What Does the Term “Goyim” Mean?

Last updated on September 16, 2024 by Isabella Claire

If you’ve ever come across the term “goyim” and wondered what it means, this reference is just for you. You’ll explore the meaning of the word “goyim,” uncover its origin, and discover why it’s important to be careful when using it. There are examples of how it can be used in conversations, along with related terms that may be more appropriate alternatives.

Goyim Meaning and Origin

  • “Goyim” is a Hebrew word that means “nations” or “non-Jews” and is the plural form of “Goy.”
  • It is often used in Jewish communities to refer to people who are not Jewish, typically in a neutral or descriptive way.
  • The term’s tone and context can vary; it may be neutral, humorous, or, at times, carry a negative connotation, depending on how it is used.
Goyim Meaning
Goyim Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Goyim Meaning

“Goyim” (גויים) is a Hebrew word that means “nations” or “peoples.” In Jewish culture and context, it is commonly used to refer to non-Jews or people who are not part of the Jewish faith or ethnic group. The singular form of the word is “goy” (גוי), and “goyim” is its plural.

Origin of “Goyim”

The term “goyim” comes from the Hebrew word “goy,” which means “nation” or “people.” In the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), “goy” is used to refer to any nation, including the Israelites themselves. For example, the Jewish people are referred to as a “goy kadosh,” meaning a “holy nation.”

Over time, in Jewish culture, “goy” came to be used specifically to refer to non-Jews, and “goyim” is the plural form of this term.

Related Terms to Goyim

Goy (גוי)

  • Meaning: “Nation” or “Gentile”
  • Context: The singular form of “goyim.” While “goy” originally means “nation,” it is commonly used to refer to a single non-Jewish person or a “Gentile.”
  • Example: “He married a goy” (“He married a non-Jewish person”).

Nochrim (נכרים)

  • Meaning: “Foreigners” or “Strangers”
  • Context: A term used to refer to foreigners or people from outside the Jewish community. It can sometimes carry a connotation of being from a different culture or people.
  • Example: “The nochrim lived in a separate area of the city.”

Ger (גר)

  • Meaning: “Convert” or “Foreigner”
  • Context: In the Torah, “ger” is often used to refer to a foreigner or sojourner living among the Israelites. In rabbinic literature, “ger” refers to a convert to Judaism, specifically a “ger tzedek” (righteous convert).
  • Example: “He is a ger tzedek who joined the Jewish community.”

Amim (עמים)

  • Meaning: “Peoples” or “Nations”
  • Context: Refers to various groups of people or nations, often used to describe multiple nations collectively. “Amim” is similar to “goyim” but is less specific and more neutral.
  • Example: “All the amim will gather together.”

Akum (עכו”ם)

  • Meaning: “Idolater” or “Pagan”
  • Context: An acronym for “Ovdei Kochavim u’Mazalot” (worshippers of stars and constellations), historically used in rabbinic literature to refer to pagans or idolaters. It is less commonly used today and can carry a negative or archaic connotation.
  • Example: “The akum worshiped many gods.”

Other Ways to Say the Term

  • Non-Jews
  • Gentiles
  • Outsiders
  • The Nations
  • Non-Hebrews

Goyim Examples

Sentence Examples

  • “During the holiday, they welcomed both Jews and goyim to their home.”
  • “She often jokes that her best friends are all goyim.”
  • “The rabbi explained that certain traditions are unique to Jews and are not observed by the goyim.”
  • “In the ancient texts, there are many stories involving interactions between the Israelites and the goyim.”
  • “He was surprised at how many goyim knew about Jewish customs and holidays.”
  • “My grandmother always reminds me to be kind to the goyim, as they are still God’s creation.”
  • “They offered a special program at the synagogue to educate the goyim about Jewish culture.”
  • “The term ‘goyim’ is often used in Jewish communities to refer to non-Jews.”

Conversation Examples

A conversation between two friends via text message.

  • Friend 1: Do you know what goyim are?
  • Friend 2: Someone who isn’t Jewish.
  • Friend 1: Ah okay! Margaret called me that today and I had no idea what it meant.

An online discussion between two Facebook users.

  • User 1: What are goyim?
  • User 2: It is a collective term used to refer to anyone who is not Jewish. It is another word for Gentile, but it’s not considered as nice, so I would watch how you use it.
  • User 1: Okay. I just wanted to make sure what it was before I overreacted. I had no clue what it meant.
  • User 2: No Problem!
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