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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gôwy**, represented by `{{H1471}}`, is a term for a **nation** or **people**. It appears 558 times across 511 unique verses in the Bible. The term generally refers to a foreign **nation**, a Gentile, or a group of people, often distinguishing them as separate from Israel. It can be used to describe Israel itself, other specific peoples, or the collective gentile world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H1471}}` is applied in several distinct ways. It is used in God's foundational promise to Abraham, "I will make of thee a great **nation**" [[Genesis 12:2]]. The term also defines Israel's unique identity, as when God calls them a "holy **nation**" [[Exodus 19:6]]. In contrast, it frequently refers to the "heathen" or "Gentiles"—the non-Israelite peoples surrounding them [[Psalms 33:10]]. In a prophetic context, it encompasses all peoples of the earth, who are subject to God's judgment and ultimate plan of salvation, as when Jeremiah is ordained a "prophet unto the **nations**" [[Jeremiah 1:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader understanding of societal and ethnic groupings:
* `{{H5971}}` **ʻam** (a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel)): This word often refers to a people as a congregated group, frequently used for Israel itself. It is sometimes used in parallel with **gôwy**, as when the LORD "bringeth the counsel of the heathen{H1471} to nought: he maketh the devices of the people{H5971} of none effect" [[Psalms 33:10]].
* `{{H3816}}` **lᵉʼôm** (a community; nation, people): Often translated as 'people' or 'nation', this term is used alongside **gôwy** to describe distinct communities. In God's prophecy to Rebekah, He states, "Two **nations**{H1471} are in thy womb, and two manner of **people**{H3816} shall be separated from thy bowels" [[Genesis 25:23]].
* `{{H4467}}` **mamlâkâh** (kingdom, king's, reign, royal): This term refers to the political dominion or realm of a people. Jeremiah was set "over the **nations**{H1471} and over the **kingdoms**{H4467}" [[Jeremiah 1:10]], showing a distinction between the people group and its governmental structure.
* `{{H4940}}` **mishpâchâh** (a family, i.e. circle of relatives; by extension a tribe or people): This word denotes a family or clan, the foundational unit of a nation. The scope of God's redemptive plan is shown to extend to these units when it is said that "all the **kindreds**{H4940} of the **nations**{H1471} shall worship before thee" [[Psalms 22:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1471}}` is immense, shaping our understanding of covenant, judgment, and redemption.
* **Divine Election and Distinction:** The term is central to defining Israel's special calling. God promises to make them a "holy **nation**" [[Exodus 19:6]] and set them "high above all **nations**" [[Deuteronomy 26:19]], establishing their unique covenant relationship with `{{H3068}}` Yᵉhôvâh.
* **Judgment and Sovereignty:** The nations are consistently portrayed as subject to God's authority and judgment. God gathers the **nations** for judgment [[Zephaniah 3:8]] and holds them accountable for their actions [[Obadiah 1:15]], demonstrating His ultimate sovereignty over all the earth.
* **Universal Salvation:** Prophetic scripture uses `{{H1471}}` to reveal the expansion of God's salvation beyond Israel. God's servant will be a "light to the **Gentiles**" [[Isaiah 49:6]], and ultimately "all the **nations** of the earth shall be blessed" through Abraham's seed [[Genesis 22:18]]. This theme culminates in the vision of a future where all **nations** worship the Lord [[Zechariah 14:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1471}}` is far more than a simple designation for a group of people. It is a critical theological term that frames the biblical narrative of God's interaction with humanity. It establishes the distinction of Israel as a chosen people while also encompassing all other peoples of the world. The word traces the arc of God's plan from the formation of one holy **nation** to the eventual inclusion of all **nations** in His redemptive purpose.
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