Hebrews

An ethnic label for the Israelite people, commonly used by outsiders in the Old Testament; derived from 'Eber' and appears in contexts where non-Israelites (like the Philistines here) distinguish Israel from surrounding nations.

Definition

The people of Israel, descendants of Abraham. In the NT, the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians tempted to return to Judaism, making the case that Jesus fulfills and surpasses everything in the Old Testament system.

Used In24 mentions across 8 books

1 samuel

Everyone Joins the Party

1 Samuel 14:16-23

Hebrews is used here by the text to describe the Israelite defectors who had been serving in the Philistine ranks — the outsider label marks their compromised status before their return.

deuteronomy

Vengeance Belongs to God ⏳

Deuteronomy 32:34-35

The book of Hebrews is referenced here because it echoes this same declaration about divine vengeance — confirming the verse's ongoing theological authority into the New Testament era.

exodus

Right Instinct, Wrong Method

Exodus 2:11-15

The Hebrews are the oppressed laborers Moses witnesses being beaten — his identification with them as his own people drives the violent intervention that forces him to flee Egypt.