Goy vs. Gentile — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 26, 2024
Goy refers to a non-Jewish person in Hebrew, often used in Jewish contexts, while Gentile, originating from Latin, broadly denotes anyone not of a specific group, especially non-Jews.
Difference Between Goy and Gentile
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Goy is a term derived from Hebrew, primarily used within Jewish culture and religious texts to describe someone who is not Jewish. This term has historical roots deeply embedded in Jewish identity and religious distinction. Whereas, Gentile, with its origins in Latin ("gentilis"), historically referred to individuals not belonging to the Roman citizenry and, by extension, has been adopted in Christian contexts to identify those outside the Jewish faith.
While goy emphasizes a distinction based on Jewish religious and ethnic identity, Gentile is more encompassing and has been used across various religious and cultural contexts to delineate those outside of a specific group, often in a religious sense. On the other hand, in Christian texts, especially the New Testament, Gentile is frequently used to refer to non-Jewish peoples, reflecting the term's broader application beyond Jewish discourse.
In contemporary usage, goy is sometimes perceived with nuances of exclusivity or otherness from a Jewish perspective, often depending on context and intent. Whereas Gentile, particularly in English-speaking countries, has been integrated more neutrally into discussions about religious and ethnic identity, often without the connotations of otherness that can accompany goy.
The perception and usage of goy can vary significantly within Jewish communities, from neutral to endearing or pejorative. This variability reflects the complexity of identity and the fluidity of language. On the other hand, Gentile's usage in Christian and broader contexts tends to remain more stable and less charged, highlighting differences in how religious and cultural identities navigate terminology.
Finally, the evolution of these terms reflects broader shifts in intercultural dialogue and self-identification. As societies become more interconnected, the meanings and connotations of terms like goy and Gentile continue to evolve, influenced by dialogue, cultural exchange, and shifts in social attitudes towards inclusivity and respect for diversity.
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Comparison Chart
Origin
Hebrew
Latin ("gentilis")
Primary Usage
Specifically to describe non-Jews
Broadly for anyone outside a specific group, often non-Jews
Context
Jewish religious and cultural contexts
Various religious and cultural contexts
Contemporary Perception
Varies from neutral to pejorative, depending on context
Generally neutral, especially in English-speaking contexts
Evolution
Used within Jewish identity and distinction
Adopted in Christian contexts, reflecting broader application
Compare with Definitions
Goy
A non-Jewish person.
In her neighborhood, she was the only goy among her Jewish friends.
Gentile
A person who is not Jewish, especially in Christian contexts.
The New Testament discusses the spread of Christianity among both Jews and Gentiles.
Goy
Used in Jewish contexts to signify otherness.
The term goy delineates between Jewish and non-Jewish communities.
Gentile
Historically, non-Romans in ancient Rome.
Ancient Romans differentiated between citizens and Gentiles.
Goy
Sometimes perceived with nuances of exclusivity.
He felt like an outsider, or a goy, at the traditional Jewish ceremony.
Gentile
Used more broadly than goy.
The conference was about interfaith dialogue between Jews, Gentiles, and members of other religions.
Goy
Can carry varying connotations.
Depending on the speaker, goy can be used affectionately or pejoratively.
Gentile
Generally carries a neutral connotation.
As a Gentile, he was curious about Jewish traditions and customs.
Goy
Reflects Jewish religious and ethnic identity.
The dietary laws are one of the aspects that separate a goy from those of Jewish faith.
Gentile
Reflects broader non-Jewish identity.
The Gentile nations were often subjects of biblical prophecy and discussion.
Goy
In modern Hebrew and Yiddish goy (, Hebrew: גוי, regular plural goyim , גוים or גויים) is a term for a gentile, a non-Jew. Through Yiddish, the word has been adopted into English (often pluralised as goys) also to mean gentile, sometimes with a pejorative sense.The Biblical Hebrew word goy has been commonly translated into English as nation, meaning a group of persons of the same ethnic family who speak the same language (rather than the modern meaning of a political unit).
Gentile
Gentile (from Latin gentilis "of or belonging to the same people or nation", from gēns "clan; tribe; people, family") is a term that usually means "someone who is not a Jew". Other groups that claim Israelite heritage sometimes use the term to describe outsiders.The term is used by English translators for the Hebrew גוי (goy) and נכרי (nokhri) in the Hebrew Bible and the Greek word ἔθνη (éthnē) in the New Testament.
Goy
A person who is not Jewish.
Gentile
Not Jewish
A predominantly Gentile audience
Goy
A non-Jew, a gentile.
Gentile
Relating to or indicating a nation or clan, especially a gens.
Goy
In this sense `Gentile' denotes a Christian as contrasted with a Jew; `goy' is a derogatory word for Christians used by Jews
Gentile
A person who is not Jewish.
Gentile
A person who is not Jewish.
Gentile
(Archaic) A pagan or heathen.
Gentile
Mormon Church A non-Mormon.
Gentile
Often Gentile Of or relating to a gentile.
Gentile
Of or relating to a gens, tribe, or people.
Gentile
Non-Jewish.
Gentile
Heathen, pagan.
Gentile
(Mormonism) Non-Mormon
Gentile
Relating to a clan, tribe, or nation; clannish, tribal, national.
Gentile
Of or pertaining to a gens or several gentes.
Gentile
(grammar) Of a part of speech such as an adjective, noun or verb: relating to a particular city, nation or country.
Gentile
A non-Jewish person.
Gentile
(Mormonism) A non-Mormon person.
Gentile
(grammar) A noun derived from a proper noun which denotes something belonging to or coming from a particular city, nation, or country.
Gentile
One neither a Jew nor a Christian; a worshiper of false gods; a heathen.
Gentile
A person who is not Jewish; - used in this sense by Jews.
Gentile
Belonging to the nations at large, as distinguished from the Jews; ethnic; of pagan or heathen people.
Gentile
Denoting a race or country; as, a gentile noun or adjective.
Gentile
A person who does not acknowledge your God
Gentile
A person who is not a member of one's own religion; used in this sense by Mormons and Hindus
Gentile
In this sense `Gentile' denotes a Christian as contrasted with a Jew; `goy' is a derogatory word for Christians used by Jews
Gentile
Belonging to or characteristic of non-Jewish peoples
Common Curiosities
What is a goy?
A goy is a term used in Hebrew to describe a non-Jewish person.
How does Gentile differ from goy in usage?
Gentile is used more broadly across various contexts to refer to non-Jews, while goy is specifically used within Jewish contexts.
Is the term goy pejorative?
The term goy can carry varying connotations, from neutral to pejorative, largely depending on the context in which it is used.
Are Gentiles mentioned in the New Testament?
Yes, Gentiles are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, especially in the context of the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community.
Can a person be both a goy and a Gentile?
Yes, both terms essentially refer to someone who is not Jewish, though their usage and connotations might differ.
Who are considered Gentiles?
Gentiles are individuals who are not of the Jewish faith or ethnicity, often used in broader religious or cultural contexts.
Is goy used in the Hebrew Bible?
Yes, goy is used in the Hebrew Bible, often translated as "nation" or "people," including Israel itself and other nations.
What is the origin of the term Gentile?
The term Gentile originates from the Latin word "gentilis," meaning belonging to a clan or tribe, and later used to denote non-Jews.
Can the term Gentile be used in a negative way?
While generally neutral, the context and tone of voice can give the term Gentile a negative connotation, though this is less common.
How do Jews view goyim?
Views on goyim vary within the Jewish community, from neutral to affectionate or pejorative, depending on individual beliefs and contexts.
What does the term goy signify in Jewish culture?
In Jewish culture, goy signifies someone who is outside the Jewish faith and community.
Is it appropriate to use the term goy?
The appropriateness of using the term goy depends on the context, audience, and intent, with sensitivity to its potential connotations.
How has the usage of Gentile evolved?
The usage of Gentile has evolved from its origins in ancient Rome to a general term in Christian and other religious contexts to denote non-Jews.
How do societal attitudes affect the usage of goy and Gentile?
Societal attitudes and intercultural dialogue influence the usage and perception of terms like goy and Gentile, with shifts towards more inclusive and respectful language.
Does the perception of Gentiles differ among religions?
Yes, the perception of Gentiles can differ among religions, reflecting each tradition's teachings and attitudes towards those outside the faith.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
