Nation

In the Bible, the term "nation" typically refers to a large group of people united by common cultural, ethnic, and political characteristics. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for nation is "gôy" (גּוֹי), which denotes a people or a group of individuals, often with a shared heritage or lineage. For example, Deuteronomy 7:6 states, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession," illustrating the special status of Israel as a nation chosen by God among other nations.In the New Testament, the Greek word "ethnos" (ἔθνος) is used to describe nations. This term can refer to Gentiles or non-Jewish peoples, emphasizing the inclusion of all nations in the redemptive plan of God through Christ. A key reference is found in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands His disciples to "make disciples of all nations," highlighting the universal scope of the Gospel. Thus, the biblical concept of a nation encompasses both the physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting God’s purpose for His chosen people and the broader mission to bring salvation to all humanity.