from ἔθνος; national ("ethnic"), i.e. (specially) a Gentile:--heathen (man).
Transliteration:ethnikós
Pronunciation:eth-nee-kos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term G1482 (*ethnikós*) is derived from the noun *éthnos* (`{{G1484}}`), meaning "nation" or "people." Its base definition encompasses "national" or "ethnic." However, in the New Testament context, its semantic range narrows significantly to specifically denote a "Gentile," or more pejoratively, a "heathen" or "pagan." This evolution reflects the distinct theological and cultural boundary between Israel (and later the Christian community) and all other nations. While *éthnos* in its plural form can simply mean "the nations" without negative connotation, *ethnikós* often carries the implication of one who is outside the covenant, lacking the true knowledge and worship of God. It signifies a person characterized by the practices and beliefs of the non-Jewish world, often associated with idolatry, ungodliness, or a lack of divine revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1482 appears three times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a specific aspect of its meaning:
* **[[Matthew 6:7]]**: "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words." Here, *ethnikós* clearly refers to pagans, those who practice idolatry and engage in superstitious, ritualistic prayer that is devoid of genuine faith or understanding of God's nature. Jesus contrasts this with the sincere, intimate prayer offered to the Heavenly Father, emphasizing that true prayer is not about quantity but quality and relationship. The "Gentile" here represents a spiritual state of ignorance concerning the true God.
* **[[Matthew 18:17]]**: "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector." In this passage concerning church discipline, *ethnikós* is paired with "tax collector" (a class often despised by Jews for their collaboration with Rome and perceived dishonesty). To treat someone "as a Gentile and a tax collector" implies a radical exclusion from the fellowship of believers. It signifies placing them outside the community, much like those who are outside the covenant people of God. This is not an ethnic designation but a spiritual and relational one, indicating a severing of ties due to unrepentant sin.
* **[[3 John 1:7]]**: "For they went out for the sake of the Name, taking nothing from the Gentiles." Here, *ethnikós* refers to non-believers, those who are not part of the Christian community. John commends the missionaries who, in their dedication to Christ's name, do not solicit financial support from those outside the faith. This practice underscores the principle of relying on God and the generosity of fellow believers, maintaining a distinct witness and avoiding any perception of self-interest or exploitation of the unchurched. It highlights the separation between the mission and the world from which it seeks to evangelize.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding G1482 is enhanced by examining its relationship to other biblical terms:
* ***éthnos* (`{{G1484}}`)**: The foundational word, meaning "nation" or "people." While the plural *ethne* often translates as "Gentiles" in a broad sense, *ethnikós* specifically denotes an individual characterized as such, often with negative connotations.
* ***Ioudaios* (`{{G2453}}`)**: "Jew" or "Judean." This term forms the primary contrast to *ethnikós*, establishing the fundamental distinction between the covenant people of God and all others.
* ***Hellēn* (`{{G1672}}`)**: "Greek." In many New Testament contexts, especially Pauline epistles, "Greek" functions as a cultural and often spiritual synonym for "Gentile," representing the non-Jewish world (e.g., "Jew and Greek").
* ***barbaros* (`{{G915}}`)**: "Barbarian." While *ethnikós* emphasizes religious or covenantal distinction, *barbaros* typically signifies linguistic and cultural foreignness, often implying a lack of Hellenistic civilization.
* ***goyim* (`{{H1471}}`)**: The Hebrew equivalent in the Old Testament, meaning "nations" or "peoples." Like *éthnos*, it can be neutral, but often carries the sense of non-Israelite nations, frequently associated with idolatry and opposition to God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1482 lies in its role in defining spiritual identity and boundaries within the New Testament narrative.
1. **Spiritual Otherness and Alienation**: *Ethnikós* consistently marks those who are spiritually "other" from God's covenant people. Whether in the context of pagan prayer or church discipline, it signifies a state of alienation from God's truth and community. This highlights the profound spiritual chasm between the unregenerate world and those who have entered into a relationship with God through Christ.
2. **The Need for Transformation**: The negative connotations associated with *ethnikós* underscore the necessity of spiritual transformation. The practices of the "Gentile" (vain repetition, unrepentance) are antithetical to the life of faith. The New Testament's broader message, particularly through Paul, is that these "Gentiles" can be brought near to God through Christ, becoming "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([[Ephesians 2:19]]).
3. **Community Boundaries and Purity**: In [[Matthew 18:17]], the term defines the ultimate boundary of the believing community. To be treated "as a Gentile" is to be excommunicated, signifying that one has placed oneself outside the spiritual and relational bonds of the church. This emphasizes the importance of repentance, accountability, and the purity of the church's witness.
4. **Missionary Integrity**: In [[3 John 1:7]], *ethnikós* informs the integrity of Christian mission. Not taking support from "Gentiles" reinforces the idea that the gospel is proclaimed freely and that its sustenance comes from God through the faithful, not from those who do not share the faith. This preserves the purity of the message and avoids any perception of financial gain as the motive.
### Summary
The Greek term G1482 (*ethnikós*) signifies an individual who is "national" or "ethnic," but in the New Testament, it predominantly refers to a "Gentile" or "heathen." This designation is not merely ethnic but carries significant spiritual weight, marking those outside the covenant relationship with God. Its usage in [[Matthew 6:7]] highlights the vain practices of pagans, while in [[Matthew 18:17]], it denotes a state of excommunication from the believing community due to unrepentance. In [[3 John 1:7]], it refers to non-believers from whom Christian missionaries should not seek financial support. Theologically, *ethnikós* serves to define spiritual otherness, emphasize the need for transformation, delineate community boundaries, and underscore the integrity of Christian mission. It stands in stark contrast to those who are in covenant with God, whether Jew or, ultimately, the redeemed of all nations.
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