What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Israelite
Example
The Israelites were led out of Egypt by Moses. [Israelites: noun]
Example
Many modern-day Jews are descendants of the ancient Israelites. [Israelite: adjective]
Example
The Israelites celebrated many religious holidays throughout the year. [Israelites: plural noun]
Hebrew
Example
The Torah was originally written in Hebrew. [Hebrew: adjective]
Example
I am studying Hebrew so I can read ancient texts. [Hebrew: noun]
Example
Many Hebrew words have been adopted into English. [Hebrew: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hebrew is more commonly used than Israelite in everyday language. Hebrew is a widely recognized term that refers to the language and culture of the Jewish people, while Israelite is less common and refers specifically to the ancient people who lived in the land of Israel.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between Israelite and Hebrew?
While Israelite is typically associated with a more formal or historical tone, Hebrew is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
