Israelites vs. Hebrews — What's the Difference?

Israelites are specifically the descendants of Jacob, who was renamed Israel. They formed the twelve tribes of Israel, a significant nation in the biblical narrative. The term "Israelites" emphasizes their identity as the chosen people who settled in the land of Canaan, later forming the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Hebrews, on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to the ancient Semitic people who lived in the Near East. The term "Hebrew" is often used in the Bible to describe the early ancestors of the Israelites, including Abraham and his descendants. It highlights their cultural and linguistic heritage before they settled in Canaan.

The Israelites are central to the history and religion of Judaism, with their story detailed extensively in the Hebrew Bible. They are portrayed as God's chosen people, bound by the covenant established with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and later reaffirmed through Moses.

The term "Hebrews" is used less frequently in historical and religious texts but is important in describing the early period of the Israelites before they established their nation. Hebrews typically refers to the time of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, before the Exodus from Egypt.

While Israelites are directly associated with the formation of the Jewish nation and their ancestral homeland, Hebrews encompass a wider group that includes the pre-Israelite ancestors and their migratory period in the ancient Near East. The term "Hebrew" also has linguistic connotations, referring to the language spoken by these ancient people.