A
Gentile refers to a non-
Jew; it is a word of
Latin origin and often employed in the plural.
Christian translators of the
Bible use this word to collectively designate the peoples and nations distinct from the Jewish people. Jewish people use this term to refer to non-Jews, but this word does not appear in English translations of the
Hebrew Bible. Jews also use the word "
goy" to mean the same thing, but it is sometimes considered derogatory.
The term is sometimes used as a synonym to heathen and pagan. Also, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints use this term for those who are not members of their church.
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