Ἰσραήλ (Israēl)
Israēl
Israel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 67 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Israēl means "he struggles with God" or "God prevails." It was given to Jacob after he wrestled through the night at Peniel, marking a turning point in his life (Genesis 32:28). In Scripture, the word functions as both a personal name and a collective noun for the descendants who carry that identity.
Its usage shifts between the historical nation and its people. Matthew 2:6 and Luke 1:54 refer to the physical land and the ethnic group, while Acts 7:42 speaks of the "house of Israel" as a political entity. The name also carries theological weight, appearing in phrases like "the hope of Israel" (Acts 28:20) or "Israel according to the flesh" (1 Corinthians 10:18).
A significant development occurs when the term expands beyond ethnic boundaries. Paul uses the phrase "Israel of God" in Galatians 6:16 to describe believers united by faith. This usage reflects a broader understanding that true belonging is defined by spiritual election rather than physical descent alone.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Israel carries a story of struggle and grace. It began as a new identity for Jacob after he wrestled with God all night, marking a shift from striving to relying on divine strength. This history reminds us that our own lives often involve moments where we must hold on tightly to God, even when the path is unclear or difficult.
In the New Testament, this name expands beyond ethnic boundaries to describe a spiritual reality. Jesus speaks of faith found “not even in Israel,” showing that trust in God is not limited by heritage. Later, Paul refers to believers as part of the “Israel of God,” highlighting that true belonging comes through faith and grace.
This word invites us to see ourselves within a larger story of redemption. Whether reading about the physical land or the spiritual people of God, Israel points to a relationship built on God’s promises and our response to them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 67 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Israel20×
- Israel14×
- of Israel.11×
- of Israel;4×
- of Israel,4×
- to Israel3×
- Israel.3×
- to Israel?1×
- to Israel,1×
- of Israel?1×
- of Israel:1×
- of Israel!1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἰσραὴλ33×
- Ἰσραήλ.¶11×
- Ἰσραήλ,8×
- Ἰσραήλ·7×
- Ἰσραήλ.5×
- Ἰσραήλ3×
- Ἰσραήλ;2×
Key Verses
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Matthew 8:10
When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a faith, not even in Israel.
Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, noting he has not found such great faith even in Israel, highlighting that genuine trust in God transcends ethnic identity.
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Luke 2:25
Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
Simeon is described as looking for the consolation of Israel, showing how the nation’s hope was centered on God’s promised deliverance and peace.
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Luke 1:54
He has given help to Israel, his servant, that he might remember mercy,
Mary praises God for helping Israel his servant, connecting God’s mercy directly to his covenant people and their historical experience of redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Israel mean?
How is Israel used in the New Testament?
Why does Jesus mention Israel in Matthew 8:10?
Every Occurrence (67 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 12 verses
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who…
Matthew 2:20“Arise and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child’s…
Matthew 2:21He arose and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.
Matthew 8:10When Jesus heard it, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Most certainly I tell you, I haven’t found so great a…
Matthew 9:33When the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen…
Matthew 10:6Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10:23But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone…
Matthew 15:24But he answered, “I wasn’t sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Matthew 15:31so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the injured healed, the lame walking, and the blind…
Matthew 19:28Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man…
Matthew 27:9Then that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled, saying, “They took the thirty pieces of silver,…
Matthew 27:42“He saved others, but he can’t save himself. If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we…