# people of God

## Definition:

The concept of the “people of God” in the Bible refers to people with whom God has established a covenant relationship.

* In the Old Testament, the phrase “people of God” refers to the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel was chosen by God and set apart from the other nations of the world in order to serve and obey him.
* In the New Testament, the phrase “people of God” refers to the “Church,” meaning everyone who believes in Jesus. This includes both Jews and Gentiles. In the New Testament, sometimes this group of people is called the “sons of God” or “children of God.”
* When God uses the phrase “my people,” he is referring to people who have a covenant relationship with him. God’s people are chosen by him, and he wants them to live in a way that is pleasing to him.

## Translation Suggestions:

* The term “people of God” could be translated as “God’s people” or “the people who worship God” or “people who serve God” or “people who belong to God.”
* When God says “my people” other ways to translate it could include “the people I have chosen” or “the people who worship me” or “the people who belong to me.”
* Similarly, “your people” could be translated as “the people who belong to you” or “the people you chose to belong to you.”
* Also “his people” could be translated as “the people who belong to him” or “the people God chose to belong to himself.”

(See also: [Israel](../kt/israel.md), [people group](../other/peoplegroup.md))

## Bible References:

* [1 Chronicles 11:2](rc://en/tn/help/1ch/11/02)
* [Acts 7:34](rc://en/tn/help/act/07/34)
* [Acts 7:51-53](rc://en/tn/help/act/07/51)
* [Acts 10:36-38](rc://en/tn/help/act/10/36)
* [Daniel 9:24-25](rc://en/tn/help/dan/09/24)
* [Isaiah 2:5-6](rc://en/tn/help/isa/02/05)
* [Jeremiah 6:20-22](rc://en/tn/help/jer/06/20)
* [Joel 3:16-17](rc://en/tn/help/jol/03/16)
* [Micah 6:3-5](rc://en/tn/help/mic/06/03)
* [Revelation 13:7-8](rc://en/tn/help/rev/13/07)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H430, H5971, G2316, G2992