Hebrews
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Definition
- Noun (plural, often capitalized):
- A New Testament book: A book of the Christian New Testament, traditionally titled "The Epistle to the Hebrews," which discusses the supremacy of Christ. It was historically attributed to Paul but is now generally considered anonymous.
- An ethnic and religious group: The people descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel); the ancient Israelites. In a religious context, it refers to the people chosen by God in the covenant described in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).
Usage Examples
Noun (Biblical Book): The theological arguments in Hebrews are profound and complex.She is studying the Book of Hebrews for her theology class.
Noun (People): According to the Book of Exodus, God delivered the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt.The ancient Hebrews developed a monotheistic faith.
Advanced Usage
- "The Epistle to the Hebrews": The full traditional title of the New Testament book.
Variants and Related Words
- Hebrew (noun): An individual member of the ancient Hebrews; the ancient Semitic language of the Israelites, in which most of the Old Testament is written.
- Hebraic (adjective): Of or relating to the Hebrews or their language or culture.
Synonyms
- Israelites: Specifically refers to the descendants of Jacob (Israel), essentially synonymous with "Hebrews" in historical/biblical contexts.
- Jews: In later historical periods, particularly after the Babylonian exile, this term becomes more common for the people and their descendants. (Note: "Hebrews" is typically used for the earlier, formative period).
Notes on Meaning
The meaning depends heavily on context: 1. Biblical/Literary Context: Almost always refers to the New Testament book. 2. Historical/Religious Context: Refers to the ancient people, the ancestors of the Jews, especially in narratives from Genesis to the Babylonian exile. It is an ethnoreligious designation.
Noun
- a New Testament book traditionally included among the epistle of Saint Paul but now generally considered not to have been written by him
- 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)