Nations

In the Bible, the term "nations" generally refers to groups of people or ethnicities, often denoting distinct political entities or tribes. The Hebrew word "goy" (גּוֹי) and the Greek word "ethnos" (ἔθνος) are frequently used to describe nations in the Old and New Testaments, respectively. In Genesis 10, often referred to as the Table of Nations, the descendants of Noah's sons are listed, illustrating the origins of various nations and their geographical distributions (Genesis 10:1-32). This passage emphasizes the diversity of peoples and nations that emerged after the Flood, establishing a framework for understanding the biblical view of humanity as a tapestry of different cultures and languages.The Bible also presents nations in a theological context, highlighting God's sovereignty over all nations. For instance, Psalm 22:27 states, "All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you," indicating that God's redemptive plan encompasses all peoples, not just Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus' Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Gospel. Thus, the concept of "nations" in the Bible serves both to recognize the diversity of humanity and to affirm God's ultimate authority and purpose in bringing salvation to all ethnic groups.

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