30 Powerful Bible Verses About Gentiles

The word “Gentiles” appears throughout Scripture, often describing nations or individuals who are not Jewish by birth. Over time, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles transformed dramatically, especially through the work of Christ.

In this post, we’ll give 30 powerful Bible verses about Gentiles, uncovering their role in God’s redemptive plan. Whether you’re studying for personal growth or preparing a sermon, these verses will give you a clearer understanding of how God sees and works through Gentiles.

What Does the Bible Say About Gentiles?

The Bible speaks of Gentiles in both the Old and New Testaments. Initially, the term referred to non-Israelite people. In the Old Testament, Gentiles were often viewed as outsiders, people who did not have the law of God and were considered pagan. However, God’s love for the Gentiles is seen in promises made through Abraham — that all nations would be blessed through his descendants (Genesis 12:3).

In the New Testament, the view of Gentiles shifted dramatically. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the door was opened for Gentiles to become heirs to God’s promises. The Apostle Paul, in particular, championed the inclusion of Gentiles in the faith, emphasizing that salvation through Christ was for all people, not just Jews.

Here are some important truths the Bible says about Gentiles:

They are included in God’s promise of salvation.
Jesus came to break down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles.
The gospel is for everyone, regardless of ethnicity.
Gentiles can become fellow heirs with Jews in Christ.

Difference Between Jew and Gentile in the Bible

In biblical terms, a Jew is someone who is descended from the tribes of Israel, particularly those who follow the teachings of the Torah. They were chosen by God to carry out His covenant and were given the Law through Moses. Gentiles, on the other hand, refers to anyone who is not a Jew.

While Jews had the Law and the Prophets, Gentiles were often seen as estranged from the covenant promises of God. But through Christ, this division was torn down. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:14 that Jesus “has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Now, both Jew and Gentile have access to the Father through one Spirit.

Here is a simplified explanation on the differences between Jews and Gentiles in the bible:

Jews:

Descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Given the Law through Moses.
Held a covenant relationship with God.
Viewed as God’s chosen people to be a light to the nations.

Gentiles:

All other nations outside of Israel.
Often considered outsiders or “unclean” in ancient Jewish culture.
Did not initially have access to the covenants or the Law.
Seen in the Old Testament as separate from God’s people.

However, through Jesus Christ, the distinction between Jew and Gentile is reconciled. Paul teaches that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, but all are one (Galatians 3:28).

30 Bible Verses About Gentiles

Here are 30 powerful Bible verses about Gentiles that highlight God’s heart for the nations.

Old Testament Bible Verses About Gentiles

1. Genesis 12:3 – “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

2. Isaiah 11:10 – “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.”

3. Isaiah 42:6 – “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles.”

4. Isaiah 49:6 – “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob… I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

5. Isaiah 56:6-7 – “Foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord… these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer… for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

6. Jeremiah 16:19 – “The nations will come to you from the ends of the earth and say, ‘Our ancestors possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good.’”

7. Psalm 22:27 – “All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him.”

8. Psalm 67:2 – “That your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.”

9. Psalm 117:1 – “Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.”

10. Hosea 2:23 – “I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”

11. Zechariah 2:11 – “Many nations will be joined with the Lord in that day and will become my people.”

12. Malachi 1:11 – “My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets.”

13. Jonah 4:11 – “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left?”

14. 2 Chronicles 6:32-33 – “As for the foreigner… when they come and pray toward this temple, then hear from heaven… so that all peoples of the earth may know your name.”

15. Amos 9:12 – “So that they may possess the remnant of Edom and all the nations that bear my name, declares the Lord, who will do these things.”

New Testament Bible Verses About Gentiles

16. Matthew 12:21 – “In his name the nations will put their hope.”

17. Matthew 28:19 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

18. Luke 2:32 – “A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

19. Acts 10:45 – “The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.”

20. Acts 13:47 – “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

21. Acts 15:7 – “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.”

22. Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

23. Romans 9:24 – “Even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles.”

24. Romans 15:9-12 – “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles… Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people… The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations.”

25. Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

26. Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”

27. Ephesians 3:6 – “This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.”

28. Colossians 3:11 – “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”

29. 1 Peter 2:9-10 – “But you are a chosen people… once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God.”

30. Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

Conclusion

These Bible verses about Gentiles show that God’s heart has always been for all people. While the story of salvation began with the Israelites, it was never meant to end there. Through Jesus, the door of faith has swung wide open, welcoming anyone — Jew or Gentile — who believes in Him.

Today, the church stands as a united body, made up of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nations. As believers, we are reminded to share the gospel with everyone, knowing that the same grace that saved us is available to all.

Let these Bible verses about Gentiles inspire you to embrace your identity in Christ, share the gospel boldly, and celebrate the unity we have as believers from every nation.