ethnos

What it means

A people or nation. In the plural it often means "the nations," the non-Jewish peoples, so translators choose between "nations" and "Gentiles" depending on context. It runs through Matthew from "Galilee of the Gentiles" (4:15) to the closing command to make disciples of all nations (28:19).

Range of meaning

• A peopleA nation or ethnic group.
• The GentilesNon-Jewish peoples.
• All nationsThe whole world's peoples, as in 28:19.

In Matthew

• Chapter 21

  "A nation producing its fruit" (21:43).

• Chapter 25

  "All the nations will be gathered before him" (25:32).

• Chapter 28

  "Of all nations" (28:19).