Who Are the Gentiles in the Bible — In Biblical Context
The Gentiles are the non-Jewish nations — those outside the covenant people of Israel — who were brought into God's family through faith in Christ.
The Gentiles are the non-Jewish nations — those outside the covenant people of Israel — who were brought into God's family through faith in Christ.
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." — Ephesians 2:11-13 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
In Scripture, 'Gentile' (from the Hebrew goyim and Greek ethne) simply means 'nations' — anyone who is not Jewish. In the Old Testament, the Gentiles were generally outside the covenant, though God repeatedly showed mercy to individuals like Rahab, Ruth, and Naaman, and promised that Abraham's seed would bless all nations. In the New Testament, the gospel's expansion to the Gentiles is a central theme. Peter was sent to Cornelius, the first Gentile convert. Paul's entire ministry was to the Gentiles, and he faced fierce opposition from Jewish believers who insisted that Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. The Jerusalem council settled the matter: Gentiles are saved by grace through faith, just as Jews are. Paul declares in Ephesians that Christ 'is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.' In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile — all are one in Him.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Ephesians 2:11-13, sits inside Ephesians 2. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
Supporting Passages
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
"Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Doctrine of Election?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Covenant Theology?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is Anthropology in Theology?
Theology & Doctrine
Paul in the Bible
Apostle to the Gentiles
2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
2 Timothy 3:16 — Meaning & Devotional
Scripture
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.