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nation
Definition
A nation is a group of people ruled by some form of government. It often consists of a specific people group with a shared ethnicity and other common traits.
- The term "nation" usually includes the idea of a well-defined culture and territorial boundaries.
- In the Bible, there were many nations, including the Israelites, the Philistines, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Romans, and the Greeks.
- A nation can refer to a country, but not always. Sometimes it is more general and refers to a people group, especially when used in the plural. It is important to check the context.
Translation Suggestions
- Depending on the context, the word "nation" could also be translated as, "people group" or "people" or "country."
- If a language has a term for "nation" that is distinct from these other terms, then that term can be used wherever it occurs in the Bible text, as long as it is natural and accurate.
- When used in the plural as "nations," this term often can be translated as "people groups."