"an Israelite, a descendant of Ἰσραήλ, Israel or Jacob, Jn. 1:47; Acts 2:22"
Definition and meaning
an Israelite, a descendant of Ἰσραήλ, Israel or Jacob, Jn. 1:47; Acts 2:22
In the original Greek the word is written: Ἰσραηλίτης
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of israelites (G2475) across the King James Bible.
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
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Common questions
Strong's G2475 (israelites) is a Greek word that means: an Israelite, a descendant of Ἰσραήλ, Israel or Jacob, Jn. 1:47; Acts 2:22 It appears 9 times in the King James Bible.
The word israelites (G2475) appears 9 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2475 is israelites, a Greek word defined as: an Israelite, a descendant of Ἰσραήλ, Israel or Jacob, Jn. 1:47; Acts 2:22. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
israelites is a Greek word found in the New Testament.