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The Blue Letter Bible

Dictionaries :: Heathen

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Easton's Bible Dictionary

Heathen:

(Heb. plural goyum). At first the word goyim denoted generally all the nations of the world (Gen 18:18; Gal 3:8). The Jews afterwards became a people distinguished in a marked manner from the other goyim. They were a separate people (Lev 20:23; 26:14-45; Deu 28), and the other nations, the Amorites, Hittites, etc., were the goyim, the heathen, with whom the Jews were forbidden to be associated in any way (Jos 23:7; 1Ki 11:2). The practice of idolatry was the characteristic of these nations, and hence the word came to designate idolaters (Psa 106:47; Jer 46:28; Lam 1:3; Isa 36:18), the wicked (Psa 9:5,15,17).

The corresponding Greek word in the New Testament, ethne, has similar shades of meaning. In Act 22:21, Gal 3:14, it denotes the people of the earth generally; and in Mat 6:7, an idolater. In modern usage the word denotes all nations that are strangers to revealed religion.

International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia

Heathen:

he'-th'-n, he'-then.

See GENTILES

King James Dictionary

Heathen: People; Nations; Non-Jews.

Why do the HEATHEN rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. (Psalm 2:1-4)

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
 

Heathen:

For HEATHEN see GENTILES

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Heathen:

SEE [GENTILES].

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