Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: The term "Goi'im" is a Hebrew word often translated as "nations" or "Gentiles" in the Bible. It is derived from the root word "goy," which means "nation" or "people." In the Hebrew Scriptures, "Goi'im" is used to refer to non-Israelite nations, distinguishing them from the chosen people of Israel. Biblical Usage: The word "Goi'im" appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament, often in contexts that highlight the distinction between Israel and other nations. It is used to describe the various peoples surrounding Israel, often in terms of their idolatrous practices and opposition to God's covenant people. 1. Genesis 10:5 : "From these, the maritime peoples separated into their territories, according to their languages, by clans within their nations." This verse is part of the Table of Nations, which outlines the descendants of Noah's sons and the formation of various nations (Goi'im) after the flood. 2. Genesis 12:2 : "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." Here, God promises Abram that he will become a great nation, distinct from the other Goi'im, through whom all the families of the earth will be blessed. 3. Deuteronomy 7:1 : "When the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, and He drives out before you many nations—the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites—seven nations larger and stronger than you." This passage lists the Goi'im that Israel was to dispossess from the Promised Land, emphasizing the separation between Israel and the surrounding nations. 4. Isaiah 2:2 : "In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it." This prophetic vision speaks of a future time when the Goi'im will come to worship the God of Israel, indicating a shift from separation to inclusion in God's redemptive plan. Theological Significance: In the Old Testament, the Goi'im are often depicted as pagan nations, worshipping false gods and living outside the covenant relationship with Yahweh. However, the prophetic literature, particularly in books like Isaiah, envisions a time when the Goi'im will turn to the God of Israel, highlighting the universal scope of God's salvation plan. The New Testament continues this theme, as the Gospel is extended to the Gentiles (Goi'im), fulfilling the promise that through Abraham's seed, all nations would be blessed (Galatians 3:8). The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, emphasizes the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God, breaking down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, nations were often defined by their deities, languages, and customs. The Israelites were called to be a distinct people, set apart for God's purposes, which often put them at odds with the surrounding Goi'im. This separation was both physical, in terms of land and practices, and spiritual, in terms of worship and covenant relationship. Conclusion: The term "Goi'im" serves as a reminder of the distinct identity of Israel as God's chosen people and the broader narrative of God's plan to bring salvation to all nations. Through the unfolding of biblical history, the Goi'im move from being outsiders to potential participants in the covenant blessings, culminating in the New Testament's message of inclusion through Christ. Concordance Goi'im (3 Occurrences)Genesis 14:1 Genesis 14:9 Joshua 12:23 Thesaurus Goi'im (3 Occurrences)Goi'im. Goiim, Goi'im. Goim . Multi-Version Concordance Goi'im (3 Occurrences). Genesis 14:1 And it came to pass in the days of ... /g/goi'im.htm - 7k Goiim (3 Occurrences) Goim (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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