Israelites vs. Hebrews — What's the Difference?

The Israelites (; Hebrew: בני ישראל‎, romanized: Bnei Yisra'el) were a confederation of Iron Age Semitic-speaking tribes of the ancient Near East, who inhabited a part of Canaan during the tribal and monarchic periods.In the Hebrew Bible, the term Israelites is used interchangeably with the term Twelve Tribes of Israel. Although related, the terms Hebrews, Israelites, and Jews are not interchangeable in all instances.

The terms Hebrews (Hebrew: עבריים‎ / עִבְרִים‎, Modern: ʿĪvrīm / ʿĪvrīyyīm, Tiberian: ʿĪḇrīm / ʿĪḇrīyyīm; ISO 259-3: ʕibrim / ʕibriyim) and Hebrew people are mostly considered synonymous with the Semitic-speaking Israelites, especially in the pre-monarchic period when they were still nomadic. However, in some instances it may also be used in a wider sense, referring to the Phoenicians, or to other ancient groups, such as the group known as Shasu of Yhw on the eve of the Bronze Age collapse, which appears 34 times within 32 verses of the Hebrew Bible.

A native or inhabitant of the ancient Northern Kingdom of Israel.

A member of an ancient Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; an Israelite.

A descendant of Jacob; a Jew.

A descendant of this people; a Jew.

A member of a people regarded as the chosen people of God.

The Semitic language of the ancient Hebrews.

A Jew not descended from the tribe of Levi and not a priest.

Any of the various later forms of this language, especially the language of the Israelis.

Also Is·ra·el·it·ic (ĭz′rē-ə-lĭtĭk) Of or relating to ancient Israel, the ancient Israelites, or their culture.

Hebrews (used with a sing. verb) See Table at Bible.

The ethnic group claiming descent from Abraham and Isaac (especially from Isaac's son Jacob); the nation whom God chose to receive his revelation and with whom God chose to make a covenant (Exodus 19)

The ethnic group claiming descent from Abraham and Isaac (especially from Isaac's son Jacob); the nation whom God chose to receive his revelation and with whom God chose to make a covenant (Exodus 19)

A New Testament book traditionally included among the epistle of Saint Paul but now generally considered not to have been written by him