Israelite
/ˈɪz.reɪ.ə.laɪt/noun
A member of the ancient people of Israel or, historically, a descendant of Jacob/Israel.
Did you know?The name Israel itself is traditionally explained in Genesis as meaning 'he struggles with God' or 'God strives,' which is why Israelite is tied to one of the Bible’s most famous name-changing moments.
Etymological Timeline
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el)
“Israel, the name given to Jacob in biblical tradition; later the people descended from him”
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ἰσραηλίτης (Israēlítēs)
“An Israelite, a member of the people of Israel”
Latin
Latin
Israelita
“An Israelite”
Old French
Old French
Israelite
“An Israelite”
Middle English
English
Israelite
“A member of the people of Israel; later, a Jew or biblical Israelite”
Modern English
English
Israelite
“A member of the ancient people of Israel”