BIBLE GREEK WORD STUDY
Ethnos — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
ἔθνος (ethnos) refers to a people group sharing common customs, often rendered 'Gentiles' when contrasted with Israel.
Meaning of the word
The Greek noun ἔθνος (ethnos) denotes a race or people group bound together by shared customs and habits. The lexicon defines it as a tribe or nation, with a special sense applied to those outside the Jewish people — typically rendered 'Gentiles' in English Bibles.
The term carries both a neutral sense ('a nation,' 'peoples') and a contrastive sense ('the nations,' meaning non-Israelite peoples). When New Testament writers want to emphasize the distinction between Israel and the rest of humanity, ἔθνος is the standard word used, and the plural ἔθνη (ethnē) is by far the most frequent form in the New Testament.
Usage in Scripture
In the Gospels, ἔθνος commonly designates non-Jewish peoples. Matthew 6:32 contrasts the 'Gentiles' who pursue worldly concerns with those who know the Father. In Acts 2:5 the word describes the diverse 'nations' represented among devout Jews at Pentecost.
Paul uses ἔθνος extensively in Romans to explain the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God's saving plan (Romans 1:13; 2:14, 24). He also applies it in a more neutral sense to Abraham as the father of 'many nations' (Romans 4:17–18). In Ephesians 2:11, he reminds Gentile believers of their former identity as 'the Gentiles in the flesh.' In Revelation 21–22, ἔθνος returns to its universal sense, depicting 'the nations' bringing their glory into the New Jerusalem and being healed by the tree of life.
The word in detail
- G1484 Lexicon: 'a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan).' Used 12 times in the sampled verses, with the plural ἔθνη dominating. The sense shifts from 'Gentiles' (in contrast to Israel) to 'nations' (in universal or eschatological contexts).
Example verses
- Matthew 6:32 �θνη marks 'the Gentiles' as those whose characteristic pursuit is material provision — the very thing the Father already knows disciples need.
- Acts 2:5 Here ἔθνος is used neutrally for 'nation,' describing the geographical origins of the Jewish pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem.
- Romans 2:14 Paul appeals to Gentiles who 'do by nature the things of the law,' using ἔθνη to denote those outside the Mosaic covenant.
- Revelation 21:24 In the new creation ἔθνη shifts back to its universal sense: 'the nations' walk in the city's light and bring their glory into it.
Common questions
Should ἔθνος always be translated 'Gentile'?
No. It can mean 'nation' or 'people group' in a neutral sense (Acts 2:5; Romans 4:17–18; Revelation 21:24). 'Gentile' is appropriate when the context contrasts non-Jews with Israel or the covenant people.
What is the difference between ἔθνος and λαός (laos)?
ἔθνος emphasizes shared custom or ethnicity (often non-Jewish), while λαός typically refers to 'the people' of God, especially Israel. The two are paired in 1 Peter 2:9–10 to distinguish the church's identity from both groupings.
Does the meaning of ἔθνος change from the Gospels to Revelation?
Yes in emphasis. In the Gospels and Paul, ἔθνη often contrasts Gentiles with Israel within salvation history. In Revelation 21–22, the contrast fades and ἔθνη describes all peoples streaming into the new creation.