Introduction

Understanding Greek words like Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) is crucial for Biblical studies as it provides insight into the identity and history of the people of God in the Scriptures. The term “Israēl” is central to both the Old and New Testaments, symbolizing God’s chosen people and their covenant relationship with Him. It is also significant for understanding the theological and cultural contexts within ancient Jewish and early Christian communities.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Ἰσραήλ, transliterated as Israēl [is-rah-EL].
• Etymology: Derived from the Hebrew word יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra’el), meaning “God prevails” or “He who struggles with God.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• The name of the Jewish patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.
• The nation or people descended from Jacob (Israel).
• The community of God’s chosen people in both a spiritual and physical sense.

Similar Words: Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios) [ee-ou-DAY-os], meaning “Jew” or “Judean,” refers more specifically to the Jewish people or residents of Judea. While both terms are related, Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) has a broader theological and ethnic connotation encompassing all the descendants of Jacob and the spiritual concept of God’s chosen people.

Further Insights: Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) is a proper noun that does not decline in Greek, retaining the same form across cases. It is used extensively in both the Old Testament (Septuagint) and the New Testament to refer to the nation of Israel or the patriarch Jacob. The usage often highlights God’s covenant with His people and their identity as the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines Ἰσραήλ as “Israel,” referring both to the patriarch Jacob and the nation descended from him.
• Thayers: Indicates the meaning of “Israel” as “he who prevails with God” and identifies it as a reference to Jacob, the twelve tribes, and the nation of Israel.
• Vines: Emphasizes the term’s dual usage as both a personal name and a national identity, encompassing both the literal descendants and the spiritual community.
• LSJ: Notes the use of Ἰσραήλ in various Greek writings to refer to the biblical patriarch and his descendants.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides the Hebrew origin and defines Ἰσραήλ as “he will rule as God,” used extensively throughout the Bible.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 9:6: “But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel [Ἰσραήλ] who are descended from Israel [Ἰσραήλ].”
• Matthew 15:24: “But He answered and said, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel [Ἰσραήλ].'”
• Galatians 6:16: “And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel [Ἰσραήλ] of God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of Ἰσραήλ (G2474)

Ἰσραήλ (Israēl) is a significant term in biblical studies, symbolizing the people of God and their unique covenant relationship with Him. It serves both as the name of the patriarch Jacob and his descendants, emphasizing theological concepts such as God’s faithfulness, election, and covenant. Its frequent occurrence in both the Old and New Testaments highlights its enduring relevance in understanding God’s redemptive plan.

Did You Know?

• Did you know that the name Israel (Ἰσραήλ) appears over 2,500 times in the Bible, reflecting its central importance?
• Did you know that the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) often uses Ἰσραήλ to refer to the nation in both a physical and spiritual sense?
• Did you know that Ἰσραήλ is sometimes used metaphorically in the New Testament to represent the community of believers or the “Israel of God”?

This overview provides a comprehensive look at Ἰσραήλ, emphasizing its theological, historical, and cultural significance in the Bible and ancient Greek literature.