children of israel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Biblical, Historical, Theological
Quick answer
What does “children of israel” mean?
A traditional biblical name for the Israelites, the descendants of the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. The term refers to the ancient Hebrew people, God's chosen nation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional biblical name for the Israelites, the descendants of the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. The term refers to the ancient Hebrew people, God's chosen nation.
Can refer to the historical and ethnic Jewish people as described in the Old Testament, or be used poetically or theologically to denote the continuing community of faith seen as heirs to the biblical covenant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slight variation in context frequency due to differing religious demographics.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term evokes antiquity, covenant, and sacred history. It is neutral/positive within religious discourse.
Frequency
Used with similar low frequency in both varieties, almost exclusively in religious, academic (biblical studies, history), or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “children of israel” in a Sentence
[verb] + the Children of Israel (e.g., 'lead', 'command', 'promise to')the Children of Israel + [verb] (e.g., 'departed', 'wandered', 'rebelled')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “children of israel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The prophet was sent to admonish the Children of Israel.
American English
- The narrative describes how God delivered the Children of Israel.
adverb
British English
- This was interpreted Children-of-Israel-centrically.
American English
- The text views history from a uniquely Children-of-Israel perspective.
adjective
British English
- The Children of Israel tradition is central to the Pentateuch.
American English
- A key Children of Israel narrative is the Exodus.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biblical studies, theology, ancient Near Eastern history, and comparative religion.
Everyday
Extremely rare, except among those discussing the Bible.
Technical
Used as a precise historical/religious term in relevant fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “children of israel”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “children of israel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “children of israel”
- Incorrect: 'Israel's children'. Correct: 'Children of Israel' (fixed phrase).
- Incorrect: using it to refer to modern Israeli citizens.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to the ancient ancestors of the Jewish people. In biblical context, it is synonymous with 'Israelites'. 'Jews' is a later term stemming from the Kingdom of Judah.
It would sound very formal and specifically religious/historical. In everyday talk, you would say 'the Israelites' or, in a modern context, 'Jewish people'.
It is a plural noun phrase. You use plural verbs: 'The Children of Israel *were* in the desert.'
Because God changed Jacob's name to Israel (Genesis 32:28). His descendants are therefore the children (descendants) of the person named Israel.
A traditional biblical name for the Israelites, the descendants of the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. The term refers to the ancient Hebrew people, God's chosen nation.
Children of israel is usually formal, biblical, historical, theological in register.
Children of israel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪl.drən əv ˈɪz.ri.əl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃɪl.drən əv ˈɪz.ri.əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. It is itself a fixed nominal phrase.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 12 sons of Jacob (renamed Israel) – their descendants are naturally the 'Children of Israel'.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATION/PEOPLE AS A FAMILY (God as father, the people as his children).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'Children of Israel' most accurately used?