Dictionary Article

Groups formed on the basis of political or social interests or on kinship. Generally, the word “nations” implies peoples of the world other than the Hebrews, although it can also include the Jews.

The book of Genesis attributes to the three sons of Noah the origin of the various “families” or ethnic groups (about 70 in all) who inhabited the eastern Mediterranean regions (Gn 10). The narrative presupposes that each group has its own individual geographical location and language (vv 5, 20, 31 OET GEN 10:5 · OET GEN 10:20 · OET GEN 10:31). The story of the tower (ziggurat) of Babel, whose peak was to reach to heaven (ch 11), explains that ethnic groups were separated by language barriers and scattered geographically so that they might not collaborate on presumptuous ventures.

Show passage in OET: GEN 10:5; GEN 10:20; GEN 10:31

OET-RV GEN 10:5

5 From all those descendants, people spread out into areas near the coast, each group with their own language, and with all the clans making up their nations.

OET-RV GEN 10:20

20 Those are Ham’s descendants according to their clans, languages, regions, and nations.

OET-RV GEN 10:31

31 Those are Shem’s descendants according to their clans, languages, regions, and nations.

OET-LV GEN 10:5

5 From_these the _coastlands _of the_nations they _separated in_their_lands each to_his/its_language to_their_clans in_their_nations.

OET-LV GEN 10:20

20 These were_the _sons _of Ḩām to_their_clans to_languages _of_their in_their_lands in_their_nations.

OET-LV GEN 10:31

31 These were_the _sons _of Shēm to_their_clans to_languages _of_their in_their_lands to_nations _of_their.

Jump to OET GEN 10:5 section. · OET GEN 10:20 section. · OET GEN 10:31 section.

Paul, in his sermon in Athens, assumes that the various nations had a common origin, just as the writer of Genesis did, and accepts as part of the design of God the fact that nations should be separated by geographical boundaries (Acts 17:26). The prophet Zephaniah looked forward to the day when God would reverse this state of affairs and cause all the nations to speak one language (Zep 3:9). The writer of Revelation, in his vision of the new heaven and the new earth, saw these natural boundaries abolished. The nations freely intermingle in the new Jerusalem (Rv 21:22-26).

Show passage in OET: ACT 17:26

OET-RV ACT 17:26

26 From one man he made every nationality that lives across all the earth and designated their boundaries and their futures.

OET-LV ACT 17:26

26 and he _made of one, every nation of _mankind to _be _dwelling on all the_face of _the earth, having _designated the having _been _commanded times and the boundaries of _the dwelling _place of _them,

Show passage in OET: ZEP 3:9

OET-RV ZEP 3:9

⇔  9 Then I’ll be sure to give pure speech to the peoples,
⇔ so all of them can pray to Yahweh,
⇔ and serve him side-by-side.

OET-LV ZEP 3:9

9 If/because then I _will _restore to peoples a _lip purified to_ of _them _of_all _call in/on_name _of YHWH to_serve_him a _shoulder one.

Show passage in OET: REV 21:22–26

OET-RV REV 21:22

22 I didn’t see any temple in the city because the all-powerful God Yahweh and the lamb are its temple.

OET-RV REV 21:23

23 The city doesn’t need the sun or moon to illuminate it because God’s radiance illuminates it, and its lamp is the lamb.

OET-RV REV 21:24

24 The nations will be able to walk around from its light, and the kings on the earth will bring their best into the city.

OET-RV REV 21:25

25 It’ll never get dark there, so the city gates will never need to be closed

OET-RV REV 21:26

26 and they will bring the prestige and the honour of the nations into it.

OET-LV REV 21:22

22 And a_temple not I _saw in it, because/for the master the god the almighty the_temple of _it is, and the lamb.

OET-LV REV 21:23

23 And the city neither need is _having of _the sun nor of _the moon that they _may _be _shining in _it, because/for the glory of_ the _god enlightened it, and the lamp of _it is the lamb.

OET-LV REV 21:24

24 And will _be _walking the nations by the light of _it, and the kings of _the earth are _bringing the glory of _them into it.

OET-LV REV 21:25

25 And the gates of _it by _no _means not may _be _shut by _day, because/for night not will _be there.

OET-LV REV 21:26

26 And they _will _be _bringing the glory and the honour of _the nations into it.

Jump to OET ACT 17:26 section.

Jump to OET ZEP 3:9 section.

Jump to OET REV 21:22–26 section.

The distinction between “Israel” and “the nations” is not clear-cut. “Israel” evolved from various ethnic groups, and several of “the nations” traced their origins to prominent figures in the Israelite community. Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, lived in Ur of the Chaldees in the delta region of the Tigris-Euphrates valley. With his father he migrated north to Haran, and finally southwest to the land of Canaan (Gn 11:31–12:9 OET GEN 11:31–32 · OET GEN 12:1–9). Deuteronomy 26:5 (“a wandering Aramean was my father”) suggests Abraham’s residence was in the district of Mesopotamia known as Aram-naharaim. When Abraham entered into covenant with God, God gave him the token of the covenant relationship: circumcision. Foreigners purchased as slaves were circumcised, thus including them in the covenant community. When Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt into the wilderness, a mixed multitude also went up with them (Ex 12:38), which suggests again that people not biologically related nevertheless identified themselves with the people of Israel.

Show passage in OET: GEN 11:31–32; GEN 12:1–9

OET-RV GEN 11:31

31 Then one day, Terah gathered his son Avram and his grandson Lot (who was Haran’s son), and his daughter-in-law Saray (who was Avram’s wife), and they all left from the city of Ur (where the Kasdim lived), to travel to the region of Kena’an (Canaan), but when they arrived at the city of Haran, they decided to live there.

OET-RV GEN 11:32

32 Then when Terah was 205 years old, he died there in Haran.

OET-RV GEN 12:1

12 Then Yahweh said to Avram, “You must leave your land and your relatives and your father’s house and go to the land that I’ll show you.

OET-RV GEN 12:2

2 I’ll bless you and make you into a great nation. I’ll make you famous and you’ll be a blessing to others.

OET-RV GEN 12:3

3 I’ll bless everyone who blesses you, but I’ll curse anyone who curses you. All the families on the earth will be blessed because of you.

OET-RV GEN 12:4

4 So Avram left there just as Yahweh had told him, and Lot also went with him. Avram was seventy-five years old when he left the city of Haran.

OET-RV GEN 12:5

5 He took his wife Saray (Sarai) and his nephew Lot and all their possessions that they had accumulated and the people who they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Kena’an (Canaan).
¶ When they arrived in the Kena’an region,

OET-RV GEN 12:6

6 they continued travelling as far as the city of Shekem, to Moreh’s oak tree. (The Kena’anim (Canaanites) were still living in that region at that time.)

OET-RV GEN 12:7

7 Then Yahweh came to Avram and told him, “I’ll give this land to your descendants.” So Avram built an altar there and made a burnt offering to Yahweh, who had appeared to him.

OET-RV GEN 12:8

8 Then from there he went on to the hills to the east of Beyt -El (Bethel) and pitched his tents, with Beyt -El on the west and Ay on the east. He built an altar to Yahweh there, and sacrificed and prayed to Yahweh

OET-RV GEN 12:9

9 before continuing south down toward the Negev desert.

OET-LV GEN 11:31

31 And_ Teraḩ _he/it _took DOM ʼAⱱrām his/its_son and_DOM Lōţ the _son _of Ḩārān the _son _of his/its_son and_DOM Sarai his/its_daughter-in-law the _wife _of ʼAⱱrām his/its_son and_they _went _out with_them from_ʼŪr of_the_ones_from _Kasdiy to_go towards_land of _Kənaˊan/(Canaan) and_they _came to Ḩārān and_they _lived there.

OET-LV GEN 11:32

32 And_ the _days _of Teraḩ _they _were five years and_two _hundreds year[s] and_ Teraḩ _he/it _died in_Ḩārān.

OET-LV GEN 12:1

12 And_ YHWH _he/it _said to ʼAⱱrām go to/for_yourself(m) from_your(ms)_land and_from_your(ms)_descendants and_from_household your _father _of_your to the_earth/land which I _will _show_you(ms).

OET-LV GEN 12:2

2 And_I _will _make_you(ms) to_(a)_nation great and_I _will _bless_you(ms) and_I _will _make _big/great your(ms)_name and_be a _blessing.

OET-LV GEN 12:3

3 And_I _will _bless (those _who)bless_you(ms) and_despises_you(ms) I _will _curse and_they _will _be _blessed in_you(ms) all _of the _clans _of the_soil.

OET-LV GEN 12:4

4 And_ ʼAⱱrām _he/it _went just_as he _had _said to_him/it YHWH and_he/it _went with_him/it Lōţ and_Avram was_a _son _of five years and_seventy year[s] in_his/its_coming _out from_Ḩārān.

OET-LV GEN 12:5

5 And_ ʼAⱱrām _he/it _took DOM Sarai his/its_wife/woman and_DOM Lōţ the _son _of his/its_brother and_DOM all _of their_property which they _had _accumulated and_DOM the_people whom they _had _acquired in_Ḩārān and_they _went _out to_go towards_land of _Kənaˊan/(Canaan) and_they _came towards_land of _Kənaˊan/(Canaan).

OET-LV GEN 12:6

6 And_ ʼAⱱrām _he/it _passed _through on _the_earth to the _place _of Shəkem to the _great _tree _of Mōreh and_the_Kənaˊₐnīte then on _the_earth.

OET-LV GEN 12:7

7 And_ YHWH _he _appeared to ʼAⱱrām and_he/it _said to_offspring _of_your I _will _give DOM the_earth/land (the)_this and_he/it _built there an _altar to/for_YHWH who_had_appeared to_him/it.

OET-LV GEN 12:8

8 And_he _moved _on from_there to_the _hill_country from_east of_Bēyt- ^ʼēl and_he _pitched tent _of_his Bēyt- ^ʼēl was_from_the_west and_(the)_ˊAy from_east and_he/it _built there an _altar to/for_YHWH and_he/it _called in/on_name _of YHWH.

OET-LV GEN 12:9

9 And_ ʼAⱱrām _he _journeyed going and_journeying towards_the_south.

Show passage in OET: DEU 26:5

OET-RV DEU 26:5

5 Then in Yahweh’s presence you should respond, “My ancestor was a wandering Aramean, and he went down to Mitsrayim (Egypt) with his smallish family, and lived there and eventually became a large and powerful people.

OET-LV DEU 26:5

5 And_you _will _answer and_you _will _say to_(the)_face _of/in _front _of/before YHWH god _of_your was_an _ʼArammiy wandering ancestor _of_my and_he/it _descended to_Miʦrayim/(Egypt) and_he _sojourned there (in)_men _of fewness and_he/it _was there to_(a)_nation great mighty and_numerous.

Show passage in OET: EXO 12:38

OET-RV EXO 12:38

38 A large assortment of other people also went with them, along with large numbers of sheep and goats, and cattle.

OET-LV EXO 12:38

38 And_also a _mixed _company numerous it _went _up with_them and_flock[s] and_herd[s] livestock numerous very.

Jump to OET GEN 11:31–32 section. · OET GEN 12:1–9 section.

Jump to OET DEU 26:5 section.

Jump to OET EXO 12:38 section.

The nation of Israel did not include all of those physically descended from Abraham. The first son of Abraham, Ishmael, had an Egyptian mother and is the ancestor of the Ishmaelites, bedouins who roamed the southern wilderness region (Gn 16). Of the twin sons born to Isaac and Rebekah, Esau, the firstborn, is the father of the Edomites living in the southeast, traditional enemies of Israel (Gn 25:23; Nm 20:21).

Show passage in OET: GEN 25:23

OET-RV GEN 25:23

23 and he responded,
⇔ “There’s two nations inside your womb—
⇔ two different peoples will come from within you.
⇔ One group will become stronger than the other,
⇔ and the older will serve the younger.”

OET-LV GEN 25:23

23 And_ YHWH _he/it _said to/for_her/it two _of nations are_in_womb _of_your and_two _of peoples from_your(pl)_inward _of_parts they _will _separate and_a _people more_than _a _people it _will _be _strong and_the_great_one it _will _serve the_young_one.

Show passage in OET: NUM 20:21

OET-RV NUM 20:21

21 and because they’d been refused passage through their territory, the Israelis turned around and went via a longer, less direct route.

OET-LV NUM 20:21

21 And_it _refused ʼEdōm to _permit DOM Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) to _pass in_territory _of_its and_ Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) _it _turned _aside from_on_it.

Jump to OET GEN 25:23 section.

Jump to OET NUM 20:21 section.

Scripture presents negative and positive attitudes toward the nations. The nations inhabiting the territory between the Tigris-Euphrates valley and the Nile River were wicked nations. Therefore, God took away their land and gave it to the descendants of Abraham (Gn 15:16-20). Incestuous relationships, adultery, homosexuality, and sexual relationships between men and animals characterized the nations and incurred God’s displeasure (Lv 18). The nations indulged in the practice of spiritism, augury, witchcraft, and necromancy, so the Hebrews were instructed to avoid such activities (19:26; 20:6). The nations worshiped many gods and included in their worship the practice of human sacrifice, often the sacrifice of children—a ritual that God abhors (Lv 20:1-5; 2 Kgs 17:29-34). The prophet Isaiah spoke scathingly of the craftsman who, taking a branch of a tree, used part of it to kindle a fire and fashioned from the remainder a graven image that he then worshiped (Is 44:12-20). The Baalim and Ashteroth, fertility gods of the Canaanites, were a constant source of temptation to the people of Israel. The message repeated throughout Scripture is that for these reasons God would drive out the nations and give their territory to Israel (Ex 34:24; Dt 12:29-31). The prophetic oracles against the nations reinforced this negative attitude (Jer 46–51 OET JER 46:1–28 · OET JER 47:1–7 · OET JER 48:1–47 · OET JER 49:1–39 · OET JER 50:1–46 · OET JER 51:1–64; Am 1:3–2:3 OET AMO 1:3–15 · OET AMO 2:1–3).

Show passage in OET: GEN 15:16–20

OET-RV GEN 15:16

16 Then in the fourth generation your descendants will come back here, because the Amorim’ sins won’t be complete until then.”

OET-RV GEN 15:17

17 Then the sun went down and darkness came, and wow, there was a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch that passed between those animal halves.

OET-RV GEN 15:18

18 On that day Yahweh made an agreement with Avram, saying, “I’ve given this land to your descendants, from Mitsrayim’s (Egypt) river to the famous Perat (Euphrates) River.

OET-RV GEN 15:19

19 That includes the land of the Keynim, the Kenizim, the Kadmoni,

OET-RV GEN 15:20

20 the Hitim, the Perizim, the Refaim,

OET-LV GEN 15:16

16 And_the_generation fourth they _will _return hither if/because not is_complete the _iniquity _of the_ʼAmorī until now.

OET-LV GEN 15:17

17 And_he/it _was the_sun it _had _gone and_darkness it _was and_BEHOLD/LO/SEE a _fire _pot _of smoke and_a _torch _of fire which it _passed between the_pieces the_these.

OET-LV GEN 15:18

18 In _the_day (the)_that YHWH he _made with ʼAⱱrām a _covenant to_say to_offspring _of_your I _give DOM the_earth/land (the)_this from_the _river _of Miʦrayim/(Egypt) to the_river the_big/great(sg) the _river _of Pərāt.

OET-LV GEN 15:19

19 DOM the_Qēynī[s] and_DOM the_Kenizzite[s] and_DOM the_Kadmonite[s].

OET-LV GEN 15:20

20 And_DOM the_Ḩittiy[s] and_DOM the_Pərizzī[s] and_DOM the_Rəfāʼīm.

Show passage in OET: LEV 19:26

OET-RV LEV 19:26

26 Don’t eat anything with the blood still in it. Don’t practice divination or witchcraft.

OET-LV LEV 19:26

26 Not you(pl)_will _eat with the_blood not you(pl)_will _practice _divination and_not you(pl)_will _practice _soothsaying.

Show passage in OET: LEV 20:6

OET-RV LEV 20:6

6 I’ll take action against any person who turns to mediums or diviners to prostitute themselves to them, and I’ll cut them off from their people.

OET-LV LEV 20:6

6 And_the_person who it _will _turn to the_necromancers and_near/to the_soothsayers to_act _as _a _prostitute after_them and_I _will _set DOM face _of_my on_person the_that and_I _will _cut _off DOM_him/it from_the _midst _of his _people _of_his.

Show passage in OET: LEV 20:1–5

OET-RV LEV 20:1

20 Then Yahweh told Mosheh (Moses):

OET-RV LEV 20:2

2 Tell the Israeli people that if any of them, or any foreigner staying in Yisrael (Israel), gives any of their children to Molek, then that person must definitely be executed—the people must do it by throwing rocks at them.

OET-RV LEV 20:3

3 Yes, I myself will personally punish that person and cut them off from the people for giving their child to Molek and so making my sanctuary ‘unclean’ and profaning my sacred name.

OET-RV LEV 20:4

4 If the people of the land just hides their eyes from seeing anyone offering their child to Molek so they don’t have to execute that person,

OET-RV LEV 20:5

5 then I’ll also remove that other person and their clan. I’ll cut them off from their people, along with anyone else who practises prostitution by prostituting themselves to Molek.

OET-LV LEV 20:1

20 And_ YHWH _he/it _spoke to Mosheh to_saying.

OET-LV LEV 20:2

2 And_near/to the _people _of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) you _will _say a _person a _person from_(the)_sons of _Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) and_from the_sojourner[s] who_sojourns in_Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) who he _will _give any_of_his _offspring to_Molek surely _(die) he _will _be _put _to _death the _people _of the_earth/land they_will _stone _him with_stone[s].

OET-LV LEV 20:3

3 And_I I _will _set DOM face _of_my on_person (the)_that and_I _will _cut _off DOM_him/it from_the _midst _of his _people _of_his if/because one_of_his _offspring he _has _given to_Molek so _as to _make _unclean DOM sanctuary _of_my and_to_profane DOM the _name _of my _holiness _of_my.

OET-LV LEV 20:4

4 And_if indeed _(hide) the _people _of the_earth/land they _will _hide DOM eyes _of_their from the_man (the)_that when_gives_he one_of_his _offspring to_Molek to_not to _put _to _death DOM_him/it.

OET-LV LEV 20:5

5 And_ I _I _will _set DOM face _of_my on_person (the)_that and_on_clan _of_his and_I _will _cut _off DOM_him/it and_DOM all _of those_who_act _as _prostitutes after_him by_acting _as _prostitutes after (the)_Molek from_the _midst _of their _people _of_their.

Show passage in OET: KI2 17:29–34

OET-RV KI2 17:29

29 But each people group had made their own gods and put them in the hilltop shrines that the Israelis had made before being exiled. Each people group did that in the area where they’d been resettled.

OET-RV KI2 17:30

30 Those from Bavel made their god Sukot-Benot, those from Kut made Nergal, those from Hamat made their god Ashima,

OET-RV KI2 17:31

31 and the Avim made Nivhaz and Tartak. The Sefarvim sacrificed their own sons in the fire to their gods Adramelek and Anamelek.

OET-RV KI2 17:32

32 At the same time, they tried placating Yahweh, but they also made their own priests to make sacrifices for them in their hilltop shrines.

OET-RV KI2 17:33

33 So they were worshipping Yahweh along with their own gods—they’d brought those customs with them from the countries they’d been exiled from

OET-RV KI2 17:34

34 and which they still follow to this day.
¶ They’re not actually obeying Yahweh because they’re not obeying the statutes or laws, or instructions or behaviour that Yahweh commanded the descendants of Ya’akov (Jacob) (who he’d renamed to ‘Yisrael’).

OET-LV KI2 17:29

29 And_they _were making nation nation his/its_god and_they _placed_them in_house _of the _high _places which the_Shomrōn they _had _made nation nation in_their _own _of_cities where they were_dwelling there.

OET-LV KI2 17:30

30 And_the _people _of Bāⱱel they _made DOM Succoth Benoth and_the _people _of Cuthah they _made DOM Nērəggal and_the _people _of Ḩₐmāt they _made DOM ʼAshimāʼ.

OET-LV KI2 17:31

31 And_the_Avvites they _made Niⱱḩaz and_DOM Tartāq and_the_Şəfarvī were_burning DOM children _of_their in_fire to_ʼAdrammelek and_ˊAnammelek the _gods _of of_Şəfarvayim.

OET-LV KI2 17:32

32 And_they _were fearing DOM YHWH and_they _made to/for_them from_among _of_themselves priests _of the_high _places and_they _were offering to/for_them in_house _of the _high _places.

OET-LV KI2 17:33

33 DOM YHWH they _were fearing and_DOM gods _of_their _own they _were serving according_to _the _custom _of the_nations which people _had _taken _into _exile DOM_them from_there.

OET-LV KI2 17:34

34 Until the_day the_this they are_doing according_the _customs (the)_former not_they are_fearing DOM YHWH and_not_they are_doing according_to _of_their _regulations and_according_to _of_their _judgement and_according_the _law and_according_the _command which YHWH he _commanded DOM the _descendants _of Yaˊₐqoⱱ/(Jacob) whom he _made his/its_name Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel).

Show passage in OET: ISA 44:12–20

OET-RV ISA 44:12

12 The blacksmith takes a tool and works on the iron over the coals.
⇔ ≈ He hammers it with his strong arm to form it into shape.
⇔ But then he gets hungry and feels weaker.
⇔ ≈ If he doesn’t drink water, he’ll feel exhausted.

OET-RV ISA 44:13

13 The carpenter measures a piece of wood.
⇔ He outlines it with a marker and works it with his chisels.
⇔ He outlines it with a compass and makes it like the figure of a man—
⇔ like a good-looking man who might live in a house.

OET-RV ISA 44:14

14 He cuts down cedar trees
⇔ or selects a cypress or an oak.
⇔ He lets it grow strong among the trees in the forest.
⇔ He plants a fir tree and the rain makes it grow.

OET-RV ISA 44:15

15 Then the wood is used by humankind to burn.
⇔ ≈ The carpenter uses some of the wood to warm himself,
⇔ Yes, he kindles a fire and bakes bread on it.
⇔ He also makes a god out of it and bows down to it.
⇔ ≈ He makes the wood into an idol and kneels in front of it.

OET-RV ISA 44:16

16 He burns half of the wood for the fire,
⇔ and roasts meat on that half—he eats the meat and is satisfied.
⇔ He also warms himself and says ‘Aha, I’m warm,’ as he looks at the fire.

OET-RV ISA 44:17

17 He uses the rest of the wood to make a god.
⇔ He makes an idol and kneels in front of it.
⇔ ≈ He bows down and prays to it
⇔ → and says, ‘Rescue me, because you’re my god.’

OET-RV ISA 44:18

18 Those people don’t know and don’t understand
⇔ because their eyes are plastered over so they can’t see
⇔ ≈ and their minds are prevented from having insight.

OET-RV ISA 44:19

19 No one gives much thought to their actions.
⇔ They don’t apply knowledge and understanding, to say,
⇔ ‘I burnt half of the wood in the fire and baked bread on the coals.
⇔ I roasted meat on it and ate it.
⇔ Then I’ll take the remainder to make a detestable idol.
⇔ I’ll bow down to a piece of wood from a tree.’

OET-RV ISA 44:20

20 He eats thanks to those ashes.
⇔ He’s deceived and been led astray.
⇔ He doesn’t escape from his own situation and say,
⇔ ‘I’m holding a lie in my right hand.’

OET-LV ISA 44:12

12 A _craftsman _of iron a _tool and_he _works_it on_charcoal and_with_hammers he_forms _it and_he_worked _it with_the _arm _of his _strength _of_his also he _is _hungry and_there_is_not strength not he _drinks water and_he _grew _weary.

OET-LV ISA 44:13

13 A _craftsman _of wood(s) he _stretches _out a _measuring-line he_outlines _it with_marker he_works _it with _(the)_tools and_with_compass he_outlines _it and_he_made _it like_the_form _of a _man like_the_beauty _of a _man to_dwell a _house.

OET-LV ISA 44:14

14 To_cut _down to_him/it cedars and_he/it _took a _cypress and_an _oak and_he _strengthened_it to_him/it among_the_trees _of the_forest he _plants wwww and_rain it _makes_it_grow.

OET-LV ISA 44:15

15 And_it _was to/for_ʼĀdām/humankind to_burn and_he/it _took from_them and_he _became _warm also he _kindles _a _fire and_he _bakes bread also he _makes a _god and_he _bowed _down he_makes _it an _idol and_he _prostrated _himself to_it.

OET-LV ISA 44:16

16 Of _it _of_half he _burns in a _fire over of _it _of_half meat he _eats he _roasts roasted _meat and_he _is _satisfied also he _is _warm and_he _says aha I _am _warm I _see a _fire.

OET-LV ISA 44:17

17 And_the _remainder _of_of _it (into)_a_god he _makes (into)_idol _of_his he _prostrates _himself to_him/it and_he _bows _down and_he _prays to_him/it and_he _says deliver_me if/because god _of_are_my you.

OET-LV ISA 44:18

18 Not they _know and_not they _understand if/because it _is _besmeared from_seeing eyes _of_their from_having _insight hearts _of_their.

OET-LV ISA 44:19

19 And_not he _brings _back to his/its_heart and_not knowledge and_not understanding to_say of _it _of_half I _burnt in a _fire and_also I _baked on coals _of_its bread I _roasted meat and_I _ate_it and_the _remainder _of_of _it (into)_an_abomination will _I _make to_a _product _of a _tree will _I _prostrate _myself.

OET-LV ISA 44:20

20 He_is_feeding ash[es] a _heart which_it _is _deceived it_has _turned _him _aside and_not he _will _deliver DOM self _of_his and_not he _will _say am_not is_falsehood in_my _right _of_hand.

Show passage in OET: EXO 34:24

OET-RV EXO 34:24

24 I will drive out the people groups ahead of you and expand your borders, and no one will think of taking your land when they know that you present yourselves to me three times a year.

OET-LV EXO 34:24

24 If/because I _will _dispossess nations from_before _of_you and_I _will _enlarge DOM territory _of_your and_not anyone he _will _covet DOM land _of_your when_you_go _up to_present _yourself with the _presence _of YHWH god _of_your three times in_year.

Show passage in OET: DEU 12:29–31

OET-RV DEU 12:29

29 When you enter the land that you will occupy, your god Yahweh will destroy the people groups that live there as you advance.

OET-RV DEU 12:30

30 Watch out after they’ve been destroyed, that you don’t get trapped by curiosity about how they served their gods, and then you end up doing the same.

OET-RV DEU 12:31

31 Don’t do that to your god Yahweh, because he hates the disgusting things they’ve done for their gods—even burning their own sons and daughters on altars for their gods.

OET-LV DEU 12:29

29 If/because YHWH god _of_your he _will _cut _off DOM the_nations where you are_about _to _go to_(to) by_dispossessing them from_before _of_you and_you _will _dispossess DOM_them and_you _will _dwell in_land _of_their.

OET-LV DEU 12:30

30 Take _heed to/for_yourself(m) lest you _should _be _ensnared after_them after they_have _been _destroyed from_before _of_you and_lest you _should _enquire of_gods _of_their to_say how the_nations the_these do _they _serve DOM gods _of_their and_I _will _do thus also I.

OET-LV DEU 12:31

31 Not you _will _do thus to/for_YHWH god _of_your if/because every _of (the)_abomination _of YHWH which he _hates they _have _done to_gods _of_their if/because also DOM sons _of_their and_DOM daughters _of_their they _burn with_fire to_gods _of_their.

Jump to OET GEN 15:16–20 section.

Jump to OET LEV 19:26 section.

Jump to OET LEV 20:6 section.

Jump to OET LEV 20:1–5 section.

Jump to OET KI2 17:29–34 section.

Jump to OET ISA 44:12–20 section.

Jump to OET EXO 34:24 section.

Jump to OET DEU 12:29–31 section.

However, the Scripture also reflects a more positive attitude toward the nations. As revealed in the book of Psalms, God is not only concerned about Israel; his eyes keep watch over the nations, and all the earth praises and worships him (Ps 66:1-8). The psalmist prays that God’s saving power may be known among all the nations. He affirms that God righteously judges the peoples and guides the nations. All the ends of the earth should fear him (67:7). The prophet Isaiah declares that the Jerusalem temple is to be a house of prayer for all peoples and that God welcomes the foreigner who comes with sacrifices and offering worship (Is 56:6-8). Isaiah’s vision of hope for the latter days pictures people of all nations pouring into Jerusalem to worship the Lord and learn his ways. Instead of nation warring against nation, all will live in peace, ruled by God (2:2-4).

Show passage in OET: PSA 66:1–8

OET-RV PSA 66:1

66 Shout happily to God you people all over the world.

OET-RV PSA 66:2

2 Sing about his incredible reputation.
⇔ ≈ Make your praise of him sound great.

OET-RV PSA 66:3

3 Tell God, “It’s awesome what you do.
⇔ Your incredible power causes your enemies to cower.

OET-RV PSA 66:4

4 The whole world will bow down to you.
⇔ They’ll sing to praise you and your reputation.” (Instrumental break.)

OET-RV PSA 66:5

5 Come and see what God’s done.
⇔ His activities among humanity are awesome.

OET-RV PSA 66:6

6 He turned the sea into dry land.
⇔ ≈ They walked through the river on foot.
⇔ Let’s keep celebrating what he did there.

OET-RV PSA 66:7

7 He rules forever with his strength.
⇔ His eyes keep watch on the nations.
⇔ Don’t let rebellious people pat themselves on the back. (Instrumental break.)

OET-RV PSA 66:8

8 Be a blessing to God, you people groups.
⇔ Let the sounds of praising him be heard.

OET-LV PSA 66:1

66 To_choirmaster a _song a _song shout _for _joy to_god Oh _all _of the_earth/land.

OET-LV PSA 66:2

2 Sing _praises the _glory _of his/its_name make glory praise _of_his.

OET-LV PSA 66:3

3 Say to_god how awesome deeds _of_are_your in_the _greatness _of your _strength _of_your they _cringe to/for_yourself(m) enemies _of_your.

OET-LV PSA 66:4

4 All _of the_earth/land they _bow _down to/for_yourself(m) and_they _sing _praises to/for_you(fs) they _sing _praises _to name _of_your Şelāh.

OET-LV PSA 66:5

5 Come and_see the _works _of god awesome _of deed on the _children _of humankind.

OET-LV PSA 66:6

6 He _turned the_sea into_dry _ground in_river they _passed on_foot there let _us _rejoice in/on/over_him/it.

OET-LV PSA 66:7

7 He_is_ruling by_might _of_his forever eyes _of_his on_nations they _keep _watch those_who _are_rebellious not let _them _be _exalted (to)_themselves Şelāh.

OET-LV PSA 66:8

8 Bless Oh _peoples god _of_our and_make _heard the _sound _of his _praise _of_his.

Show passage in OET: PSA 67:7

OET-RV PSA 67:7

7 May God bless us,
⇔ and may people all around the world respect him.

OET-LV PSA 67:8

8  He_will _bless _us god and_ all _of the_ends _of the_earth _they _will _fear DOM_him/it.

Show passage in OET: ISA 56:6–8

OET-RV ISA 56:6

6 Then the children of foreigners who strive to follow Yahweh,
⇔ to serve him and to love his name, and to be his servants,
⇔ who observe the rest day without defiling it,
⇔ and who cling to my agreement,

OET-RV ISA 56:7

7 I’ll bring them to my sacred mountain
⇔ and make them happy in my temple where people pray.
⇔ Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar,
⇔ because my temple will be called a prayer house for all the nations.

OET-RV ISA 56:8

8 My master Yahweh, who gathers Yisrael’s (Israel) outcasts, says this:
⇔ I’ll gather others beside those already gathered.

OET-LV ISA 56:6

6 And_the _sons of _(the)_foreignness who_join_themselves to YHWH to_serve_him and_to_love DOM the _name _of YHWH to_be to_him/it (into)_servants every _of one _who_keeps the_sabbath from_profaning_it and_those _who_keep _hold on_covenant _of_my.

OET-LV ISA 56:7

7 And_I_will _bring _them to the _mountain _of my _holiness _of_my and_I_will _make _them _rejoice in_house _of my _prayer _of_my offerings _of_their _burnt and_sacrifices _of_their will_be_for _acceptance on altar _of_my if/because house _of_my a _house _of prayer it _will _be _called to/from_all/each/any/every the_peoples.

OET-LV ISA 56:8

8 The _utterance _of my_master YHWH who_gathers the _banished_ones_of Yisrā^ʼēl/(Israel) still I _will _gather on/upon/above_him/it to_its _gathered _of_ones.

Show passage in OET: ISA 2:2–4

OET-RV ISA 2:2

2 Near the end of time, the mountain where Yahweh’s house is
⇔ will be established as the most important mountain.
⇔ It will become more famous than any other hill,
⇔ and all the nations will flow to visit it.

OET-RV ISA 2:3

3 Many different peoples will come and say,
⇔ “Come on, let’s go up to Yahweh’s mountain—
⇔ to the temple of Ya’akov’s (Jacob) God,
⇔ so he can teach us his ways and we can walk in his paths.”
⇔ Because God’s instructions will emanate from Tsiyon (Zion),
⇔ ≈ and Yahweh’s message will spread out starting from Yerushalem (Jerusalem).

OET-RV ISA 2:4

4 He’ll judge between the nations,
⇔ ≈ and will settle cases for many different peoples.
⇔ They’ll hammer their swords into plough blades,
⇔ ≈ and their spears into pruning hooks.
⇔ The nations will stop attacking each other,
⇔ and they won’t go to war again.

OET-LV ISA 2:2

2 And_it _was in_end/latter the_days established it _will _be the _mountain _of the _house _of YHWH (in)_the_chief _of the _mountains and_lifted _up more_than_the_hills and_they _will _stream to_him/it all _of the_nations.

OET-LV ISA 2:3

3 And_ peoples many _they _will _come and_they _will _say come and_let _us _go _up to the _mountain _of YHWH to the _house _of the _god _of Yaˊₐqoⱱ/(Jacob) so_that_he _may _teach _us from_ways _of_his and_so _that _we _may _walk in_paths _of_his if/because from_Tsiyyōn/(Zion) instruction it _will _go _forth and_the _message _of YHWH from_Yərūshālaim/(Jerusalem).

OET-LV ISA 2:4

4 And_he _will _judge between the_nations and_he _will _decide for_peoples many and_they _will _beat swords _of_their into_plowshares and_spears _of_their into_pruning _knives not nation it _will _lift _up against nation a _sword and_not they _will _learn again warfare.

Jump to OET PSA 66:1–8 section.

Jump to OET PSA 67:7 section.

Jump to OET ISA 56:6–8 section.

Jump to OET ISA 2:2–4 section.

According to the Gospels, Jesus ministered not only to the Jews but also to the Gentile nations in accordance with ancient prophecy (Mt 4:15-16). Jesus taught in Galilee, a predominantly non-Jewish area, traveled to Tyre and Sidon (Mk 7:24) and through the Decapolis (v 31). He ministered to a Roman centurion (Lk 7:1-10), the widow of Nain (vv 11-17), and a Syrophoenician woman (Mk 7:26). People from Idumea came to observe his miracles (3:8).

Show passage in OET: MAT 4:15–16

OET-RV MAT 4:15

15 ‘Land of Zevulun and land of Naftali,
⇔ the way of the sea beyond the Yarden (Jordan) river;
⇔ Galil of the non-Jews.

OET-RV MAT 4:16

16 The people sitting in darkness
⇔ saw a powerful light,
⇔ and those sitting in a land under the shadow of death
⇔ had a light rise over them.’

OET-LV MAT 4:15

15 Land of _Zaboulōn and land of _Nefthaleim, way of_the_sea, beyond the Yordanaʸs/(Yardēn), Galilaia of _the pagans.

OET-LV MAT 4:16

16 The people which sitting in darkness saw a_ great _light, and to _the ones sitting in a_land and shadow of _death, a_light rose on _them.

Show passage in OET: MRK 7:24

OET-RV MRK 7:24

24 Yeshua (Jesus; Grk. Yesus) left that place and went up north into the regions of Tsor (Tyre) and Tsidon (Sidon). He tried to enter a house without being noticed but didn’t succeed,

OET-LV MRK 7:24

24 And from _there having _risen _up, he _went _away into the regions of _Turos/(Tsor) and Sidōn/(Tsīdōn).
And having _come _in into the_house, he _was _wanting no _one to _know, but was_ not _able to _escape _notice.

Show passage in OET: MRK 7:31

OET-RV MRK 7:31

31 Yeshua (Jesus; Grk. Yesus) left the Tsor (Tyre) region, passed through Tsidon (Sidon), and came down the eastern side of Galil Lake to the Dekapolis region.

OET-LV MRK 7:31

31 And back having _come _out from the regions of _Turos, he _came through Sidōn to the sea of_ the _Galilaia/(Gālīl), among the_midst of _the regions of _Dekapolis.

Show passage in OET: LUK 7:1–10

OET-RV LUK 7:1

7 After Yeshua (Jesus; Grk. Yesus) had finished sharing those messages with the people, he entered the town of Kafarnaoum (Capernaum).

OET-RV LUK 7:2

2 A Romaios army commander there had a slave that he valued, but who was sick and expected to die.

OET-RV LUK 7:3

3 He had heard about Yeshua, so he asked the local Jewish elders to talk to Yeshua on his behalf and to ask him to come to heal his slave.

OET-RV LUK 7:4

4 When the elders got to Yeshua, they earnestly implored him saying, “The man you’d be helping is worth it

OET-RV LUK 7:5

5 because he loves us Yehudim (Jews) and he built the local Jewish meeting hall for us.”

OET-RV LUK 7:6

6 So Yeshua went with them but as they got closer to the house, the commander had sent some friends to tell him, “Master, don’t trouble yourself because I’m not worthy enough to have you enter my home

OET-RV LUK 7:7

7 and that’s why I never came to you personally. However, just issue a command and then my boy will be healed

OET-RV LUK 7:8

8 because I’m appointed under authority and have other soldiers under me. When I tell one of them to go, he goes, and when I tell one to come, he comes, and when I tell my slave to do something, he does it.”

OET-RV LUK 7:9

9 When he heard that, Yeshua was amazed and turned to face the crowd that was following him and said, “I can tell you that never before in all of Yisrael (Israel) have I encountered so much faith!”

OET-RV LUK 7:10

10 By the time that the commander’s friends had gotten back to the house, they found that the slave was already well again.

OET-LV LUK 7:1

7 After he _fulfilled all the messages of _him in the hearing of _the people, he _came _in into Kafarnaʼoum.

OET-LV LUK 7:2

2 And certain slave of_a_centurion being sickly, was _going to _be _dying, who was honoured to _him.

OET-LV LUK 7:3

3 And having _heard about the Yaʸsous/(Yəhōshūˊa), he _sent _out elders of _the Youdaiōns to him, asking him so _that having _come he _may _cure the slave of _him.

OET-LV LUK 7:4

4 And the ones having _arrived to the Yaʸsous, were _imploring him earnestly saying that He _is worthy to _whom you _will _be _bringing _about this,

OET-LV LUK 7:5

5 for/because he _is _loving the nation of _us, and he built the synagogue for/because _us.

OET-LV LUK 7:6

6 And the Yaʸsous he _was _going with them.
And already of _him being_ not far _away from the house, the centurion sent friends saying to _him:
master, be_ not _being _troubled, because/for not worthy I _am that you _may _come _in under the roof of _me,

OET-LV LUK 7:7

7 therefore I _considered _worthy not _even myself to _come to you, but say by_a_message, and let _be _healed the servant of _me.

OET-LV LUK 7:8

8 For/Because also I am a_man being _appointed under authority, having soldiers under myself, and I _am _saying to _this one:
Be _gone, and he _is _going, and to _other:
Be _coming, and he _is _coming, and to _the slave of _me:
Do this, and he _is _doing it.

OET-LV LUK 7:9

9 And having _heard these things the Yaʸsous, marvelled at _him, and having _been _turned to _the crowd following after _him said:
I _am _saying to _you _all, not _even in the Israaʸl/(Yisrā^ʼēl) I _found so _much faith.

OET-LV LUK 7:10

10 And the ones having _been _sent having _returned to the house, found the slave being _healthy.

Show passage in OET: LUK 7:11–17

OET-RV LUK 7:11

11 The next day, Yeshua (Jesus; Grk. Yesus) went to a town called Nain, and his followers went with him as well as a large crowd of people.

OET-RV LUK 7:12

12 As he got near the town gate, look, a dead boy was being carried out to the cemetery. The mother was now a widow and he had been their only son, and a large number of the local residents were with her.

OET-RV LUK 7:13

13 When he saw her, the master felt sorry for her and said, “Don’t cry.”

OET-RV LUK 7:14

14 Then he went up closer and touched the coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. Then he spoke, “Young man, I’m talking to you: get up.”

OET-RV LUK 7:15

15 The dead son sat up and started talking, and Yeshua led him to his mother.

OET-RV LUK 7:16

16 Everyone felt a bit apprehensive and they praised God saying, “A powerful prophet appeared among us,” and “God has been here with his people.”

OET-RV LUK 7:17

17 Then the news about Yeshua spread all around Yehudah (Judea) and all the surrounding area.

OET-LV LUK 7:11

11 And it _became on on _the_ next _day, he _was _gone into a_city being _called Nain, and the apprentices/followers of _him and a_ great _crowd were _going _with with _him.

OET-LV LUK 7:12

12 And as he _neared to _the gate of _the city, and see an_only _begotten son to _the mother of _him was _being _carried _out having _died, and she was a_widow, and a_ sizeable _crowd of _the city was with her.

OET-LV LUK 7:13

13 And having _seen her, the master was _feeling _compassion on her, and said to _her:
Be_ not _weeping.

OET-LV LUK 7:14

14 And having _approached, he _touched against _the coffin, and the ones bearing it stopped, and he _said:
Young _man, I _am _saying to _you:
Be _raised.

OET-LV LUK 7:15

15 And the dead man sat _up and began to _be _speaking, and he _gave him to _the mother of _him.

OET-LV LUK 7:16

16 And all took fear, and they _were _glorifying the god saying, that A_ great _prophet was _raised among us.
And, that - god visited the people of _him.

OET-LV LUK 7:17

17 And the this message came _out in all the Youdaia concerning him, and all the surrounding _region.

Show passage in OET: MRK 7:26

OET-RV MRK 7:26

26 The woman was Greek from Foinikai in Aram (Syria), and she begged Yeshua to command the demon to leave her daughter.

OET-LV MRK 7:26

26 And the woman was Hellaʸn, from _Foinikaʸ _in _Suria the by _descent, and she _was _asking him that he _may _throw _out the demon out _of the daughter of _her.

Show passage in OET: MRK 3:8

OET-RV MRK 3:8

8 along with others from Yerushalem (Jerusalem), Idoumaia, from across the Yarden (Jordan) River, and from up near Tsor (Tyre) and Tsidon (Sidon). That huge crowd came because they had heard about the amazing things he had done.

OET-LV MRK 3:8

8 and from Hierousalaʸm/(Yərūshālayim), and from the Idoumaia, and beyond the Yordanaʸs/(Yardēn), and around Turos/(Tsor) and Sidōn/(Tsīdōn), a_ great _multitude hearing as _much _as he _was _doing, came to him.

Jump to OET MAT 4:15–16 section.

Jump to OET MRK 7:24 section.

Jump to OET MRK 7:31 section.

Jump to OET LUK 7:1–10 section.

Jump to OET LUK 7:11–17 section.

Jump to OET MRK 7:26 section.

Jump to OET MRK 3:8 section.

The teaching of Jesus was also wide in scope. The narrative of the great judgment (Mt 25:31-46) depicts all nations gathered before the Son of Man, and Jesus commissions the apostles to “make disciples of all nations” (Mt 28:19).

Show passage in OET: MAT 28:19

OET-RV MAT 28:19

19 so I want you to leave here and go and train followers in every country, immersing them in water with the authority of the father and the son and the holy spirit.

OET-LV MAT 28:19

19 Therefore having _been _gone, train _followers all the nations, immersing them in the name of _the father, and of _the son, and of _the holy spirit,

Jump to OET MAT 28:19 section.

Although the book of Acts does not overlook the nations’ role in the death of Jesus (Acts 4:27) and their role in opposing the ministry of Paul (26:17), it nevertheless clearly indicates that the church fulfilled its commission to present the gospel to non-Jewish peoples. Peter proclaims the message about Jesus to the household of Cornelius, a Roman soldier of the Italian Cohort (ch 10). Although the early church resisted the fact that non-Jewish peoples might freely receive the gift of the Spirit, they eventually welcomed this conclusion (11:1-8; 15:1-29). Paul traveled through Cyprus, Asia Minor, Greece, and Italy, founding or visiting churches that were predominantly Gentile. The book of Acts ends dramatically with Paul preaching the gospel in the city of Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire.

Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary