Lexical Summary Israelites: Israelite Original Word: Ἰσραηλίτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Israelite. From Israel; an "Israelite", i.e. Descendant of Israel (literally or figuratively) -- Israelite. see GREEK Israel HELPS Word-studies 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. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2475: ἸσραηλίτηςἸσραηλίτης (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.) Topical Lexicon Overview and Scope Strong’s Greek 2475 designates an “Israelite,” a member of the covenant nation descended from the patriarch Jacob (Israel). Within the New Testament the word is not merely ethnic; it evokes the full redemptive history, privileges, and responsibilities granted to the people of God and frames the ongoing relationship between that nation and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Old Covenant Foundations To be an Israelite meant to stand within a account stretching from Abraham’s call, through the Exodus, the giving of the Law, the Davidic promises, and the prophetic hope of restoration. Every mention of Ἰσραηλίτης/Ἰσραηλῖται carries that backdrop. The term reminds readers that God’s dealings with Israel were rooted in grace—“You are a people holy to the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 7:6)—and that His gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Recognition by Jesus The first New Testament occurrence (John 1:47) shows Jesus discerning Nathanael’s true character: “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit”. The Lord acknowledges Nathanael’s covenant identity while affirming the inward reality that ought to accompany it. Jesus implicitly affirms that authentic Israelite status involves integrity of heart, thus preparing the way for the inward-outward paradigm later expounded by the apostles. Israelites Addressed in Apostolic Proclamation (Acts) Luke records five usages in public addresses that open salvation’s door to Israel while warning against unbelief. • Acts 2:22: “Men of Israel, hear these words.” Peter roots the Pentecost sermon in Israel’s Scriptures, proving that the crucified Jesus fulfills Davidic prophecy and inviting repentance (Acts 2:36-39). Israelite Privileges in Pauline Theology Romans 9:4-5 lists unparalleled blessings: “Theirs is the adoption as sons, the divine glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple worship, and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the Christ according to the flesh”. The Israelite heritage is honored without reservation. Yet Paul laments Israel’s widespread unbelief and prays for their salvation (Romans 10:1). Personal Testimony and Apostolic Credentials Paul twice identifies himself as an Israelite: • Romans 11:1: “I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.” These declarations prove God has not rejected His people; Paul serves as a living pledge that faith in Christ does not sever, but rather consummates, covenant identity. Remnant and Eschatological Hope Romans 11 elaborates a remnant chosen by grace (11:5) and foresees a future ingathering: “All Israel will be saved” (11:26). Thus “Israelite” is neither erased nor merely spiritualized; its ultimate destiny lies in national restoration through faith in Messiah, harmonizing prophecy with the inclusion of Gentiles. Ministry Implications 1. Evangelism to Jewish people remains vital. Apostolic preaching modeled respectful engagement that starts with shared Scriptures and points to Jesus as promised Messiah. Summary Strong’s 2475 highlights the enduring covenant category “Israelite,” grounding the gospel in God’s redemptive dealings with Israel and affirming His unwavering commitment to fulfill every promise given to the patriarchs through Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations Ισραηλειται Ἰσραηλεῖται Ἰσραηλεῖταί Ισραηλειτης Ἰσραηλείτης Ἰσραηλῖται Ἰσραηλῖταί Ἰσραηλίτης Israelitai Israelîtai Israelîtaí Israēlitai Israēlîtai Israēlîtaí Israelites Israelítes Israēlitēs IsraēlítēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 1:47 N-NMSGRK: Ἴδε ἀληθῶς Ἰσραηλίτης ἐν ᾧ NAS: of him, Behold, an Israelite indeed, KJV: him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in INT: Behold truly an Israelite in whom Acts 2:22 N-VMP Acts 3:12 N-VMP Acts 5:35 N-VMP Acts 13:16 N-VMP Acts 21:28 N-VMP Romans 9:4 N-NMP Romans 11:1 N-NMS 2 Corinthians 11:22 N-NMP Strong's Greek 2475 |
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