rarely (shortened) גֹּי; apparently from the same root as גֵּוָה (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts; Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
Transliteration:gôwy
Pronunciation:go'-ee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1471}}` (גּוֹי, *gôwy*), often shortened to גֹּי, fundamentally denotes a collective body, a "mass," or a "group." Its etymological root is believed to be connected to `{{H1465}}` (גֵּוָה, *gēwāh*), suggesting a sense of a physical body or a collected mass. Primarily, `{{H1471}}` refers to a "nation" or "people." However, its most prominent semantic range in the biblical text is to distinguish between Israel and other peoples, thus frequently translating as "foreign nation," "Gentile," or "heathen." This distinction is crucial, as it marks those outside the covenant community of Israel. Beyond human populations, `{{H1471}}` can also be used figuratively to describe a large, undifferentiated mass of animals, such as a "troop" or "swarm," or a "flight" of locusts, underscoring the idea of a numerous, unified, and often undifferentiated entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{H1471}}` is pervasive throughout the Old Testament, appearing hundreds of times, primarily in its plural form, גּוֹיִם (*gôyim*).
1. **"Nation" in a General Sense:** Initially, `{{H1471}}` can simply mean any "nation" or "people group," without negative connotation. For instance, God promises Abraham that he will become a "great nation" (גּוֹי גָּדוֹל) in [[Genesis 12:2]]. Similarly, Israel itself is called a "holy nation" (גּוֹי קָדוֹשׁ) in [[Exodus 19:6]], highlighting their unique status among all the peoples of the earth.
2. **"Foreign Nation" or "Gentile":** This is the most common and significant usage. `{{H1471}}` frequently delineates non-Israelite peoples, particularly those who do not worship Yahweh. These "nations" are often depicted as idolatrous, morally corrupt, or hostile to Israel. Examples include the Canaanite nations whose land Israel was to inherit ([[Deuteronomy 7:1]]), the nations that oppressed Israel due to their disobedience ([[Judges 2:14]]), or the nations around Israel that served other gods ([[1 Kings 11:2]]). Prophetic literature often speaks of God's judgment upon these גּוֹיִם for their wickedness and rebellion ([[Jeremiah 25:15-38]]).
3. **Figurative Usage:** In a few instances, `{{H1471}}` is applied to non-human entities, emphasizing their collective, numerous, and often undifferentiated nature:
* [[Proverbs 30:25-26]] refers to ants and conies as "not a strong גּוֹי" (a people/troop), yet wise in their ways.
* [[Joel 1:6]] vividly describes a devastating locust plague as a "nation" (גּוֹי) that has come upon the land, mighty and without number. These instances reinforce the primary sense of a large, cohesive group.
The contextual use of `{{H1471}}` often carries theological weight, particularly when contrasting Israel with the surrounding "nations." This distinction is fundamental to understanding Israel's identity and mission within God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{H1471}}` is enhanced by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms for "people" or "group":
* **`{{H5971}}` (עַם, *ʿam*):** While `{{H1471}}` can mean "nation" generally, `{{H5971}}` (ʿam) is more frequently used to refer specifically to Israel as God's "people," emphasizing their familial, tribal, or covenantal bond. עַם often connotes a shared identity and loyalty, whereas גּוֹי more often highlights ethnic or political distinctiveness, particularly foreignness or non-Israelite status. However, there are contexts where they are used interchangeably or in parallelism.
* **`{{H3816}}` (לְאֹם, *le'om*):** This term also means "people" or "nation" and is often found in poetic or elevated language, sometimes in parallelism with `{{H1471}}` or `{{H5971}}`. It can refer to any people group, whether Israelite or foreign.
* **`{{H4467}}` (מַמְלָכָה, *mamlakah*):** Meaning "kingdom" or "dominion," this term emphasizes the political structure and sovereignty of a state, which may encompass a גּוֹי (nation). While a kingdom is composed of a people, מַמְלָכָה focuses on the governing authority and territory.
The concept of `{{H1471}}` is intrinsically linked to broader theological themes such as covenant, chosenness, idolatry, and universalism.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1471}}` is profound and multifaceted:
1. **The Distinction of Israel:** `{{H1471}}` is central to defining Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people, set apart from "the nations." This distinction is not based on inherent superiority but on God's sovereign election and covenant with Abraham ([[Genesis 12:1-3]]). Israel was called to be a light to these גּוֹיִם, demonstrating Yahweh's holiness and faithfulness.
2. **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations:** Despite their idolatry and rebellion, the גּוֹיִם are not outside God's control. The Old Testament consistently portrays Yahweh as the sovereign Lord of all nations, using them as instruments of judgment, discipline, or even blessing for His people ([[Isaiah 10:5-6]], [[Jeremiah 25:9]]). He holds them accountable for their actions and will ultimately judge them ([[Psalm 9:19-20]]).
3. **The Problem of Idolatry:** Often, "the nations" serve as a negative theological foil, characterized by their worship of false gods and their corrupt practices. This contrasts sharply with Israel's call to monotheism and ethical living, serving as a constant warning against assimilation.
4. **Prophetic Hope and Universalism:** A crucial theological development in the prophets is the vision of the גּוֹיִם eventually turning to Yahweh. Prophecies speak of a future day when "all nations" will stream to Jerusalem to learn God's law ([[Isaiah 2:2-4]]), or when they will come to seek the Lord and be included in His salvation ([[Zechariah 8:20-23]], [[Isaiah 49:6]]). This foreshadows the New Testament's revelation of the church as a multi-ethnic body, where the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is broken down through Christ ([[Ephesians 2:14]]). The Septuagint's translation of `{{H1471}}` as *ethnos* (ἔθνος) directly influences the New Testament's concept of "Gentiles," carrying forward this theological trajectory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H1471}}` (גּוֹי, *gôwy*) primarily denotes a "nation" or "people," but most frequently takes on the specialized meaning of a "foreign nation" or "Gentile," serving to distinguish non-Israelite peoples from God's chosen covenant community. While it can also refer figuratively to a mass of animals, its core significance lies in its role in defining Israel's identity by contrast and highlighting the theological tension between Israel and the surrounding world. Theologically, `{{H1471}}` underscores God's sovereignty over all peoples, the pervasive problem of idolatry among the nations, and the ultimate prophetic hope for the inclusion of all גּוֹיִם in God's redemptive plan through the Messiah. This term is thus foundational to understanding the biblical narrative of salvation history and God's universal design for humanity.
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