" (BSB). This highlights the privileges and responsibilities associated with being an Israelite, as well as the broader theological implications of God's plan for both Jews and Gentiles.

Cognate: 2475 Israēlítēs (from 2474 /Israḗl, "Israel") – an Israelite; a descendant of the elect-nation of Israel. 2475 /Israēlítēs ("Israelite") has a positive (covenant) overtone, implying someone is a true covenant-believer. In contrast, 1445 /Hebraíos ("Jew") in the NT has a negative implication of being hostile to Christ, the true Messiah.

STRONGS NT 2475: Ἰσραηλίτης

Ἰσραηλίτης (T WH Ἰσραηλειτης, Tr only in John 1:47 (48); (see Tdf. Proleg., p. 86, and cf. under the word εἰ, ἰ)), Ἰσραεηλιτου, ὁ (Ἰσραήλ, which see), an Israelite (Hebrew יִשְׂרְאֵלִי; the Sept. Ιεζραηλίτης, 2 Samuel 17:25), one of the race of Israel, a name held in honor (see Ἰσραήλ): John 1:47 (48); Romans 9:4; Romans 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:22; ἄνδρες Ἰσραηλῖται (Winers Grammar, § 65, 5 d.; Buttmann, 82 (72)), Acts 2:22; Acts 3:12; Acts 5:35; Acts 13:16; (Acts 21:28) (4 Macc. 18:1; Josephus, Antiquities 2, 9, 1). (Cf. B. D. (American edition) under the word Synonym: see Ἰουδαῖος, b.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Israelite.

From Israel; an "Israelite", i.e. Descendant of Israel (literally or figuratively) -- Israelite.

see GREEK Israel

Forms and Transliterations

Ισραηλειται Ἰσραηλεῖται Ἰσραηλεῖταί Ισραηλειτης Ἰσραηλείτης Ἰσραηλῖται Ἰσραηλῖταί Ἰσραηλίτης Israelitai Israelîtai Israelîtaí Israēlitai Israēlîtai Israēlîtaí Israelites Israelítes Israēlitēs Israēlítēs

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