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Word Studies

ἔθνος (ethnos) — G1484

Original: ἔθνος Transliteration: éthnos Part of Speech: Neuter noun Definition: A race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially a foreign (non-Jewish) one, Gentile; by implication pagan

Translations (158 occurrences, 15 unique translations)

  • "Gentiles" — 62x (39.2%)
  • "nations" — 35x (22.2%)
  • "nation" — 19x (12.0%)
  • "the Gentiles" — 18x (11.4%)
  • "of the Gentiles" — 10x (6.3%)
  • "heathen" — 3x (1.9%)
  • Other translations: 11x

Significance

The same Greek word (ethnos) is used for both "nations" and "Gentiles." When Jesus says "teach all nations" (panta ta ethne, Matt 28:19) and Paul says "apostle of the Gentiles" (ethnon, Rom 11:13), they use the same root word. The translation choice between "nations" and "Gentiles" is contextual but the Greek is identical.

Key verses

  • Matthew 28:19: "teach all nations" (panta ta ethne)
  • Romans 11:13: "apostle of the Gentiles" (ethnon)
  • Galatians 2:8: "mighty in me toward the Gentiles" (ethne)
  • Ephesians 3:1: "prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles" (ethnon)

ἀπόστολος (apostolos) — G652

Original: ἀπόστολος Transliteration: apóstolos Part of Speech: Masculine noun Definition: A delegate; specially an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ

Translations (79 occurrences)

  • "apostles" — 49x (62.0%)
  • "an apostle" — 16x (20.3%)
  • "the apostle" — 1x
  • "the messengers" — 1x

Significance

Paul's claim to be "the apostle (apostolos) of the Gentiles (ethnon)" uses the same word applied to the Twelve. He claims the same delegated authority, applied to a different audience.

πρόβατον (probaton) — G4263

Original: πρόβατον Transliteration: próbaton Part of Speech: Neuter noun Definition: Something that walks forward; a sheep (literal or figurative)

Translations (20 occurrences)

  • "sheep" — 16x (80.0%)
  • "a sheep" — 2x
  • "sheep's" — 1x

Key verses

  • Matthew 10:6: "lost sheep of the house of Israel"
  • Matthew 15:24: "lost sheep of the house of Israel"
  • John 10:1-16: Extended sheep/shepherd discourse
  • John 10:16: "other sheep I have, which are not of this fold"

Significance

Jesus uses "sheep" (probaton) in two distinct ways: (1) "lost sheep of the house of Israel" — referring to Israel as his primary mission field; (2) "other sheep not of this fold" — explicitly referencing people outside Israel. The same author (John) records Jesus using sheep imagery that includes non-Israelites.