The Gentile reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Gentile

A Gentile refers to a non-Jew; the word is derived from the Latin term gens (meaning "clan" or a "group of families") and is often employed in the plural. Christian translators of the Bible use this word to collectively designate the peoples and nations distinct from the Jewish people. Jewish people use this term to refer to non-Jews, but this word does not appear in English translations of the Hebrew Bible. Jews also use the word "goy" to mean the same thing, but it is sometimes considered derogatory.

The term is sometimes used as a synonym to heathen and pagan. Also, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have traditionally used this term for those who are not members of their church, though in younger generations it has been largely replaced by the more neutral term "non-Mormon".

In Basque mythology, jentilak are giants who lived before Christianization and built dolmens and menhirs. (Jentilarriak, i.e., "Gentile stones"). Olentzero is the only one still alive.

The word goy is used in the old testament regarding Jacob and Esau. There are "shnei (two) goyim" in Rebecca's womb, or "two nations". Jacob, of course, is the father of the Israelites. Esau's descendants become a number of other nations, including Edom and other ancient enemies of the Israelites.

The word ethnos refers to a group of people, nation or tribe. It can in some instances refer to the Heathen. The word 'Gentile' should be used in context to understand the proper meaning in scripture.

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