# israelites

/ˈɪzɹəˌɫaɪts/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/israelites
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the group of people from the Bible who lived in ancient Israel. They are described as the ancestors of the Jewish people.

For teachers: the ancient Hebrew people who inhabited the land of Canaan and established the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Refers specifically to the descendants of the biblical patriarch Jacob.

## Examples

- The Israelites traveled through the desert for many years.
- Historical texts describe how the Israelites established a kingdom in the Levant during the Iron Age.
- Archaeological evidence provides a nuanced perspective on the cultural and religious evolution of the Israelites within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

## Usage notes

- Always capitalized. Takes a plural verb and is typically used to refer to the group as a whole in a historical or biblical context.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.