What is the Difference Between Hebrew and Jew?

The terms "Hebrew" and "Jew" refer to the same people, who are descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob. However, there are some differences in their meanings and usage:

1. Hebrew: This term is used to describe the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 14:13) and is the first term applied to the Israelite nation in the Bible. It is also used to refer to those who use the Hebrew language. Some non-Jews who believe they are descended from one of the lost tribes or who have embraced Jewish religious laws as part of their belief system also call themselves Hebrews.
2. Jew: The term "Jew" comes from the Latin word "Judaeus," meaning "of Judah," referring to the descendants of Judah, one of the sons of Jacob (Israel). All Jews are Israelites (descendants of Jacob) and Hebrews (descendants of Abraham), but not all Hebrews or Israelites are Jews. The term "Jew" is more often used today to refer to people of the Jewish culture and religion, while "Hebrew" is used to refer to those who use the Hebrew language.

In summary, the terms "Hebrew" and "Jew" both refer to the same people, but "Hebrew" is used to emphasize the connection to Abraham and the Hebrew language, while "Jew" is used to emphasize the connection to Judah and the Jewish culture and religion.

Comparative Table: Hebrew vs Jew

The terms "Hebrew" and "Jew" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Here is a table outlining the differences between the two:

In summary, Hebrews are descendants of Eber (Ever), an ancestor of Abraham, and predominantly follow the Jewish religion of Judaism. On the other hand, Jews are matrilineal descendants of any of the 12 sons of Jacob, also known as Israelites, and they exclusively follow Judaism. While there is overlap between the two terms, they are not identical.