Israelites vs. Hebrews — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Israelites were the descendants of Jacob, who was also called Israel, forming the ancient nation of Israel, while Hebrews refer to the ancient Semitic people, including the Israelites, primarily recognized in biblical texts.
Difference Between Israelites and Hebrews
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Key Differences
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.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Descendants of Jacob (Israel), forming the nation of Israel
Ancient Semitic people, including early ancestors of the Israelites
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Time Period
Primarily after the Exodus, forming the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah
Before the formation of Israel, during the time of the patriarchs
Biblical Reference
Focuses on the nation of Israel and their covenant with God
Describes early ancestors like Abraham and their migratory period
Cultural Identity
Central to the history and religion of Judaism
Broader term encompassing early Semitic peoples
Linguistic Connotation
Specifically refers to the people and their descendants
Refers to the language and broader cultural group
Compare with Definitions
Israelites
Members of the twelve tribes of Israel.
The Israelites were divided into tribes named after Jacob's sons.
Hebrews
Early Semitic people, including the ancestors of the Israelites.
The Hebrews are mentioned in the stories of Abraham.
Israelites
Ancient people central to Jewish history and religion.
The Israelites followed Moses out of Egypt.
Hebrews
Group referenced in biblical times, often in the context of their migrations.
The Hebrews moved from Mesopotamia to the land of Canaan.
Israelites
Inhabitants of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah.
The Israelites built the first Temple in Jerusalem.
Hebrews
Broader cultural and linguistic identity of the early Semitic peoples.
The Hebrews were known for their monotheistic beliefs.
Israelites
People bound by the covenant with God in the Hebrew Bible.
The Israelites received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
Hebrews
The terms Hebrews (Hebrew: עבריים / עִבְרִים, Modern: ʿĪvrīm / ʿĪvrīyyīm, Tiberian: ʿĪḇrīm / ʿĪḇrīyyīm; ISO 259-3: ʕibrim / ʕibriyim) and Hebrew people are mostly considered synonymous with the Semitic-speaking Israelites, especially in the pre-monarchic period when they were still nomadic. However, in some instances it may also be used in a wider sense, referring to the Phoenicians, or to other ancient groups, such as the group known as Shasu of Yhw on the eve of the Bronze Age collapse, which appears 34 times within 32 verses of the Hebrew Bible.
Israelites
Descendants of Jacob, who formed the nation of Israel.
The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years.
Hebrews
A member of an ancient Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; an Israelite.
Israelites
The Israelites (; Hebrew: בני ישראל, romanized: Bnei Yisra'el) were a confederation of Iron Age Semitic-speaking tribes of the ancient Near East, who inhabited a part of Canaan during the tribal and monarchic periods.In the Hebrew Bible, the term Israelites is used interchangeably with the term Twelve Tribes of Israel. Although related, the terms Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews are not interchangeable in all instances.
Hebrews
A descendant of this people; a Jew.
Israelites
A native or inhabitant of the ancient Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Hebrews
The Semitic language of the ancient Hebrews.
Israelites
A descendant of Jacob; a Jew.
Hebrews
Any of the various later forms of this language, especially the language of the Israelis.
Israelites
A member of a people regarded as the chosen people of God.
Hebrews
Hebrews (used with a sing. verb) See Table at Bible.
Israelites
A Jew not descended from the tribe of Levi and not a priest.
Hebrews
The ethnic group claiming descent from Abraham and Isaac (especially from Isaac's son Jacob); the nation whom God chose to receive his revelation and with whom God chose to make a covenant (Exodus 19)
Israelites
Also Is·ra·el·it·ic (ĭz′rē-ə-lĭtĭk) Of or relating to ancient Israel, the ancient Israelites, or their culture.
Hebrews
A New Testament book traditionally included among the epistle of Saint Paul but now generally considered not to have been written by him
Israelites
The ethnic group claiming descent from Abraham and Isaac (especially from Isaac's son Jacob); the nation whom God chose to receive his revelation and with whom God chose to make a covenant (Exodus 19)
Hebrews
Term used to describe the early ancestors before they became Israelites.
The Hebrews lived as nomads before settling in Canaan.
Hebrews
People who spoke the Hebrew language.
The ancient texts were written in Hebrew by the Hebrews.
Common Curiosities
What does the term 'Hebrew' refer to?
It refers to the early Semitic people and their cultural and linguistic heritage.
Who were the Hebrews?
The Hebrews were ancient Semitic people, including the early ancestors of the Israelites.
What is the significance of the term 'Israelite'?
It signifies the people of the nation of Israel, central to Jewish history and religion.
What is the biblical context of the Israelites?
They are central figures in the Hebrew Bible, with stories of their covenant with God and journey to the Promised Land.
Did the Hebrews have a specific language?
Yes, they spoke Hebrew, which is also the language of the Israelite scriptures.
Are Israelites and Hebrews the same?
Israelites specifically refer to the descendants of Jacob, while Hebrews is a broader term including early ancestors like Abraham.
What was the role of the Israelites in ancient history?
They formed the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah and played a key role in the development of Judaism.
What is the biblical context of the Hebrews?
Hebrews are referenced in the early stories of the Bible, particularly the patriarchs like Abraham.
How are the Hebrews portrayed in the Hebrew Bible?
As early ancestors and patriarchs, living as nomads and establishing the foundations of the Israelite nation.
What is the historical importance of the Israelites?
They established significant kingdoms and religious traditions that shaped Judaism.
Who were the Israelites?
The Israelites were the descendants of Jacob, forming the twelve tribes of Israel.
When did the Hebrews become Israelites?
The term "Israelites" is used after Jacob's descendants formed the twelve tribes and settled in Canaan.
How are the Israelites portrayed in the Hebrew Bible?
As God's chosen people, bound by a covenant and laws given through Moses.
What was the role of the Hebrews in ancient history?
They were early Semitic people whose migrations and culture influenced the later formation of the Israelite nation.
What is the historical importance of the Hebrews?
They represent the early migratory and cultural roots of the Israelite people.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
